What is Patagonia
Patagonia is an international brand of outdoor and indoor clothing, focusing on sports and hiking equipment. The company was started in the USA, gradually expanding to the foreign markets and gaining larger influence on the fashion market. Most remarkably the company is known for its efforts of environmental action and sustainability, which have been increasing since 1985 (Wang, 2010). A percent of the company’s sales is actively donated to environmental organizations, and the company actively strives to participate in a variety of public action campaigns, including land conservation efforts, promoting activism groups and reducing their footprint.
Our History
The company has had its roots in sports and active lifestyle since its very inception. The founder of the company, Yvon Chouinard, was an experienced rock climber and an wide range of experience in the field. Seeing an opportunity to make a business, the man has started selling mountain climbing gear and other necessities (Company History). Gradually, the focus for the store shifted to apparel as well, welcoming onboard a number of people that helped Yvon grow his business. By both staying true to the core spirit of the store and expanding the selection for potential client’s selection, Patagonia has managed to continuously expand its business even to this day.
Our Mission Statement
The mission statement of our company reflects its vision, the goals and aims we collectively take as we develop the Patagonia brand. While the last statement “build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”, has served us for 45 years, it has been recognized that the priorities change with the times, and the vision of saving the planet becomes more important than ever. In an effort to reflect the dire need for change, as well as our commitment to environmental action, we have decided to change the mission statement.
Our Programs
The company works to ensure that the current climate action is supported and emphasized in all aspects of its work. Firstly, Patagonia spearheads a special initiative, Patagonia Action Works, which is a program specifically aimed at helping the environment. Specializing in clothing and gear, the company finds a way to support those better equipped to safeguard the environment. The Action works program actively connects willing individuals with environmental organizations in their area (Patagonia Action Works). The work expands the potential reach of local communities, and make important issues known. Individuals can use the resource to find worthwhile causes near them, find proper ways of supporting, sign petitions and get involved. Furthermore, the company also works to support organizations in an even more direct manner, contributing a part of their funds to the environment. Since the years of its foundation, the company self-imposes a tax on itself, which is then donated to environmental organizations year after year. As of 2018, Patagonia has donated 90$ million directly to environment organizations.
Our Production and Sustainability
Above all, Patagonia works to promote best conditions for its employees and the least possible harm to the environment. Environmental programs using organic materials, such as down and cotton (Everything we make has an impact on the planet). The animal products used abide by the responsible use standards. The majority of the fabrics the company uses are also made with recycled materials, minimizing its environmental footprint. Social programs ensure that the products are created in a humane and safe manner, tightly regulated and reviewed. Patagonia also specifically chooses the companies it aligns itself with, making sure that they value the principles of sustainable operation and good working conditions.
Ethics of Our Production
Patagonia has made one of its primary goals the promotion of ethics in its operation. As stated on the company website, Patagonia aims to makes its production chain as harmless to the world as possible, and bring benefit to its cooperators. While the clothing and products it sells are outsourced, the tight standards of quality apply nevertheless. More than 72 thousand workers are supported by Patagonia and its participation in the fair trade program (Social Responsibility). The social responsibility program built over the years makes sure that the impact of the business on the workers is monitored closely. Additionally, Patagonia aims to support migrant workers that are occupied in its factories, striving to eliminate the additional charges they might face. Harvesting animal recourses is also a big consideration for Patagonia, as we work together with farmers in ensuring the harmlessness of our animal products. Both wool and down, the primary resources for the creation of our products is harvested in a renewable and safe manner. In regards to customer-producer connection, the organization also holds itself to high standards of operation. Every product has the quality guarantee, meaning that is a customer is not satisfied with their purchase, they have the capacity to return it or repair it free of charge.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
The current workplace code of conduct is created by Patagonia to regulate the actions of its cooperators, sub contractors and any other connected entities. Firstly, all of the suppliers are expected to comply with their federal, state, and local legislations, provide adequate safety standards for their employees and ensure a regulated working environment. The next line of restrictions include protections against various workplace violations, including children of 15 below being employed, the instances of forced labor, workplace abuse or harassment, or discrimination. These clarification serve to protect workers, especially vulnerable demographics of being mistreated or exploited. Additionally, all associated must provide workers with an improved wage systems, health protections, benefits, and paid leaves. Overtime must be compensated accordingly, and the work hours for a single individual are to abide by current law.
Patagonia Today – Agreement with a Finnish Company
Among the recent news, the effort of signing an agreement with a Finnish company can be noted. The cooperation with the Infinited Fiber Company was signed just recently, concerning the sales agreement of their Infinna fibre, a special type of textile regenerated from textile waste (Patagonia secures multi-year Infinna supply). The companies report that their cooperation is predicted to be fruitful and significant for future business. By securing this deal, the Patagonia company has a guarantee supply of limited textile, which is expected to fully sell out in the coming years. This deal can be seen as both another step towards Patagonia’s aim of sustainability, and a profitable move from a business perspective.
Patagonia Today – Recall for shirts, hoodies and face masks
As found by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, some of Patagonia’s recent products were not made with the proper labeling regarding their UPV rating (Patagonia shirts, hoodies and face masks urgently recalled over UV exposure concerns 2021). The mistake of the company potentially endangers its consumers, exposing them to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation than desired. In response, the company has issued a recall for this line of clothing, promising all the byers a full return on their money.