At the beginning of the program, customers were asked to return used Capilene undergarments to the stores. The polyester from the used garments was recycled into new "base layer" garments. The customer and production partner response was so positive that the program expanded to include organic cotton and polyester fleece.
While using recycled fibers adds to the cost of the end product, processing recycled fibers can be more energy efficient than using virgin fibers. For example, using recycled polyester reduces waste overall and yields a 76% reduction in energy use. The model fits in with Patagonia's belief that prosperity should not come at the expense of the environment. Their goal for Common Threads is to sell only recycled and recyclable products by 2010.
Described as a "closed loop system" or "cradle to cradle" design, the goal is to turn used items and waste material into new desirable goods. Popularized by William McDonough, the idea is inspiring, but the practice is far more difficult to attain. Patagonia needed more recycled product in the system. In order to get that, they had to partner with other apparel producers and a partnership with competitor REI and Timberland was born.
Nylon is one of the most challenging fibers. Patagonia uses nylon in 15-20% of their products. There is only one supplier of recyclable or recycled Nylon, Toray, in Japan. Toray can only supply spun yarn which is made from short fibers and is prone to pilling. In addition, they can't use older Patagonia garments in the process at all. Further they can only work with color dyes and finishes designed specifically for the process. So far, Patagonia has been able to create two lines of pants, one line of shorts and a limited edition bag using this process.
Next, Patagonia tried to move some product to polyester. Another Japanese supplier, Teijin, produces filament yarn from recycled uniforms, industrial waste and pop bottles. Polyester is not as abrasion resistant as nylon, so Patagonia has only been able to convert some nylon products to polyester.
Some new suppliers have entered the mix. Unifi produces high quality recycled nylon filament yarnt. Chain Yarn takes yarn waste from weavers and creates recycled yarns. Patagonia is working with both suppliers to test the products they can produce. Unfortunately, neither supplier takes used garments.
REI has partnered with MEC on a clothing take back program, but issues with sorting garments efficiently for various suppliers is holding up the process.
Patagonia's Common Threads program has raised the bar for garment producers. It has started the conversation and the exploration toward a greener industry. While Patagonia has made very positive steps, there is still a long way to go to acheive their goal. Thumbs up to Patagonia and their partners for persistence. I look forward the day the Common Threads Program achieves 100% success.
till next week --Restore, Refresh, Recycle and Renew
10 comments:
Patagonia’s effort to address the disposal portion of a garment’s life cycle is commendable. I am happy to hear the progress of their Common Threads program and that it is built on collaboration. I think the success of the industry’s transition into more sustainable methods of production will depend on companies like Patagonia, REI and Timberland that are willing to share their discoveries with competitors keeping the environment in mind. I recommend checking out the Patagonia website, particularly the area under environmentalism. They are able to inform the consumer through a captivating and interactive design.
The Common Threads program sounds like a great idea if it can be implemented and carried out efficiently. It didn't surprise me that Patagonia was the company trying to launch it, since they have always been committed to producing environmentally friendly products. It sounds like they are really urging producers and suppliers to find ways to make recycled products and sticking fast although they are finding difficulties. I think it's great that a company is so committed to finding a use for their products once they're no longer being used. It is also great that other companies like Timberland are joining, and I think by expanding the partnership it will only push suppliers to find recycling techniques more and in the end result in less waste. Since another huge issue is waste one consumers are finished with products, it's definitely beneficial to find ways to repurpose those products if suppliers work to find quality ways to carry it out.
I believe that programs like The Common Threads should be infiltrated into more environmentally friendly companies. The use of recycled material is a great method of producing sustainable clothing (and other products). It is great to learn that Patagonia is also reaching out to producers and suppliers for help. These producers and suppliers will hopefully be positively influenced by this sustainable movement and create innovative ways of using recycled material. The only other company that I am familiar with that uses recycled material is Ashley Watson Recycled Leather. Ashley Watson designs and hand-crafts hand bags from old, vintage leather jackets from thrift shops. Not only does she implement a sustainable method of working with leather, but she does so in a stylish way. I think that using recycled material allows the designer to work in creative ways and the consumer to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise. In the near future I hope to see many more companies using recycled materials in order to lessen waste and provide yet another method of adapting to a sustainable lifestyle.
I also look forward to the day that they achieve 100%! It really is incredible that all of these companies and groups are doing extra time and research to better the world. Especially because I feel that a lot of it has been going on for a while. We as consumers have not heard about it until the new “green” trend has come a long. I am proud of the companies that have been involved in this process for a while. Another company that also participates in own product recycling would be Apple. I know that if you hand in an old Ipod or other pieces they give you 10% off your new order. I am not sure if this is only for Ipod’s but it is still a good deal. At least with smaller electronics that are new on the market there are almost always difficulties that lead to turning them in or the need for a new product. However I imagine it would be much harder with clothing. I feel it would be difficult to control the environment in which all of the fibers and outside chemicals can remain pure.
I agree that it is great that Patagonia is encouraging the use of recycled materials in production. As the first comments states, the fact that Patagonia, REI, Timberland, and other companies are willing to share this information with competitors is key. In order to really expand this idea it's good to allow the chance to educate other companies and consumers on what is going on in the "green" industry, firsthand from the companies involved. Patagonia really does a great job with this and I hope they continue with their efforts.
"But Patagonia executives say prosperity shouldn't come at the expense of the environment." My favorite part of the article in Business Week. I think its great that companies are taking the initiative to try to better the processes for the environment. It's a steep hill to fight on, but I think if they continue to be as persistent as they're saying, they might just get to the top. With last weeks post about how much clothing goes to waste in cities to landfills, it is important for these types of organizations to be happening. We have found a way to recycle so many products, and clothing shouldn't be left behind. The combination of competitors gives us a feeling that this could actually be attained. If these companies are able to look past their personal benefits to the benefits of the world, great things could be attained. I hope that this organization continues to thrive and will be happy for the day that there is a resolution in an efficient and costly way, where the consumer has no choice but to do good for the environment.
It was not surprise to me either, that Patagonia would be first to start this trail in America. However, it will definitely be a long process to get other companies going. I feel that the customer of Patagonia and REI-like stores are those who are more focused on environmental friendly products in simple styles or simple dyes so it is not a big deal if they have to change their "fashion" and trendiness to reach their goals. It is also amazing to me that all it takes is a few changes in fabrics to help the environment. As we are constantly evolving, so is chemistry and techniques in fabric dying and production. If every company could find even one product to exchange how it is made for "greener" ways to make it, we would be on our way to a less wasteful and less harmful fashion environment.
This is great; and nice to see other companies slowly getting involved as well (REI and Timberland). The first name I think of when it comes to green is always Patagonia. Hopefully others will take notice and try to join in or start a similar program that works for them. Will more suppliers of recycled fabrics start coming up? I was surprised that there was only one Recycled Nylon supplier and that is all the way in Japan. Maybe decisions will be made to bring that into the United States.
This program seems as though it is a good idea. I am excited to see how this pans out. It is also great to see competitors ban together for a greater cause.It makes sense that the outdoors companies are leading the way. I hope that this is something that catches on.
We need more companies with drive like Patagonia to take action. It's awesome to hear that Patagonia is taking recycled garments to make other garments. Patagonia is known for striving to go green and stay environmentally friendly and they are doing a great job. I love the commitment to going green that Patagonia has and this will only entice other companies to follow in their foot steps. Since going green is now the cool thing to do I would be surprised if more companies don't start making going green part of their success strategy. I feel like it should be required in order to have a business that you need at least one way or product that is green. With the environment like it is today we need to go green.
Dana Dougherty
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