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Patagonia named 'Eco Brand of the Year'
Outdoor brand Patagonia was awarded the prestigious Eco Brand of the Year award at the Volvo Eco Design Forum in Munich, during the recent ispo trade show.
The award represents the recognition of the outdoor industry for Patagonia's efforts and initiatives to lower its impact on the environment. Patagonia (sales for 2007 were $282 million) is noted internationally for its commitment to product innovation, quality and environmental activism. Its Environmental Grants Program has contributed over $30M in cash and in-kind donations to grassroots environmental activists since the program began in 1985, and its Environmental Internship Program allows employees to work for environmental groups while receiving their full paycheck. Since 1996, Patagonia has used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line, has used recycled materials in many of its polyester fleece garments beginning in 1993, and in 2005 launched the Common Threads Recycling Program, one of the world's first garment recycling programs.
In Autumn 2008, 74 per cent of Patagonia's products contain an e-fibre (organic cotton, hemp, chlorine-free wool and recycled polyester) and 53 per cent are recyclable, among which is the first recyclable waterproof nylon hard shell.
Most importantly, in an effort to live an examined life and to be transparent with their customers, Patagnoia recently launched the Footprint Chronicles on the website www.patagonia.com. This interactive mini website tracks and reveals the social and environmental impact of individual products from design to delivery.
