How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (2024)

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Published: 29 Mar 2023

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Loved and known for its more planet-friendly outdoorwear, Patagonia continues to make strides across the board. So how ethical is Patagonia? Read on to learn more about the brand’s “Good” rating. This article is based on the Patagonia rating published in March 2023 and may not reflect claims the brand has made since then. Our ratings analysts are constantly rerating the thousands of brands you can check on our directory.

Is Patagonia a sustainable and ethical brand?

Patagonia is widely known as an outdoor and adventure-wear brand that leads the way on taking care of our earth. With a mission statement to “build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis”, Patagonia has set a high bar.

During COP26, Patagonia even announced that it no longer wants to call itself a “sustainable brand”, recognising that despite its efforts, it’s still very much part of the problem. The brand now aims to reduce its footprint further, by cutting emissions throughout its supply chain. So just how ethical is Patagonia? And are there any brands like Patagonia that might better meet your needs? Let’s take a look.

Environmental impact

Patagonia is taking impressive action to reduce its environmental impact. A high proportion of its materials are made from recycled fabrics, including its polyester, nylon, and wool. Most importantly, Patagonia’s business model is different: it rejects fast fashion by creating high-quality, long-lasting products, and offers a repair and reuse program. Patagonia has also conducted research with industry bodies on the impact of microplastics.

It even goes so far as to discourage customers from purchasing too many of its products. The brand’s “Don’t buy this jacket” campaign was designed to tackle the issues of consumerism head on. Patagonia recognises that buying less is one of the major steps shoppers can take to reduce their own eco footprint, saying “It would be hypocritical for us to work for environmental change without encouraging customers to think before they buy.” That’s a message we can get behind.

Patagonia is rated “Good'” for the environment due to these fantastic initiatives, but there is more it can do to achieve the top environment rating. While the brand has implemented greenhouse gas emissions reduction activities throughout its supply chain to reduce its climate impact, we found no evidence it has a policy to prevent deforestation in its supply chain. We don’t know whether Patagonia is addressing this issue, but strongly recommend that it puts its commitments and actions on the public record for that final push in this category.

Labour conditions

Patagonia is making “Good” efforts for workers with good policies to audit suppliers in its supply chain.

Patagonia received a score of 41-50% in the 2022Fashion Transparency Index. Some of its supply chain is certified by FLA Workplace Code of Conduct and Fair Trade USA in the final stage of production. The brand also publishes a detailed list of suppliers in the final stage of production and some information about the findings of supplier audits, as well as some information about forced labour, gender equality, or freedom of association. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patagonia also disclosed some policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.

Patagonia was previously rated “It’s a Start” for labour a couple years ago, due to the lack of evidence it ensured payment of a living wage. We knew the brand could do better for the workers that make its more sustainable clothing, which is why we’re happy that Patagonia is now ensuring payment of a living wage in some of the final stage of production.

Animal welfare

Patagonia has also improved its animal welfare policies, going from “It’s a Start” to “Good” in this category a couple years ago. It now has a formal animal welfare policy aligned with Five Freedoms, and traces most animal-derived materials to the first production stage. It appears to use leather and recycled exotic animal hair, and uses recycled wool and down in some of its products. The brand does not use angora, fur, or exotic animal skin.

Global animal welfare organisation Four Paws called out Patagonia for its inhumane treatment of birds in the past, but the label was quick to respond. It now works side by side with the organisation to encourage humane practices industry-wide.

Overall rating: Good

We’ve given Patagonia an overall rating of “Good”, based on our own research. This brand lives up to the standards it set itself by pushing for sustainability across the board. We’re glad to see the brand improve over the years. To build on that great work we recommend that Patagonia looks at preventing deforestation, paying a living wage across all of its supply chain, and keep reducing the amount of animal-derived materials it uses. Patagonia is certainly a brand worth giving your support to.

See the rating.

Shop Patagonia @ LVR Sustainable.

Shop Patagonia @ Labell-D.

Shop Patagonia Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Patagonia Kids Pre-Owned @ Retykle.

Shop Patagonia.

Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.

Similar brands to Patagonia

While Patagonia is certainly a leader in its field, it has some improvements to make and may not be exactly what you are looking for. Here are some brands like Patagonia for all your conscious outdoor clothing needs.

Outerknown

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (1)

Founded by surf champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a responsible brand that aims to blend style and function with the protection of natural resources. The brand is Bluesign certified and has partnered with the Fair Labour Association.

Find the range in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Outerknown.

Shop Outerknown @ Wearwell.

Shop Outerknown @ Good.

Alder

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (2)

Alder is a Canadian brand that offers inclusive sizing, community-informed design, sustainable and ethical production. This playful brand starkly contrasts with the performance-driven, hard-core athletic brands that currently dominate the outdoor space. The brand believes that outdoor recreation = happiness and the outdoor industry should be focused on fun, not exclusively performance and be a real leader in inclusivity, diversity and sustainability. Find most items in sizes XS to 6XL.

See the rating.

Shop Alder.

PACT

Rated: Great

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (3)

PACT is a US-based brand that is passionate about being part of a movement transforming the way apparel is made. All of its clothing is sweatshop-free and child-labour-free, and its activewear range is almost entirely made from certified organic cotton, with more than 50% also certified as Fair Trade.

Find PACT in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop PACT.

GROUNDTRUTH

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (4)

UK-based GROUNDTRUTH grew from 3 sisters’ shared belief in the power of collaboration, and their drive to protect people and nurture the planet. Together, they saw the opportunity to design problem-solving travel goods that drive positive change: reducing plastic pollution and improving people’s lives.

See the rating.

Shop GROUNDTRUTH.

Shop GROUNDTRUTH @ Staiy.

éclipse

Rated: Great

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (5)

éclipse creates climate control UPF 50+ clothing essentials and accessories to help keep the whole family sunsafe. It manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint, and its entire product range is vegan-friendly.

Products are stocked in sizes S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop éclipse.

Thesus (Alice + Whittles)

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (6)

Thesus favours transparency, ethical manufacturing practices, and more sustainable materials as a means of creating long-lasting, positive change.

Find the boots in EU sizes 36-46.

See the rating.

Shop Thesus.

NIKIN

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (7)

If you’re the kind of person who likes to wear their morals, look no further. Not only is a tree planted every time you purchase a NIKIN product, you also get to show your tree pride.

Products are available in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop NIKIN.

Wuxly Movement

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (8)

Wuxly Movement is a Canadian brand that produces outerwear designed to be a unique combination of tech-based and recycled materials for elite performance. Drawing on Canada's heritage in quality manufacturing, the founder saw an opportunity to innovate using more sustainable materials all while peacefully leaving animals out of the equation.

Find the range in 2XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Wuxly Movement.

Toad&Co

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (9)

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How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (10)

Toad&Co – Site-wide (US, CA)

Do more with less with Toad&Co, using only low-impact materials, and look forward to a more sustainable spring.$25 off orders over $150 with code GOODONYOU25 (Available in the US and Canada only).(Ends: 20 JUN)

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Toad&Co is a US brand that creates more socially and environmentally committed womenswear and menswear that is equally suited for the rigours of the trail or the tavern.

Most items are available in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Toad&Co.

Yuki Threads

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (11)

Yuki Threads is a premium Australian snowboarding apparel brand.

See the rating.

Shop Yuki Threads.

The North Face

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (12)

For more than 50 years, The North Face has made activewear and outdoor sports gear that exceeds expectations. The brand has good policies to eliminate hazardous chemicals in its supply chain and uses some eco-friendly materials, including recycled materials.

See the rating.

Shop The North Face Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop The North Face Kids Pre-Owned @ Retykle.

Jack Wolfskin (Pre-Owned)

Rated: Good

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (13)

Founded in 1941, Jack Wolfskin is a German brand on a mission to motivate people to go outside and connect with nature, experience new things, and enjoy (life outdoors) with family and friends. The brand has good policies to audit suppliers in its supply chain and it uses a few eco-friendly materials.

See the rating.

Shop Jack Wolfskin Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Editor's note

Feature image via Unsplash, additional images via the brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world's most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use the directory to search thousands of rated brands.

How Ethical Is Patagonia? - Good On You (2024)

FAQs

Does Patagonia have good ethics? ›

A Certified B Corporation, the company Whether using recycled materials, providing safe working conditions, fair trade practices, or fighting climate change, Patagonia has always been a mindful brand.

Does Patagonia use ethical labor? ›

Patagonia works with the Fair Labor Association and they offer fair trade certification for factory workers, as well as FLA Workplace Code of Conduct and Fair Trade USA certification in its supply chain.

Is Patagonia actually environmentally friendly? ›

Since 87% of Patagonia products are made with recycled materials, and they continue to improve on this and their transparent about it, it's pretty easy to call them one of the most sustainable outdoor apparel brands when it comes to their materials.

Is Patagonia socially responsible? ›

We hold our suppliers (and ourselves) to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. We lean on industry tools and standards to manage this process, and when rigorous enough standards don't exist, we create them.

Does Patagonia treat employees well? ›

91% of employees at Patagonia say it is a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company. Source: Great Place To Work® 2021 Global Employee Engagement Study. I feel good about the ways we contribute to the community. I'm proud to tell others I work here.

Is Patagonia more ethical than North Face? ›

Patagonia and The North Face both have a wide range of outerwear made from sustainable fabrics, however Patagonia has 7% more items made from recycled fabrics. Not only does Patagonia use recycled fabrics, but it also produces items in a more environmentally and ethically conscious way.

What is the most ethical company? ›

Kaiser Permanente has been named one of the world's most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the fifth year in a row. The Ethisphere Institute is an independent group that monitors business ethics. Other honorees include Apple, Best Buy, FedEx, General Motors, Kohl's, L'oreal, Starbucks, and many more.

Are Patagonia employees happy? ›

88% of our employees are satisfied with the actions Patagonia is taking to be a mission driven organization.

Does Patagonia use fair labor? ›

Patagonia engages in a range of due-diligence activities to promote and sustain fair labor practices, safe working conditions and environmental responsibility in the finished-goods factories (Tier 1) that make our products.

What is a weakness of Patagonia? ›

Weaknesses of Patagonia. Limited Presence in the Market. Low Salaries. Controversies.

What are the negatives of Patagonia? ›

Patagonia is also part of the apparel industry, notorious for workers' rights violations, animal abuse, and environmental degradation. If Patagonia is sustainable, they are one of few within the clothing industry.

What are the human rights of Patagonia? ›

Patagonia prohibits child labor, forced labor and human trafficking in all of its forms in our supply chain. When we evaluate potential new factory partners, we will not place purchase orders if we find indica- tors of these practices.

What do customers think of Patagonia? ›

Recent data confirms that Patagonia tends to attract customers who identify as both fashionable and conscientious. A 2017 survey by YouGov suggests that 61% of the outdoor retailer's customers consider themselves as well-dressed, stylish individuals.

What does Patagonia believe? ›

Build the best product, provide the best service and constantly improve everything we do. The best product is useful, versatile, long-lasting, repairable and recyclable. Our ideal is to make products that give back to the Earth as much as they take.

How is Patagonia protecting the environment? ›

Patagonia's self-imposed Earth tax, 1% for the Planet, provides support to environmental nonprofits working to defend our air, land and water around the globe.

What kind of reputation does Patagonia have? ›

Last week, Axios and Harris Poll released the results of an annual survey that ranks the reputation of major brands. This year, it was Patagonia that was ranked the brand with the best reputation, coming out ahead of traditionally well-respected brands like Apple, Costco, Chick-fil-A, and Amazon.

Does Patagonia pay influencers? ›

Patagonia doesn't pay influencers to promote their products. Instead, they collaborate with people (usually athletes or people who partake in adventure sports often) who share the same climate-conscious values as them.

How much do Patagonia employees get paid? ›

How much does Patagonia in the United States pay? Average Patagonia hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.96 per hour for PT to $30.96 per hour for Shift Manager. The average Patagonia salary ranges from approximately $50,438 per year for Order Picker to $132,038 per year for Director.

What gender is Patagonia target market? ›

patagonia.com Audience Demographics

patagonia.com's audience is 51.11% male and 48.89% female.

Who is Patagonia's biggest competitor? ›

The main competitors of Patagonia are Columbia Sportswear, Marmot, Arc'teryx, and REI [1]. The North Face is another well-known outdoor clothing and gear competitor of Patagonia that produces various products for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

What's so special about Patagonia? ›

But the main reason why Patagonia is famous around the world is because of its landscapes, vast forest, natural reserves, national parks, glaciers and native wildlife. Patagonia is called a region that combines many provinces and all of them have different attractions.

What is the least ethical company? ›

The top ten least ethical companies as voted for by Ethical Consumer readers were:
  • Nestlé
  • Monsanto.
  • Amazon.
  • Shell.
  • Tesco.
  • Barclays.
  • Exxon.
  • Wal Mart (former owner of Asda)
Mar 3, 2022

Is Costco an ethical company? ›

Fair treatment of employees

One of the ways Costco is recognized as a socially responsible company is in the way it treats employees. According to Ethics Unwrapped, the retailer puts a high value on its employees and works to encourage them to do what's right and to maintain their health and positive self-esteem.

What is the world's most ethical company 2023? ›

Woking, UK, April 18, 2023 – Linde (NYSE:LIN) today announced it has been recognized as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, its third consecutive year of inclusion on the list.

Why are Patagonia ethical? ›

A high proportion of its materials are made from recycled fabrics, including its polyester, nylon, and wool. Most importantly, Patagonia's business model is different: it rejects fast fashion by creating high-quality, long-lasting products, and offers a repair and reuse program.

Why do customers love Patagonia? ›

Repair and Care Guides

Patagonia provides DIY Repair & Care Guides for their products to keep gear going for a long time. They want to keep their products out of landfills, even if it means you keep your products longer. They are not looking to sell you products that break down quickly so they can make another sale.

Is it hard to work at Patagonia? ›

Jobs are not difficult; its shipping and receiving, picking and packing orders or taking incoming sales calls.

Is Patagonia PETA approved? ›

PETA does not believe in the use of animals for any human purpose; this is a belief we respect but do not share,” the Patagonia statement reads.

Has Patagonia ever been sued? ›

June 1 (Reuters) - Outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia Inc has settled its lawsuit accusing Gap Inc (GPS.N) of illegally copying the "iconic" snapped flap pocket that the company has long featured on its fleece outerwear.

Does Patagonia pay a living wage? ›

Where We Are. Patagonia believes that every worker has the right to fair compensation and a living wage. As a founding member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), we have embedded its living-wage standard in our code of conduct and developed an approach to improving wages in our partner factories.

Who owns Patagonia? ›

In September 2020, Patagonia announced that Rose Marcario would step down as its chief executive officer and be succeeded by Ryan Gellert. In September 2022, Chouinard transferred ownership of Patagonia to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, a trust overseen by the Chouinard family and advisors.

Are Patagonia customers loyal? ›

Patagonia Customer Loyalty Score by Industry

Patagonia's Customer Loyalty score was rated the highest by Business and Consumer Services industry customers, and the lowest by Accounting industry customers.

What makes Patagonia a unique workplace? ›

Their products come with a lifetime guarantee and Patagonia encourages customers to repair old items rather than replace them. They have the largest clothing repair facility in North America and a truck that travels the United States repairing clothing — whether it was made by Patagonia or anyone else.

What do people not like about Patagonia? ›

Back in 2015, Patagonia received criticism from Greenpeace, as toxic chemicals were found within the brand's apparel material. The waterproof materials containing toxic are harmful to not only the flora and fauna, but also to humans.

What does Patagonia do with their money? ›

One hundred percent of Patagonia profits are now committed to its new non-profit Holdfast Collective — which owns all of the company's non-voting stock (98% of the total stock). A Patagonia spokeswoman said the move makes clear that it is possible to “do good for people and planet and still be a successful business.”

How safe is Patagonia for tourists? ›

4. Is it safe to travel solo in Patagonia? Patagonia is the perfect destination for solo travel, with virtually no crime, very few dangerous animals, and locals who go out of their way to be kind and welcoming to international travelers.

What country controls Patagonia? ›

Patagonia (Spanish pronunciation: [pataˈɣonja]) is a geographical region that encompasses the southern end of South America, governed by Argentina and Chile.

Does Patagonia donates at least 1 of profits to support environmental causes? ›

Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. We've awarded over $140 million in cash and in-kind donations to domestic and international grassroots environmental groups making a difference in their local communities.

What Patagonia did when it found human slaves in its supply chain? ›

Looking specifically at the conditions of migrant workers in its factories in Taiwan, Patagonia discovered that many migrant workers were subject to long hours, low wages, and enormous broker fees. Migrant workers have long had a tumultous history in Taiwan.

What is Patagonia known for selling? ›

Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an American clothing company that markets and sells outdoor clothing.

How does Patagonia benefit the community? ›

Patagonia funds only environmental work. We give grants to organizations that identify the root causes of problems and approach issues with a commitment to long-term change.

What is the Patagonia Code of Ethics? ›

All personnel must avoid offensive behavior and conducts contrary to the law, including discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin, skin color, religion or belief, nationality, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, civil status, physical disability, etc.

What is Patagonia's culture like? ›

We don't want someone who can just do a job; we want the best person for the job. Yet we don't look for “stars” seeking special treatment and perks. Our best efforts are collaborative, and the Patagonia culture rewards the ensemble player while it barely tolerates those who need the limelight.

Is Patagonia Religious? ›

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religious faith of the region, established by Jesuit missionaries in the eighteenth century.

What is happening with Patagonia? ›

Patagonia will continue to operate as a private, for-profit corporation based in Ventura, Calif., selling more than $1 billion worth of jackets, hats and ski pants each year. But the Chouinards, who controlled Patagonia until last month, no longer own the company.

Where do Patagonia profits go? ›

In 2022, Chouinard and his family transferred ownership of Patagonia to the newly created Patagonia Purpose Trust and the not-for-profit organization, Holdfast Collective. These two entities ensure that all of Patagonia's profits go toward combating climate change and protecting underdeveloped land across the world.

What are the main issues in Patagonia? ›

Environmental Issues in Patagonia
  • Air, Water, and Noise Pollution. ...
  • Solid Waste. ...
  • Energy. ...
  • Deforestation and Soil Conservation. ...
  • Fishing. ...
  • Related Travel Guide.

What is the reputation of Patagonia? ›

Patagonia ranked as the most reputable company among all industries surveyed (16 in all) in the 2023 Axios Harris Poll 100, which ranks the reputations of the 100 most visible companies in the United States. The brand has a “reputational quotient,” or RQ score, of 83.5.

Why is Patagonia considered ethical? ›

A high proportion of its materials are made from recycled fabrics, including its polyester, nylon, and wool. Most importantly, Patagonia's business model is different: it rejects fast fashion by creating high-quality, long-lasting products, and offers a repair and reuse program.

What is unusual about Patagonia? ›

Its most dominant feature is the Andes Mountains

The world's longest mountain range traverses Patagonia from north to south, eventually cascading into the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean in very dramatic fashion. The islands off its southernmost city, Ushuaia, are actually submerged Andean mountain peaks.

Why does Patagonia have a good reputation? ›

Also, 89% of its fabrics are made with preferred materials. And 100% of its down is responsibly sourced. Patagonia focuses on quality materials that withstand the test of time. Social Responsibility Programs: Patagonia uses certified programs to make sure that it has a positive social impact on the world.

What celebrities wear Patagonia? ›

A-listers like Jennifer Garner and Julia Roberts have been spotted in Patagonia jackets, and Prince Harry is a fan, too: He most recently wore a Patagonia puffer to an engagement with rugby players before he stepped down as a senior royal.

Is Patagonia owned by Chile or Argentina? ›

Located at the southern end of South America, Patagonia is a territory shared by the countries of Chile and Argentina.

Who is Patagonia's target market? ›

It seems that the company's message has resonated with the sort of environmentally conscious and upscale consumers that Patagonia sees as its target audience. These sorts of consumers like the idea of buying a product that is made by an environmentally friendly company in an environmentally friendly manner.

Is it worth it to go to Patagonia? ›

Patagonia is most definitely a contender for the most beautiful place in the world, boasting stunning vistas at every turn, paths untrodden by the masses, towering snow-capped mountains and a multitude of lakes varying in many colours.

Why Patagonia is better than Columbia? ›

So, in summary, Patagonia is the undisputed winner when it comes to technical wear – their garments are extremely comfortable and can last for years. However, Columbia's jackets use impressive insulating technologies and can be obtained at much more reasonable prices.

What is the Patagonia known for? ›

There's no denying that Patagonia has a wide variety of unique landscapes in the region. With virgin forests, glaciers, snow capped mountains, rivers, volcanoes and more, this remote region proves to be a true paradise for nature-lovers, adventure-seekers and photographers alike.

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