Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate Patagonia “Good”. These are a few factors influencing its score:
- It uses a high proportion of lower-impact materials including recycled materials.
- It uses low impact materials that help limit the chemicals, water, and wastewater in its supply chain.
- It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain but there’s no evidence it is on track.
- It uses a medium proportion of bluesign certified fabrics.
- It produces long-lasting products.
Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate Patagonia “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:
- Its social auditing program covering its entire final production stage is accredited by Fair Labor Association (FLA).
- It received a score of 31-40% in the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index.
- There’s no evidence it supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain.
- It ensures some workers in the final production stage are paid living wages, though not in its entire supply chain.
- During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it disclosed some policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.
- It has been linked to a labour rights scandal in the last 3 years without demonstrating best practice remediation.
Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Here we rate Patagonia “Good”. These are a few factors influencing its score:
- It has a formal policy aligned with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare and clear implementation mechanisms in place.
- It appears to use recycled exotic animal hair.
- Responsible Wool Standard certifies the wool it sources.
- Responsible Down Standard certifies the wool it sources.
- It appears to use leather.
- It doesn’t appear to use fur, angora, or exotic animal skin.
- It traces most animal-derived materials to the first production stage.
Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Patagonia “Good” overall.
FAQs
Overall rating: Good
We've given Patagonia an overall rating of “Good”, based on our own research.
How sustainable is Patagonia really? ›
In the US, Patagonia uses 100% renewable energy and globally, they use 76% renewables as a source for their electricity. Their use of recycled fibers reduces emissions by as much as 80% compared to virgin fibers. Their denim is dyed with that they call the Advanced Denim technology.
Is Patagonia more ethical than North Face? ›
Patagonia vs North Face: Commitment to Environmentalism
If you're looking for a brand with a long-standing commitment to the environment and sustainability, then Patagonia fits the bill. Founded in 1973, the company has always been well-regarded for its quality goods and ethics.
What is the ESG rating of Patagonia? ›
Patagonia is a strong overall performer. With a 'B' rating of 74.7 for overall impact (89th percentile compared to all companies), Patagonia ranks 2nd out of 18 industry peers, behind lululemon athletica, and ahead of Nike, VF, Duluth Trading and 13 others.
Is North Face actually sustainable? ›
100% of our top materials (polyester, cotton and nylon) are expected to be recycled, responsibly-sourced renewable or regeneratively grown.
What age group wears Patagonia? ›
The biggest segment of Patagonia's fans has shifted in recent years from younger married men 25-34 to older married men 55-69. This group is also over 20% more likely than the average U.S. adult to make an income over $100K.
Is Patagonia better than North Face? ›
The North Face could be considered slightly more fashion led than its counterpart whilst Patagonia often feels a lot more technical. If you're looking for sustainability, both labels have eco-friendly credentials too. You can't go wrong with either of these brands so it really comes down to personal preference.
What is the rank of Patagonia brand? ›
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. (See end of article for methodology.)
What is greenwashing sustainability? ›
By misleading the public to believe that a company or other entity is doing more to protect the environment than it is, greenwashing promotes false solutions to the climate crisis that distract from and delay concrete and credible action.
Do people still wear North Face? ›
The appetite for fashion buyers to purchase a North Face Jacket continues to grow and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. With the brand catering to a mass audience in design due to its ability to stay gender neutral, virtually anyone can see someone who looks like them wearing one of the jackets.
Patagonia is undeniably one of the most trusted brands of all time. It focuses on the experience of its customers as well as the world as a whole. Its focus on philanthropy and environmentalism led consumers to name it the company in America with the best reputation, according to a 2021 Axios-Harris Poll 100.
Is Patagonia eco-friendly? ›
By 2025, we will eliminate virgin petroleum material in our products and only use preferred materials. We're reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by creating products with recycled polyester, like our Better Sweater® jackets.
Who has the highest ESG rating? ›
Top 100 ESG Companies
| Rank | Company | Industry |
|---|
| 1 | ASML Holdings N.V. | Semiconductors |
| 2 | Check Point Software Technologies | Internet Software/Services |
| 3 | Hermes International SCA | Apparel/Footwear |
| 4 | Linde | Chemicals: Specialty |
39 more rowsA low ESG score is relatively poor. Though the scoring and rating scales vary between agencies, a score below 50 is bad, while a score above 70 is considered strong.
What is Patagonia's brand ranked? ›
Patagonia is one of the most trusted brands in the world. The company ranked first in an Axios-Harris poll on the 100 most reputable U.S. companies earlier this year, marking the clothing company's return to the top spot after dropping to third in 2022.
Is North Face or Patagonia better quality? ›
You can't go wrong with either of these brands so it really comes down to personal preference. If you're serious about your mountain gear, you might be more inclined to head to Patagonia whereas if you want something that ticks that high-fashion box too, The North Face is the one to go for.
What is the public opinion of Patagonia? ›
Patagonia is undeniably one of the most trusted brands of all time. It focuses on the experience of its customers as well as the world as a whole. Its focus on philanthropy and environmentalism led consumers to name it the company in America with the best reputation, according to a 2021 Axios-Harris Poll 100.
What is the cold rating for the Patagonia down sweater? ›
Rated for temperatures between -5°C and 10°C (23F – 50F), the Down Sweater's 800-fill power traceable goose down will keep you warm all through the shoulder-season. When layered, you'll find yourself rocking the Down Sweater in even lower temperatures.
