Supply Chain Environmental Responsibility Program: program aims to to measure, reduce, and eliminate the environmental impacts of manufacturing its products and materials https://www.patagonia.com/our-footprint/supply-chain-environmental-responsibility-program.html

Patagonia sustainability commitment: https://sustaincase.com/patagonias-sustainability-commitment-creating-shared-value-for-the-environment-and-society/

Major goals - reduce CO2 emissions https://www.patagonia.com/climate-goals/

SDG - protect wild places https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/patagonia-upscale-sustainable-and-environmentally-safe

Protect the ocean

End bottom trawling

fight climate change

2. Ethos

Quality, to build the best product and provide the best service.

Integrity , examining the practices openly and honestly

Environmentalism, protect our home planet

Justice

3. Major goals

To become a platform for engagement

Supporting Genz on their social

Social responsibility programs

Transparency of the supply chain

Environmental and animal welfare responsibility programs

4. Related sdg goals

12,13,14,15

5. Personal opinion , perceptions and ideas

Very good and interactive website, they encourage people to take action and be sustainable. They explain everything they do and this shows the fact that they are transparent .

1. The brand includes a section on its website for the following causes: 

• “Protect our ocean”

• “Save wild rivers”

• “Your winter, your choice”

• “Community energy” 

• “Regenerative organic agriculture”

• “Protect wild places”

• “Join the climate movement” 

• “It’s all home water” 

Depending on the cause, they provide petitions, charities, guides on how to improve your habits, and “Act now” 

2. They work with a lot of organisations that are working hard to make an impact. Additionally, the brand goes out of its way to provide insight and educate its consumers on sustainability and climate change. As well as what they have been able to achieve thus far. Its focus on philanthropy and environmentalism led consumers to name the company in America with the best reputation according to a 2021 Axios-Harris poll 100. Additionally, some of the supply chain is certified by the FLA workplace code of conduct and fair trade USA. 

3. By 2025 - eliminate virgin petroleum fibre in their products and only use preferred materials. They are also members of 1% for the Planet, an eco-conscious business association. 

4. 6, 7, 12, 13, 17

5. We love how much information on climate change as well as what their campaigns are doing and they provide a lot of resources. Close to no brands as big as Patagonia provide so much information and work with as many associations. We do think what they are doing is sincere, however, they are still a worldwide company that is very popular, therefore, they ship a lot worldwide and there is a limit to their ability to achieve certain goals. 

56 teachers employed in Patagonia

15 childcare classrooms

2. Affordable and clean energy

3,900,000 The number of kilowatt hours produced from the solar arrays at our
Reno Distribution Cente and office buildings

3. Supportive work environments

Annual voluntary turnover percentage in Patagonia Japan, compared to the country industry average of 15.4%.

4. Good health and well-being

100% Cost of medical premiums for employees covered by Patagonia. In spite of continuous cost increases, Patagonia has continued to pay for those increases to keep medical and mental healthcare premiums flat for all employees for the past 5 years.

679 Kilowatts of solar energy installed on farmland we've leased in Japan, which allows harvesting of both sun and food

5. Climate action

A nonprofit we cofounded in 2002 that commits Patagonia to donating 1% of net revenues in cash and in-kind donations every year, primarily to grassroots environmental nonprofits.

20,843 Hours of skill-based volunteering donated (valued at over $3M) through Patagonia Action Works.

6. Responsible consumption and production

$2,700,000+ In grants made to groups working to scale many of the tenets of Regenerative Organic and help more farmers implement practices to improve soil health.

169,944 pounds of old Patagonia garments that could not be repaired or reused that were responsibly recycled.

Patagonia has grown a community worldwide who hold environmental causes close to their hearts + the more the brand can use their position + their voice and their community to spread knowledge and information better to the audience = always related to communicating what the brand is doing to make people understand about it. 

They stopped all paid Facebook and Instagram ads as part of the Stop Hate or Profit campaign = their main goal is to make less product = footprint of that product + repair it + keep it in use for longer.

Communicating from their website = with stories where they explained about their supply chain to individuals in the outdoors to environmental activists.

Non profit organization = donating 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. 

Patagonia lines use recycled materials like; recycled polyester + nylon + cotton + down + cashmere or wool.

In the 96s Pantangonia found another way of using exclusively organic cotton where it is not using recycled cotton. By another way the brand has piloted a line of t–shirts that use cotton directly from farms in India who are part of their regenerative farming programme. As a result of this program more than 500 farmers have been part of their Regenerative Organic Certified Pilot, by investing programmes, clothing production cannot just only reduce their impact but give back to the planet.

Related to their Fair Trade Certified, considering that 85% of their line is from this, they have to pay a little extra money fro every one of the garments, after that their money goes directly to the workers at the factory. Each factory, a democratically elected committee of Fair Trade workers where decide how the funds will be used.

Biodiversity Conservation

Establish and expand protected areas and national parks to conserve the unique ecosystems and wildlife of Patagonia.

Renewable Energy:

Invest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to reduce Patagonia's dependence on fossil fuels.

Sustainable Agriculture

Encourage sustainable farming and ranching practices that minimise soil erosion and reduce chemical use

Promote organic and regenerative agriculture to support local food systems and protect the environment.

Education and Awareness

Raise awareness among locals and tourists about the importance of sustainable practices

Provide educational programs and workshops on conservation, environmental stewardship, and responsible tourism.

2. Ethos

The 3 major things that patagonia encourages in their work ethic and brand is:

1- Repair and reuse: as the brand always encourages that with all their garments.

2- Transparency: As the brand is honest and transparent about the process and production of their products.

3- Environmental and sustainable practices: They strive to be sustainable starting from labour practices to their products durability.

3. Major goals

• Environmental Responsibility, As the brand is committed to reduce their impact on the environment, which means reducing their carbon footprint and using eco-friendly materials in the production process. 

• The company is dedicated to using sustainable materials in all of their products. 

• Patagonia always encourages their customers to repair and reuse their products instead of throwing them away.

• Patagonia is also committed to reduce their water usage while producing their garments. 

4. related SDG goals

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation

SDG7: Affordable and clean energy

SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities 

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

SDG 13: Climate action

SDG 14: Life below water

SDG 15: Life on land

SDG 17: Partnership for the goals

5. Personal opinion, perceptions and ideas 

Do you think what they are doing is sincere?

I think that their commitment to sustainability is sincere. In fact, through their website, we can participate in petitions signatures ,fundraise,  and take action, which add more credibility and trust about their commitment. Also their partnership with governmental organisations makes their actions more transparent. Personally, I feel safe using the website and taking actions with them because everything is transparent and detailed. 

 Does it ahead to the SDGs identified?

Yes Patagonia aligns with the SDGs identified since Patagonia encourages responsible consumption by producing high-quality, durable products that promote a "buy less, choose well" mindset. dedicated to reducing its environmental impact, addressing climate change through its sustainable practices, and promoting renewable energy solutions. involvement in environmental and social activism, along with its partnerships with grassroots organizations and the 1% for the Planet initiative

1. By 2025, they will eliminate virgin petroleum fiber in our products and only use preferred materials.

2.By 2025, the packaging will be 100% reusable, home compostable, renewable or easily recyclable.

3. By 2040, they will be net zero* across their entire business.

   
   

   2. Ethos:

      Corporate Social Responsibility - PatagoniaPatagoniahttps://www.patagonia.com › social-responsibility

      Patagonia ethos - 

      Quality - 

      Build the best product, provide the best service and constantly improve everything they do. 

      Integrity

      Examine their practices openly and honestly, learn from mistakes and meet commitments. 

      Environmentalism

      Protect our home planet. We’re all part of nature, and every decision we make is in the context of the environmental crisis challenging humanity. 

      Justice

      Be just, equitable and antiracist as a company and in the community. They embrace the work necessary to create equity for historically marginalised people and reorder the priorities of an economic system that values short-term expansion over human well-being and thriving communities. 

      Not bound by convention

      Do it their way. Their success—and much of the fun—lies in developing new ways to do things.
      Our Core ValuesPatagonia EUhttps://eu.patagonia.com › Gb › En › Core-values
       

3. Major Goals :

   Short-Term - FY2030

   • Reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions 80% by FY2030 from a FY2017 base year.

   • Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, business travel and downstream transportation and distribution 55% by FY2030 from a FY2017 base year.

   • By 2025 they will only use preferred materials—organic and Regenerative Organic cotton, recycled polyester and recycled nylon, among others, which will reduce their emissions by 15 percent.

     
     

   Long-Term – FY2040

   • Reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions 90% by FY2040 from a FY2017 base year.

   • Commit to reach Net-Zero GHG emissions across the value chain by FY2040 from a FY2017 base year.

4. Related SDG Goals :

1. 12 - responsible consumption and production 

2. 13 - climate action  

3. 15 - life on land 

4. 14 - life below water 

5. 8- decent work and economic growth

5. Personal Perception:

The brand seems to be committed to its goal. the website clarifies and explains their goals and commitments clearly while also encouraging people to do the same. they are transparent about their consumption and everything else that they do, which makes it easier to believe that they are committed to their goals, especially with the owner transferring the ownership to Holdfast Collective, a non - profit, to fight climate change.

• “Worn Wear”

• “1% for the Planet”

• support for activism

• “Dont Buy This Jacket”

Ethos:

• innovation

• responsible business

• quality and durability

• minimising environmental impact

• integrity

Major Goals:

• “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis”

• save the planet

Related SDG Goals:

12 - Responsible consumption and production

13 - climate action

14 - ife below water

15 - life on land

17 - partnership for the goals

are they sincere?

They are sincere but they have not reached enough audience to achieve their goals and educating the public. Most people buy their products because it is a well known brand for winter garms, not because their are known to be more sustainable than other brands.

• the brand is attempting to raise awareness and speak out about the impact the industry has on the environment

• they are trying to communicate and encourage the customers to be more intentional about their apparel choice and buy good long-lasting and quality garments that can be worn for generations

• “Ultimately, Levi’s® denim is meant to be worn for generations, not seasons,” Jen Sey, brand president, said. “to wear each item longer, for example, to buy SecondHand, or to use our in-store Tailor Shops to extend the life of their garments.”

• This links to 12, 9, 13, mainly

Moreover, they intend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen water stewardship, advance the circular economy, elevate worker well-being, foster greater diversity, equity and inclusion, and advocate for progress on social issues. Additionally, achieve net-zero GHH emissions, advance commerce and support biodiversity

The brand is very good and being vocal and advocating for the community, however, the rest is very hard to know for certain the extent of its successes when it comes to certain goals. Therefore it can be achievable but also can be greenwashing.

The information they share:

• 20% recycled denim

• 20% sustainably sources viscose

• 60% organic cotton

the brand claims to be straightforward with its sustainability but in reality, they have a rather vague explanation for it. The brand doesn't respond to its sustainability efforts. therefore, there are many questions when it comes to their sustainability efforts - "speaking about sustainability goes hand in hand with accountability and transparency, otherwise, it's most likely greenwashing".

2. Suspicions of greenwashing & false promises:

Levi’s came out with “Most sustainable jeans ever” which was essentially a collaboration with Re:newcell, which developed a recycling technology that helps make new jeans from old denim. By implementing this technology the brand allegedly says they’re able to close the loop in their supply chain and keep making new products from used garments. They claim they’re recycled denim helps them decrease their water and chemical usage and reduce their CO2 footprint.

Their claims are the following for this initiative: 

• 20% recycled denim

• 20% sustainably sourced viscose and

• 60% organic cotton

Insufficient information: “greenwashing”:

• The website doesn’t say much more and upon asking the brand directly via Facebook if it could provide more info, it hasn’t replied at all.

• Furthermore, when searching Levi’s website and their sustainability section, the brand says to have a “straightforward” understanding of sustainability but in fact, the explanation is very vague:

“For us at Levi’s®, it’s about making better choices like sourcing more sustainable materials and finding ways to use less water. It’s about making better clothes like WellThread™, our most sustainably designed collection. And it’s about bettering the planet and the communities that share it at every step along the way.” 

• Levis is lacking a big amount of transparency. Their numbers aren’t backed with evidence as far as the research went. 

• Speaking about sustainability goes hand in hand with accountability and transparency, otherwise it’s most likely greenwashing. 

• Levi’s “most sustainable jeans ever” is a greenwashing statement seeing as it might be their most sustainable, but according to their standard and not sustainability as a whole.

Committed to make a positive impact in three priorities:

Climate change; by using less water + prioritizing biodiversity and lowering emissions

Community empowerment; by working to improve the lives of the people who make our products = worker well-being + health and gender equality, and diversity and inclusion

Consumption habits = you can buy better and wear longer + donate and repair recycle the levis cloth to extend their life. + in the 2021 campaign of Wear Longer = a mantra and movement that encourages more conscious consumption. 

2. Suspicious of greenwashing and false promises 

Environmental impact isn’t transparent = the brand is said to have saved more than 3.5 billion litres of water from the finishing process since 2010, but in fact, they do not disclose how it compares to the amount of water they used in the first place.

Can a brand be considered sustainable when it does not practice transparency?

The brand must publish a dedicated sustainability report for the future.

3. Genuine achievable goals:

About the (SDG 6)  of clean water and sanitation, the brand introduced in 2011 their Water < Less processes + a flagship initiative to maximize water efficiency where they have saved almost 13 billion litres of water as of 2020.

Garment instructions to encourage water-saving practices.

Establishment of their Recycle and Reuse Guidelines = a progressive objective that requires facilities to recycle more than 20% of the water used in manufacturing.

Better Cotton program where in 2020, 83% of their cotton came from this sustainable source.

Levi’s Secondhand = recommerce program launched in 2020 = making some of their most popular vintage items available + building a more sustainable future along the way.