Patagonia

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 “It’s a Start”. 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.