Patagonia Launches Common Threads Initiative: A Partnership With Customers to Consume Less

VENTURA, Calif., Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Patagonia Inc., a leading designer of core outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories, announces today the launch of its Common Threads Initiative – a partnership with its customers to reduce consumption and its resultant environmental harm.

"The Common Threads Initiative addresses a significant part of today's environmental problem – the footprint of our stuff," notes Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder and owner. "This program first asks customers to not buy something if they don't need it. If they do need it, we ask that they buy what will last a long time – and to repair what breaks, reuse or resell whatever they don't wear any more. And, finally, recycle whatever's truly worn out. We are the first company to ask customers to take a formal pledge and be partners in the effort to reduce consumption and keep products out of the landfill or incinerator."

Patagonia in turn commits to make products that last and help repair quickly anything that breaks. To help customers put back in circulation used clothes, Patagonia and eBay Inc. have joined forces to launch a new marketplace for customers to buy and sell used Patagonia gear. Patagonia's Common Threads Initiative store on eBay establishes a new model for consumption: It marks the first time a major retail brand actively encourages its customers to buy and sell used products on eBay, and it is eBay's first multi-seller branded store.

A customer who lists a used Patagonia product on eBay will be asked to take the Common Threads Initiative pledge and become a partner. Membership will make the customer's listing eligible for inclusion in the Common Threads Initiative store on eBay and on Patagonia.com. Patagonia will not receive any of the profits associated with the Common Threads Initiative storefront.

The collaboration between Patagonia and eBay was born out of their common interest to extend the useful life of products. eBay, the world's largest online marketplace, has, over the past year, developed innovative new initiatives that extend the impact of its inherently sustainable business model. The eBay Box, launched as a pilot in September 2010, encourages buyers and sellers to reuse packaging; and eBay Instant Sale, launched in October 2010, encourages customers to sell and/or recycle their used electronics. The Patagonia Common Threads store on eBay becomes not only the latest example of eBay's commitment to sustainable commerce, but a new model for consumption within the apparel industry – one that emphasizes product, reuse, and tapping the full useful life of clothing.

"eBay and Patagonia have created this unique store to encourage customers to go into their closets, find the Patagonia garments they don't currently need, and list them on eBay to continue their useful life," notes Rick Ridgeway, Patagonia's VP of environmental initiatives. "As eBay says, the 'greenest product is the one that already exists.' Most Patagonia products last longer than most people want or need them. Let's reuse and recirculate those products! This program will provide everyone with the satisfaction that they are doing the right thing for the planet."

About Patagonia

Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California, is a leading designer of core outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. With sales last year of $414M, the company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $43M in cash and in-kind donations to date. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the company's entire product line is recyclable thorough its Common Threads Initiative. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products. Patagonia was featured as The Coolest Company on the Planet on Fortune Magazine's April 2007 cover.

SOURCE Patagonia Inc.