Patagonia Mission Statement

Patagonia’s mission is “we’re in business to save our home planet. Its core values are to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to protect nature, and not be bound by convention.

Aspect	Description	Analysis
Mission Statement	“We’re in business to save our home planet.”	Patagonia’s mission is a powerful and concise declaration of its commitment to environmental sustainability. It reflects the company’s overarching purpose, which goes beyond profit and places the preservation of the Earth at the forefront of its business. This mission sets the tone for all of Patagonia’s actions and initiatives.
Core Values	Patagonia’s core values include building the best product, causing no unnecessary harm, using business to protect nature, and not being bound by convention.	These core values serve as guiding principles for Patagonia’s operations and decision-making. They emphasize the importance of product quality, environmental responsibility, using business as a force for positive change, and embracing innovation. These values are not only reflected in the company’s mission but also in its day-to-day practices and initiatives.
Founder and History	Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia originally sold handmade climbing equipment and has since expanded its product line. Its environmental values have remained central to its identity and operations.	Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard, played a crucial role in shaping the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Over the years, the company has evolved while staying true to its core values. The history and origin of the company highlight its genuine and long-standing dedication to sustainability.
Product Durability and Recycling	Patagonia focuses on selling durable products that last for generations and can be recycled. The Worn Wear program encourages consumers to repair and recycle items rather than discarding them. Repair guides are provided, and repair services are offered free of charge at Repair Hubs and Patagonia stores.	Patagonia’s emphasis on product durability and recycling aligns with its mission to reduce ecological impact. By extending the lifespan of its products and providing repair options, the company promotes responsible consumer behavior and reduces waste. This approach reinforces its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Business Practices	Patagonia implements various sustainable business practices, such as using organic cotton, recycled materials, and responsibly sourced materials like down. The company also upholds animal welfare standards and promotes supplier transparency.	Patagonia’s sustainable practices extend to materials sourcing, ensuring ethical treatment of animals, and fostering transparency in its supply chain. These practices align with its core values and mission by minimizing the environmental and ethical impact of its products. By sharing supply chain information, Patagonia empowers consumers to make informed choices and supports responsible sourcing.
Using Business to Protect Nature	Since 1985, Patagonia has committed 1% of all sales revenue to the “1% for the Planet” program, directing funds to environmental initiatives and organizations. Consumers can also donate to climate-focused investments through the 1% for the Planet Impact Fund at National Philanthropic Trust.	Patagonia’s “1% for the Planet” program demonstrates its dedication to using business as a means to protect and restore the natural environment. This ongoing commitment has contributed significantly to sustainability projects and reflects the company’s mission of saving the planet. The inclusion of philanthropic opportunities allows consumers to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.

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Breaking down Patagonia’s mission statement

Patagonia was founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard who started his company to sell handmade climbing equipment to mountaineers.

While the product line has since expanded to include athletic wear, backpacks, sleeping bags, camping food, and associated items, Patagonia’s environmental values have endured.

These values were solidified in late 2018 in response to the increasing urgency of climate change.

To reflect this situation, Chouinard and CEO Rose Marcario altered the company’s mission statement to a simple but poignant phrase: “We’re in business to save our home planet.”

Patagonia’s mission is supported by numerous initiatives and core values, and some of these are explained in the following sections.

Product durability and recycling

For Patagonia, one of the best ways to reduce its ecological impact is to sell durable items that last generations or which can also be recycled.

Through the Worn Wear program, the company encourages consumers to repair damaged items instead of throwing them out and buying replacements.

To that end, the company has created over 100 repair and care guides for Patagonia items and even provides instructions on how to fix old vacuum cleaners and bicycles.

If the repair job is deemed too complex for DIY, consumers can take their items to a Repair Hub and have zippers, rips, tears, snaps, or pulls repaired for free. Alternatively, customers can mail their items to any Patagonia store.

Patagonia is also moving toward 100% renewable and recycled raw materials to reduce carbon emissions. At present, 69% of raw materials are sourced with recycled inputs, while a further 18% are renewable.

Sustainable business practices

The company understands that everything it makes has an impact on the planet in one way or another. Some of the sustainable business practices that support its mission statement include:

Materials – 100% of the virgin cotton used in Patagonia clothing is grown organically. The company also uses recycled nylon, polyester, down, wool, cashmere, and a natural, petroleum-free rubber used in surf wear that replaces neoprene.
Animal welfare – similarly, 100% of the down used in jackets and sleeping bags is responsibly sourced. The company does not use angora, fur, or exotic animal skin and only sources wool from farmers who display responsible land management practices.
Supplier transparency – unlike competitors, Patagonia shares information about its supply chains with consumers so they know where and how their clothes are made. The company is also working with partners to develop fair trade practices for suppliers in disadvantaged countries.

Using business to protect nature

Patagonia has directed 1% of all sales toward the protection and restoration of the natural environment since 1985. The program, known as “1% for the Planet”, has awarded over $140 million to businesses, individuals, and environmental groups involved in solving Earth’s most pressing issues.

Further to this program is the 1% for the Planet Impact Fund at National Philanthropic Trust. Here, consumers can also donate money to climate-focused investments that strive to build a more sustainable world.

Key takeaways:

Patagonia’s mission statement reflects a fundamental need to save the Earth with sustainable products, values, and initiatives.
Product durability and recycling are perhaps two of the most important ways Patagonia can reduce its environmental impact. The company also has strict animal welfare, fair work, and supplier transparency standards.
What’s more, Patagonia donates 1% of all sales revenue to a raft of initiatives and organizations that are involved in sustainability projects. Consumers can also donate philanthropically to climate-focused investments.

Key Highlights about Patagonia:

Mission Statement: Patagonia’s mission is “we’re in business to save our home planet.” This mission reflects the company’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability and responsibility.
Founder and History: Patagonia was founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, originally selling handmade climbing equipment. While its product line has expanded, its environmental values have remained central.
Updated Mission: In response to the urgency of climate change, Patagonia modified its mission statement to the powerful phrase, “We’re in business to save our home planet.”
Product Durability and Recycling: Patagonia prioritizes product durability and encourages consumers to repair and recycle items through initiatives like the Worn Wear program. Repair guides are provided for various items, and repair services are offered free of charge at Repair Hubs and Patagonia stores.
Sustainable Business Practices: Patagonia employs sustainable business practices, such as using organic cotton, recycled materials, and responsibly sourced down in its products. The company also prioritizes animal welfare and supplier transparency, sharing information about its supply chains with consumers.
Using Business to Protect Nature: Patagonia has a long-standing commitment to environmental conservation through its “1% for the Planet” program, in which 1% of all sales are directed toward protecting and restoring the natural environment. This program has contributed over $140 million to sustainability initiatives.
Philanthropic Opportunities: Patagonia also offers consumers the opportunity to donate to climate-focused investments through the 1% for the Planet Impact Fund at National Philanthropic Trust.