Patagonia’s Sustainability Commitment: Creating Shared Value for the Environment and Society
Patagonia is a clothing and outdoor gear company that has become well-known for its prioritisation of sustainability in their supply chain and operations. The company’s dedication to sustainability can be seen through their use of environmentally friendly materials, responsible production practices, and support for environmental causes. Through their sustainability efforts and activism, Patagonia has created shared value for both the company and society as a whole.
Michael Porter’s concept of shared value describes a business strategy that creates value for both the company and society. In the case of Patagonia, the company has prioritised sustainability in their supply chain and operations, which has created value for the environment and society. By sourcing environmentally friendly materials and implementing responsible production practices, Patagonia has reduced their environmental impact and contributed to a more sustainable future. This focus on sustainability has also helped to attract environmentally conscious consumers, contributing to the company’s success.
Patagonia has also prioritised environmental protection and conservation through their activism. The company’s activism includes campaigns to protect public lands, combat climate change, and support sustainable agriculture. Patagonia’s sustainability action plan includes the 1% for the Planet programme, where the company donates 1% of their sales to environmental organizations.
Through their sustainability efforts and activism, Patagonia is also contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations to achieve a more sustainable future for all. Patagonia’s sustainability efforts and activism contribute to several SDGs, including Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 15: Life on Land.
Patagonia has created shared value by prioritising sustainability in their supply chain and operations, while also advocating for environmental protection and conservation through their activism. By adopting sustainable practices, Patagonia has reduced their environmental impact and attracted environmentally conscious consumers. Through their activism, Patagonia is also contributing to the achievement of the UN SDGs. Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection is a powerful example of how businesses can create shared value for both the company and society.
References:
Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard business review, 89(1/2), 62-77.
Patagonia. (2022). The Activist Company. Retrieved from https://www.patagonia.com/the-activist-company.html
United Nations Development Programme. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals
Patagonia. (n.d.). Footprint Chronicles. Retrieved from https://www.patagonia.com/footprint-chronicles/
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