Max Henry walks through Patagonia's plan to hit net-zero by 2040 without carbon offsets. The company already runs 98% of its facilities on renewable electricity, uses 93% recycled polyester and 89% recycled nylon, and co-founded the Brands for Public Lands Coalition, now 100 companies with $19.9 billion in combined revenue.
Have you ever wondered how a brand like Patagonia can aim for net zero by 2040 without relying on carbon offsets? In its first Sustainability Progress Report, released November 17th, 2025, Patagonia lays out a bold plan to decarbonize at the source, starting with its supply chain and material sourcing. By the end of fiscal year 2025, 98% of electricity across its owned and operated facilities in 45 countries came from renewable sources, and they're now tackling the final 2%. More than 93% of its polyester and 89% of its nylon now come from recycled sources, with a goal to eliminate virgin petroleum-based synthetics entirely by the end of 2025. In April 2025, Patagonia co-founded the Brands for Public Lands Coalition alongside the Conservation Alliance. Now 100 brands strong, representing over $19.9 billion in annual revenue, committed to protecting public lands and holding businesses accountable. Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder, admits, we do not have all the answers, but insists that the fear of getting things wrong shouldn't stop us from trying to get things right. For procurement and sustainability professionals, Patagonia's journey offers a human-centered, practical model: transparency, durable recycled materials, renewable energy, and industry collaboration. If we want supply chains that don't just promise change but deliver it, this is the path forward. What will your next step be?
