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The North Face Announces New Environmental Commitments

The following announcement by The North Face was made on Earth Day 2021

Photo by: Jimmy Chin

As the world’s largest outdoor apparel company, The North Face recognizes its responsibility to protect the environment and leave our planet better for future generations of explorers.

This is why, just in time for Earth Day, The North Face is proud to share new, actionable commitments that will keep them on a path of sustainability. From being more intentional and innovative in the way they create products, to helping consumers shop with sustainability in mind, to giving used gear a second life – these goals and commitments will continually hold The North Face accountable for lessening their impact on the places they love to explore.

This is all part of the brand’s new “Exploration Without Compromise” vision, which includes – but is not limited to – the following commitments and announcements:

100% of the top materials used for The North Face apparel will be recycled, regenerative or renewable by 2025: Focusing on how their make their products creates the largest environmental reduction for the brand, because more than half of their carbon footprint is generated from product creation.

By 2023, 100% of the brand’s polyester and 80% of its nylon fabrics will be made with recycled content Accelerate the sustainability of Operations, Logistics and Packaging: Since 2007, the brand has purchased carbon credits and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset emissions from their owned and operated facilities. They also offset greenhouse gas emissions from employee business travel, athlete expeditions, employee commuting and e-commerce shipments. Eliminate all single-use plastic packaging by 2025.

Scale circularity: In Fall 2022, The North Face will launch its own, fully circular apparel of converted franchise styles. They’ve also developed three specific initiatives designed to help combat waste and extend product life, including the Renewed Collection, Lifetime Warranty and Clothes the Loop programs. Starting on Earth Day, for the first time, consumers will be able to send in their own, lightly used The North Face apparel to become part of the Renewed program and engage more directly in the circularity process.

Acting Through Purchasing Power: The “Exploration Without Compromise” seal will now easily-identify the brand’s most sustainable products on thenorthface.com and in-stores, as well as on Renewed circular products. To earn the badge, apparel, equipment, and accessories must be made with 75% or greater recycled, organic, regenerative and/or responsibly-sourced renewable materials by weight. If the product has a DWR finish, it must be non-perfluorinated chemicals (non-PFC) DWR.

For more information, follow The North Face below.

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Lead photo: Jimmy Chin