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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

‘In Business to Save the Planet’: The Patagonia Paradox

The American outerwear giant’s profits are meant to fight climate change, but its means of generating them do the opposite. CEO Ryan Gellert talks to BoF about the contradiction at the heart of Patagonia’s business, why he’s gambling on resale and the company’s efforts to curb consumption.
Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert sits in a Patagonia store. In a next door picture, a pair of hands repair a bright blue Patagonia vest.
Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert is looking to grow resale from a tiny sliver of the company's business. (Patagonia)

COPENHAGEN, Denmark

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Further Reading

Can Patagonia Make Capitalism Climate Friendly?

The company has become a standard bearer for responsible capitalism. But founder Yvon Chouinard’s latest move – giving over most of the company’s shares to a non-profit – will be a tough act for others to follow.

About the author
Sarah Kent
Sarah Kent

Sarah Kent is Chief Sustainability Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in London and drives BoF's coverage of critical environmental and labour issues.

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