Responsible fashion pioneer Patagonia hits hard with new campaign WASTE NYLON. The aim? To transform ocean waste, and more specifically used fishing nets, into durable technical clothing thanks to its NetPlus® Nylon.
This initiative is part of Patagonia's broader mission: "Our company exists to save our planet." A strong commitment that takes concrete, measurable form here.
Where does this marine litter come from?
Every year, over 8 million tonnes of plastic are discharged into the oceans. These include approximately 640,000 tonnes come exclusively from abandoned fishing netsalso known as "ghost nets". This plastic waste represents almost 10 % of global marine plastic pollution.
These nets, often made of high-density nylon or polyethylenecan drift during for decadestrapping fish, turtles, marine mammals and birds in a silent cycle of destruction. It is estimated that one net can take up to 600 years to decompose completely.
In response to this scourge, Patagonia has teamed up with the company Bureospecializing in the recovery of these nets in the worst-affected areas:
- More than 50 fishing communities partners in Chile, Peru and Argentina
- 2.3 million pounds (≈ 1,043 tonnes) nets collected since 2013
- A rapidly expanding collection network, guaranteeing complete traceability of the recycling chain
These nets are then cleaned, sorted and transformed into recycled granules to create the NetPlus® Nylon.
From the sea to your clothes: the NetPlus® process
The nets recovered are sorted, cleaned, crushedthen transformed into recycled nylon granules. This material, called NetPlus®is then used in the manufacture of many Patagonia garments: caps, jackets, pants...
This recycled nylon has the same technical properties as virgin nylonwithout the carbon impact of extracting fossil fuels.
A positive environmental and social impact
The technology NetPlus® is not just a textile innovation: it's a lever for global impact, both environmental and social.
Environment:
- The production of NetPlus® recycled nylon reduces 27 % of CO₂ emissions compared with virgin nylon.
- By recycling nets, Patagonia limits the oil extraction needed to manufacture conventional nylon.
- Each tonne of recycled netting prevents the emission of around 5 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
- More 1,000 tonnes of ghost nets have been diverted from the oceans thanks to our partnership with Bureo.
Social :
- The NetPlus® program creates additional income for participating fishermen through collection incentives.
- It comes with educational programs to raise local communities' awareness of sustainable waste management.
- The system in place complies with rigorous traceabilityfrom collection to finished product, ensuring fair conditions throughout the chain.
In short, every Patagonia garment made from recycled netting is much more than a technical product: it's a way of life. a militant actat the crossroads of performance and ethics.
Patagonia leads the way to a cleaner textile industry
Today, the textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world:
- She is responsible for 10 % of global CO₂ emissionsmore than aviation and shipping combined.
- It generates 20 % of global water pollutionThis is particularly true of dyes and chemical treatments.
- More 60 % of textiles produced in the world are made from synthetic materials derived from petroleum.
In this context, Patagonia's approach is like aa concrete, reproducible example.
By creating a circular value chaintraceable and low-impact, the brand demonstrates that textile innovation can - and must - serve planet before profit.
The technology NetPlus® Nylon is just one example of Patagonia's commitment to reinventing the way we design, produce and consume outdoor clothing. The company proves that it is possible to combine technical performance, sustainability and environmental responsibility without compromise.
Where can I find the Patagonia NetPlus® collection?
Want to adopt a more responsible wardrobe?
Technical clothing from the NetPlus® Nylon by Patagonia are available on www.privatesportshop.fr.
