Outdoor Insight

While Polartec's predecessor, Malden Mills, had been knitting fabrics since before the First World War, the sustainability 'a-ha! moment came in 1993 with the discovery of how to knit a performance fabric from yarn derived from post-consumer recycled (PCR) bottles. At the time, this too was seen as more of a curiosity than a tectonic shift in polyester production. Its high cost and limited design options made customer adoption scarce. Of course, one of the first to embrace this new technology was Patagonia, who was unafraid of the fact that soda bottle green was the only color available. Since that day, Polartec has continually expanded what fabrics could be knit and what kind of performance could be achieved from this new type of fiber. To date, Polartec has upcycled 1.7 billion bottles into performance textiles, and now offers over 200+fabrics made from at least 50% PCR content, and 50+ fabrics made from 100% PCR content. Every year, the numbers increase as the line between sustainable and performance becomes smaller. Recycled inputs are just one of the foundational pillars to EcoEngineering. Over time, Polartec has adopted a more holistic approach to creating more sustainable products. Today, this includes smarter chemistry (like non-PFAS DWR), greater durability (perhaps the best solution to greater sustainability), natural performance (nature-based and bio-based solutions), and recycled materials (PCR content). Of course, truly sustainable products require a more responsible manufacturing/production process. Every year, Polartec finds new ways to reduce the consumption of energy, water, and CO2 emissions in its manufacturing plants. And whenever possible, it strives to exceed industry standards through rigorous and transparentOEKO-TEX®, bluesign®, Higg Index, and GRScertifications. Polartec's dedication to environmentally sustainable products and manufacturing continues to push the market forward. From innovating non-PFAS DWR treatments to the first performance fabric built to reduce microfiber shedding (Polartec® Power Air™), from achieving products that complement the circularity ambitions of brand partners to leading the way in recycled content, sustainable science has become the innovative force behind Polartec. "Achieving non-PFAS treatments within our product line is an important milestone in our commitment to innovate sustainably-made performance fabrics," added Steve Layton, Polartec President. "It's the latest step on our journey to an even more sustainable Polartec." A f utu re improved by t he long-term proce ss of EcoEngineering™ and the leaps of discovery made possible by the science of fabric. n ADVERTISEMENT The Patagonia 3/4 zip, sewn from Polartec classic 200 fleece made from PET plastic, circa 1993. Only available in one color: plastic bottle green. Polartec began removing PFAS from its DWR in 2017 and completed the conversion for all platforms 2022. polartec.com

• Cover