Author: Elba Cortes, Co-Team Lead, Office Administrator, Fox Rothschild LLP

Patagonia is a bit different from the other companies because it’s privately held—not publicly traded—so it isn’t included in big sustainability indexes like the Dow Jones Sustainability Index or Corporate Knights Global 100.

However, it’s often cited as one of the most sustainable apparel companies in the world because of the way it integrates sustainability into its entire business model:

• Repair & Reuse Programs: Their Worn Wear program encourages customers to repair clothing instead of replacing it, extending product life and cutting waste.
• Activism & Advocacy: Patagonia uses its brand voice (and profits) to support environmental causes, even taking legal action to protect public lands.
• Ethical Supply Chains: They emphasize fair labor practices and transparency in sourcing materials.
• Materials & Design: Heavy investment in organic cotton, recycled polyester, and innovative low-impact fabrics.
• Ownership Structure: In 2022, the founder transferred ownership to a trust and nonprofit to ensure profits are reinvested into environmental protection, not shareholders.

So while Patagonia won’t show up on formal “most sustainable companies” rankings, it’s frequently highlighted in sustainability discussions because it sets the bar for mission-driven, values-first business practices.See Time’s list of most sustainable companies in 2025. https://time.com/collection/worlds-most-sustainable-companies-2025/