The North Face launches sustainable commitments, takeback program

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Apr 22, 2021

​The North Face is the latest retailer to announce new sustainability initiatives that will impact various areas of its business from product development to packaging, and will even involve customers with a new takeback program.

Dubbed 'Exploration Without Compromise', the sustainability-focused vision outlines a total of four actionable commitments the company will implement over the next few years including a first step to utilize more sustainable materials in its products. 

The commitment outlines that 100 percent of the top materials used for The North Face apparel will be recycled, regenerative or renewable by 2025, while by 2023, 100 percent of the brand’s polyester and 80 percent of its nylon fabrics will be made with recycled content. 

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Next, the company is aiming to scale circularity with three specific initiatives designed to help combat waste and extend product life, including the Renewed Collection, Lifetime Warranty and Clothes the Loop programs. 

The Renewed Collection is expected to drop fall 2022 and will be a collection of fully circular apparel of converted franchise styles. As part of the up-coming launch, the Renewed program is now available allowing consumers for the first time to send in their own, lightly used The North Face apparel for a gift certificate. 

Additionally, 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. The badge will be accredited to apparel, equipment, and accessories that are made with 75 percent or greater recycled, organic, regenerative and/or responsibly sourced renewable materials by weight.

Finally, the company is accelerating the sustainability of its packaging with a commitment to eliminate all single-use plastic packaging by 2025 - a commitment that is in line with that of its parent company. 

The VF Corporation-owned brand reported annual revenues of $2.3 billion last year. It currently operates around 200 stores globally.