Research Paper On Patagonia
Since the industrial revolution in the 1800’s there has been one industry that has always been entangled in scandal. You still hear about these scandals today. This particular scandal includes three similar characteristics. Unsafe working conditions, long hours, and low pay. Sweatshops and the textile industry are almost synonymous, you can’t think of one without thinking of the other. The textile industry is socially responsible for the following: making sure products are produced under safe and fair working conditions; to pay laborers a fair wage; reducing their environmental footprint; to contribute to their local economy. The primary stakeholders in this industry are the owners of the textile firms and companies buying from these textile firms, the employees who are working at
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the textile mills, suppliers of the materials and fabric to these textile mills, and the customers purchasing the final product from the retail companies selling these products. The secondary stake holders in this industry, are the local community who has to deal with the factory’s environmental output, local governments and economies that are affected by the wages these factories pay their workers, public interest groups (PETA etc.), and also other competitors in the industry. The current issue this industry faces is the same as the issues in the 1800’s with a few added twists. Companies still pay their employees a low wage, in poor conditions, with long hours. The fabrics may come from farms that practice inhumane treatment of animals, or forests that are cut down with no regard to the environment.
II.
One company that has always had its hand in ensuring that their products are economically, ethically, and socially responsible is Patagonia. Patagonia is one of the leading brands for outdoor gear and apparel throughout the world. Patagonia is the founding member of the FLA or Fair Labor Association.1
The fair labor association ensures that every level of the supply chain compensates employees fairly, provides fair working conditions, and humanely treats animals that are used for resources. This affects the employees of every aspect of their supply chain. Another issue at the forefront of the consumer goods market is the waste that is produced by not only the producer, but the consumer as well. Patagonia has a worn wear program that has been in effect since day 1 of their conception. They only encourage their customers to purchase new items if the other is completely unsalvageable. All of their products come with a lifetime warranty and repair process. If one of their jackets has a defect, or you tear a hole, they will repair it free of charge. This has a tremendous impact on wasteful spending, and helps reduce the amount of waste their company contributes to the
environment.
III. Patagonia takes a strategic approach for their corporate social responsibility. It is proactive about their activities that can do harm to their company, the environment, and their stakeholders. Patagonia encourages their employees and partners to engage in socially responsible practices, and also has a program through their environmental internship program. This program allows their employees to take up to two months away from their regular duties to participate in an environmental group while still making their regular pay check. Patagonia is very open about their ethical culture encouraging their employees and consumers to make environmentally sound choices
the textile mills, suppliers of the materials and fabric to these textile mills, and the customers purchasing the final product from the retail companies selling these products. The secondary stake holders in this industry, are the local community who has to deal with the factory’s environmental output, local governments and economies that are affected by the wages these factories pay their workers, public interest groups (PETA etc.), and also other competitors in the industry. The current issue this industry faces is the same as the issues in the 1800’s with a few added twists. Companies still pay their employees a low wage, in poor conditions, with long hours. The fabrics may come from farms that practice inhumane treatment of animals, or forests that are cut down with no regard to the environment.
II.
One company that has always had its hand in ensuring that their products are economically, ethically, and socially responsible is Patagonia. Patagonia is one of the leading brands for outdoor gear and apparel throughout the world. Patagonia is the founding member of the FLA or Fair Labor Association.1
The fair labor association ensures that every level of the supply chain compensates employees fairly, provides fair working conditions, and humanely treats animals that are used for resources. This affects the employees of every aspect of their supply chain. Another issue at the forefront of the consumer goods market is the waste that is produced by not only the producer, but the consumer as well. Patagonia has a worn wear program that has been in effect since day 1 of their conception. They only encourage their customers to purchase new items if the other is completely unsalvageable. All of their products come with a lifetime warranty and repair process. If one of their jackets has a defect, or you tear a hole, they will repair it free of charge. This has a tremendous impact on wasteful spending, and helps reduce the amount of waste their company contributes to the
environment.
III. Patagonia takes a strategic approach for their corporate social responsibility. It is proactive about their activities that can do harm to their company, the environment, and their stakeholders. Patagonia encourages their employees and partners to engage in socially responsible practices, and also has a program through their environmental internship program. This program allows their employees to take up to two months away from their regular duties to participate in an environmental group while still making their regular pay check. Patagonia is very open about their ethical culture encouraging their employees and consumers to make environmentally sound choices