BEYOND THE YARNS - THE NORTH FACE PARTNERS WITH INDIGO
Sustainability has been an integral part of The North Face's DNA since its inception. The company's founders recognized the importance of preserving products and minimizing waste, leading to the introduction of a lifetime warranty as early as 1971. Over the years, The North Face has made significant strides in becoming better stewards of the planet. They incorporate recycled polyester into core product lines like the Reaxion line and the iconic Denali Jacket. Since 1996, the Denali line has been crafted using recycled polyester fleece. However, driven by the desire to do more and address sustainability at its source, The North Face has partnered with Indigo, an agricultural technology company. This unprecedented collaboration goes beyond sourcing from regenerative farms and actively encourages farmers to adopt regenerative practices, marking a remarkable milestone in the outdoor industry's journey toward a more sustainable future.
The Journey To Regenerative Agriculture
Transitioning from conventional agriculture to regenerative practices aiming at restoring and enhancing the health of ecosystems and agricultural lands is no easy feat for farmers. To shed light on the profound connection between human well-being and the health of the Earth, The North Face created a short documentary titled “Groundwork”. The documentary showcases the inspiring journey of a multi-generational family-owned cotton farm that realized the need to break away from conventional farming methods to secure a healthy future for their children. Embracing regenerative agriculture on their land, the family took proactive steps towards healing the soil and cultivating a thriving ecosystem. Give it a watch and you will never look at your organic cotton t-shirt the same way again.
The Indigo Partnership and Its Significance
Never heard of Indigo Agriculture? You’re not the only one. However they have been around for a little while (a decade to be exact) and they focus on harnessing the power of plant microbes and data science to improve sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems. They have created an all-in-one platform that enables farmers and other agriculture industry participants to adopt and profit from sustainability opportunities.
The North Face's partnership with Indigo aims to reward and incentivize the transition to farming practices that actively remove carbon from the atmosphere and restore soil health. By collaborating with Indigo, The North Face enables consumers to trace the origins of their products and learn about the farmers behind them. This unique partnership will culminate next Fall in a first-of-its-kind collection crafted from cotton sourced and traced from farmers who have embraced regenerative farming practices.
While regenerative practices may not yet be the industry standard, the company remains committed to pushing sustainable innovation. They are dedicated to meeting the ambitious Science-Based Targets (SBTs) set by VF Corporation, including significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across their supply chain.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture
The North Face went beyond the yarns by looking at the very beginning of their supply chain. While some may think it all starts with plants, it truly begins with the passionate farmers who care for their land. By assisting these farmers in maintaining healthy soil, The North Face is not only benefiting the present but also paving the way for a better future for generations to come. This impact extends far beyond the outdoor industry, reaching into the realms of clothing and agriculture. And the best part is, we have the power to show our support with every dollar we spend.
The partnership signifies a powerful commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture. By sourcing from regenerative farms and encouraging farmers to embrace these practices, they are redefining what it means to be a responsible and environmentally conscious company. The partnership not only benefits the environment and the farmers but also empowers consumers to make informed choices and be a part of the positive change.
As The North Face continues to lead the way in sustainable innovation, we hope they inspire other companies to follow suit, forging a path towards healthier farmers, lands and planet.
Want to learn more about The North Face’s commitment to sustainability? Check out their website.