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Last Updated:
2024-05-01 23:37:10

Patagonia

History of Patagonia
History of Patagonia

Patagonia's history from founding to present, including key milestones. Yvon Chouinard's climbing tools in 1957 led to the creation of the company.

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0501-07
Tehuelche Arrival in Patagonia

During the second half of the first millennium, the Tehuelche people migrated to Patagonia. They were nomadic hunter-gatherers who relied on guanacos and ñandus for survival.

1530
Discovery of Patagonia

Ferdinand Magellan is credited with officially 'discovering' Patagonia in 1530, although there were likely explorers before him. The region got its name from the description of 'patagones' or great giants of men.

1879
First Official Tourist Visits Torres del Paine National Park

British Aristocrat Lady Florence Dixie became the first official tourist to visit Torres del Paine National Park in 1879. She arrived with a group and later published a book about her adventures entitled 'Across Patagonia.'

1953
Yvon Chouinard Starts Climbing Career

Yvon Chouinard begins his climbing career at the age of 14 after learning rappelling in Southern California. He starts making his own pitons for climbing, leading to the foundation of Patagonia in the future.

1957
Founding of Patagonia

Yvon Chouinard and his wife established Patagonia, a highly disruptive and innovative consumer-product company, following his creation of climbing tools in 1957.

1964
Development of Realized Ultimate Reality Piton (RURP)

Yvon Chouinard partners with Tom Frost to create a high-end climbing piton called the Realized Ultimate Reality Piton (RURP), enabling them to complete challenging climbs in North America.

1970
Introduction of rugby shirts to Patagonia

In 1970, Yvon Chouinard obtained rugby shirts from Scotland that he wore while climbing, leading to the incorporation of these shirts into Patagonia's product line.

1973
Founding of Patagonia by Yvon and Malinda Chouinard

In 1973, Yvon and Malinda Chouinard established the renowned outdoor clothing company, Patagonia, known for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

1974
Patagonia's Environmental Activism Begins

Patagonia employees protest to save a surf break, leading to the formation of the Friends Of Ventura River group. This marks the brand's initial step into environmental activism.

1975
Introduction of Patagonia Logo

Patagonia introduces its iconic logo featuring a silhouette of Mount Fitz Roy, symbolizing the brand's connection to the Patagonia region and commitment to outdoor activities.

1979
Kristine Tompkins becomes CEO of Patagonia

Kristine Tompkins assumed the role of CEO at Patagonia in 1979, leading the company until her retirement in 1993, contributing significantly to the brand's growth and ethos.

1981
Incorporation of Patagonia and Chouinard Equipment within Great Pacific Iron Works

In 1981, Patagonia and Chouinard Equipment were incorporated within Great Pacific Iron Works, which was later renamed Lost Arrow Corporation by Chouinard in 1984.

1983
Introduction of Polyester Base Layers

Patagonia transitions from polypropylene to polyester base layers, introducing Capilene fabric for improved performance. This shift proves successful with increased sales.

1986
Initiation of Environmental Donations

Patagonia commits to donating 10% of profits to environmental groups, showcasing the brand's dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability.

1988
Launch of National Environmental Campaign

Patagonia launches its first national environmental campaign focusing on deurbanizing Yosemite Valley. The brand also introduces H2NO waterproof fabric for jackets.

1990
Patagonia's First Environmental Campaign

Patagonia initiated its inaugural environmental campaign aimed at educating the public.

1993
Creation of Fleece Fabric from Recycled Bottles

Patagonia pioneers the use of fleece fabric made from recycled bottles, reducing the environmental impact of its products and promoting sustainability.

1994
Transition to 100% Organic Cotton

Patagonia decides to transition to using 100% organic cotton by 1996 after discovering the negative environmental impact of pesticides used in conventional cotton production.

1996
Opening of New Distribution Center in Reno

Patagonia opens a new distribution center in Reno, implementing energy-efficient features like solar-tracking skylights and radiant heating, leading to a 60% reduction in energy use.

2000
Founding Member of Fair Labor Association

Patagonia became one of the founding members of the Fair Labor Association, emphasizing fair labor practices.

2002
Participation in Fair Labor Association

Patagonia joins the Fair Labor Association after participating in President Bill Clinton's No Sweat Initiative, aiming to improve working conditions in the supply chain and becoming a founding member of FLA.

2005
Patagonia Recycling Program Launch

Patagonia introduced a recycling program allowing customers to recycle their clothing in retail stores.

2006
Reduction of Factories and Social Responsibility Manager Appointment

Patagonia reduces the number of factories by 50% to ensure high standards in worker treatment and appoints a Social Responsibility Manager to address social compliance issues in the supply chain.

2007
Tracing Environmental and Social Impact of Patagonia's Products

In 2007, Patagonia initiated the process of tracing the environmental and social impact of their products, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in their supply chain.

2009
Investigation of Suppliers for Labor Trafficking

In 2009, Patagonia started investigating their suppliers for labor trafficking, demonstrating their commitment to ethical sourcing and labor practices.

2010
Initiation of Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Patagonia initiates the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to promote environmentally friendly practices in the apparel industry and creates a new role of Director of Social and Environmental Responsibility.

2011
Launch of Sustainable Apparel Coalition

In 2011, Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, launched the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, a collaborative effort to promote sustainability and responsible practices in the apparel industry.

2012
Resurrection of Synchilla Snap-T Pullover and Benefit Corporation Status

Patagonia reintroduces the Synchilla Snap-T Pullover and becomes the first company in California to acquire benefit corporation status, maintaining its mission-driven approach.

2013
Initiation of $20 Million & Change Fund

In 2013, Patagonia started the $20 Million & Change fund, aiming to invest in environmentally and socially responsible businesses, reflecting their commitment to supporting sustainable initiatives.

2014
Rose Marcario named CEO of Patagonia

In 2014, Rose Marcario was appointed as the CEO of Patagonia, a renowned outdoor clothing company.

2015
Patagonia promotes clothes repair over buying new ones

In 2015, Patagonia encouraged its customers to repair their clothes instead of purchasing new ones, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

2016-06
Principles for Animal Treatment and Sustainability

In June 2016, Patagonia released a set of principles regarding the treatment of animals used in manufacturing wool garments, as well as land-use practices and sustainability.

2017-12-06
Patagonia Sues US Government over Bears Ears National Monument

On December 6, 2017, Patagonia sued the United States Government and President Donald Trump for reducing the protected land of Bears Ears National Monument, arguing about the interpretation of the Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

2018
Patagonia sues President Trump to protect Bears Ears National Monument

In 2018, Patagonia took legal action against President Trump's decision to reduce the size of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, demonstrating the company's commitment to environmental conservation.

2019
Patagonia named UN Champion of the Earth

In 2019, Patagonia was honored with the title of UN Champion of the Earth, recognizing its significant contributions to environmental conservation and sustainability.

2020-04
Patagonia's Commitment to Paying in Full for Production Orders

In April 2020, Patagonia made a commitment to pay in full for production orders that were in process or completed, demonstrating their ethical business practices during challenging times.

2020-07
Patagonia Suspends Advertising on Facebook

In July 2020, Patagonia suspended its advertising on Facebook and Instagram as part of the 'Stop Hate for Profit' campaign, protesting against the social networking company's handling of hate speech.

2020-09
Rose Marcario steps down as CEO of Patagonia

In September 2020, Rose Marcario announced her departure as the chief executive officer of Patagonia, with Ryan Gellert set to succeed her.

2021-04-05
Patagonia Pledges $1 Million to Activist Groups in Georgia

On April 5, 2021, Patagonia pledged $1 million to activist groups Black Voters Matter and the New Georgia Project in response to voter registration laws in Georgia.

2022-09
Transfer of ownership of Patagonia to Patagonia Purpose Trust

In September 2022, Yvon Chouinard transferred ownership of Patagonia to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, aiming to utilize profits for climate change initiatives and land protection.

End of the Timeline
Patagonia

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Patagonia

History of Patagonia
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