Patagonia is looking to reduce performance wear鈥檚 footprint. The company 聽Thursday that it鈥檚 investing in Beyond Surface Technologies, a Swedish company that鈥檚 developing high-performance textiles from natural raw materials.
Patagonia did not indicate a specific amount in its statement, but that sources close to the company confirmed that its stake is 鈥渘orth of $1 million.鈥
To get the highest level of performance from outerwear, companies need chemicals to make their pants waterproof and jackets wind聽resistant. These chemicals can be toxic and hang around in the environment much longer than the life of the product.
鈥淲e look for better, cleaner, safer ways to do things, we apply our own R&D and look for brilliant companies to partner with,鈥 Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario said in the statement. 鈥淏eyond Surface Technologies has the potential to help Patagonia and our entire industry get to the next level of chemical safety without compromising performance.鈥
The investment comes from Patagonia鈥檚 $20 Million &聽Change fund, which supports companies working on environmental solutions and positive change through business. Should Beyond Surface Technologies hit on any big breakthroughs, Patagonia will share them with the outdoor industry, much like it did with .