Downlite Outdoor to supply recycled down to top fashion labels

For top labels like Patagonia, Ralph Lauren, and Banana Republic, Downlite Outdoor has been chosen as a trusted partner for recycled down jacket collections. Collections for the seasons of 2021 and 2022 are now available.

As demand for more sustainable solutions grows throughout the world, Downlite has pushed to expand its recycled down supply network beyond Europe, thereby boosting the availability of this high-quality traceable fill. Recycled down is typically retrieved from pillows and comforters, and it is then reprocessed and cleaned into a high-quality form with fill powers ranging from 550 to 750. Downlite has extended its recycling presence in Asia to not only improve volume possibilities but also to lower the carbon footprint — the distance it must be delivered — to reach garment factories.

Patagonia has played a key role in pushing the limits of sustainability, raising consumer knowledge and acceptance, and working toward a more sustainable future. Downlite Outdoor has been a Patagonia preferred supplier for a decade and continues to collaborate with the brand to grow recycled down designs, more than doubling the number of options from 2017 to now. The 600 Fill Power recycled down from Downlite is used in fashions like the Womens-down-with-it-parka.

Ralph Lauren, a long-time Downlite Outdoor partner, has likewise committed to using recycled down for Fall 22. Ralph Lauren’s commitment to the environment and to naturally biodegradable, compostable fillings for their jackets is demonstrated by the switch from polyester to recycled down. Ralph Lauren is also employing 100% recycled down from the United States in the jackets for the 2022 Olympic Closing Ceremonies — a first in the outdoor industry.

Lindsay Parrish, vice president of sales, Downlite Outdoor, said that because of the restricted recycled down networks in the United States, there has never been a scalable potential to deliver 100% recycled down from the United States, until Ralph Lauren. It’s an extremely limited resource. Kudos to Ralph Lauren for putting a stake in the ground and seeing it through, 100% from the United States.

Banana Republic has demonstrated true dedication to its Recycled Down program in a short period of time. After committing to Downlite in 2020, their program has increased by almost 1,500% for Fall ’21. Their designs are not only sumptuous in appearance but also environmentally friendly… and the numbers speak for themselves: several Men’s and Women’s styles have already sold out, even though the holiday season hasn’t even begun.

Downlite Outdoor was chosen by these companies because of its transparent and responsible leadership in sustainability and high-quality materials.