The Polo is not the first of its kind. There are smaller brands in the world that are using recycled material.
Polo Ralph Lauren launched on Thursday a version of its flagship Polo shirt made entirely with recycled bottles and dyed with a process that uses no water. David Lauren, the youngest son of the company’s founder and director of innovation, told The Associated Press before the announcement that the new shirt is part of a broader strategy of environmental goals in its manufacturing process. “Every day we learn something that is happening with global warming around the world and our employees and customers really feel that it is time to get down to work and make a difference,” Lauren said. The Polo is not the first of its kind. There are smaller brands in the world that are using recycled materials. By announcing his Earth Polo, Ralph Lauren promised to remove at least 170 million bottles of vacant land and oceans by 2025. The shirts are made in Taiwan, where the bottles are collected. For its realization an average of 12 bottles is required. The garments are produced in conjunction with First Mile, an organization that collects bottles that turn into thread and finally into cloth. The new fibers will also be used for sportswear already made of polyfiber, popular for its ability to prevent moisture. The Earth Polo went on sale Thursday, just in time for Earth Day that is celebrated on Monday, and is available on the RalphLauren.com site and in stores around the world. It has models for men and women in green, white, navy and sky blue. And they cost no more than other Polo.
Ralph Lauren has undertaken environmental initiatives over the years, but now he has begun a more meaningful strategy to change his corporate culture and the way he thinks about the clothes he produces.