Circular economy and the textile industry: the case of Patagonia Inc.

Climate change is a phenomenon that is already affecting our lives, which impacts are expected to worsen in the future. In order to decelerate its development, great efforts and changes are required, both from individuals and businesses. My thesis aims at analyzing the concept of Circular Economy, today regarded as one valuable alternative to the traditional linear industrial model. its historical development, its advantages and its limitations are studied in depth, with a special focus on the textile industry, being it a very polluting sector. The second part of the thesis presents Patagonia Inc, an apparel company that has completely embraced the concept of sustainability and circular economy. The company represents a practical example of a successful implementation of CE principles and it shows that caring for the environment and, at the same time, being profitable are two aspects that can go together.