April 21, 2020: Amid the extremely difficult circumstances the globe is experiencing with COVID-19, it is becoming apparent in real-time how dramatic human impact has been on the Earth and how quickly a change needs to be made for the better. This has reinforced Polo Ralph Lauren’s commitment towards protecting the environment by using 170 million plastic bottles in its product and packaging by 2025.
The brand is expanding its Earth Polo shirt offering a larger capsule consisting of new colours and designs. The Earth Polo has been crafted from thread derived entirely from recycled plastic bottles and dyed in an innovative process that uses zero water. Each Earth Polo is made from an average of 12 plastic bottles. The Earth Polo will now be offered in 19 colourways for men including long-sleeve silhouettes, 7 colours for women, and 9 colours for kids, along with printed design options. The shirt is produced in partnership with First Mile, an organization with a global mission focused on sustainability and positive social impact. First Mile works with entrepreneurs from low-income communities to collect recyclable plastic bottles, which are then processed through a unique and eco-friendly manufacturing program and turned into high-quality yarn and ultimately fabric.
In June 2019, the company published its full Global Citizenship and Sustainability Report, including its comprehensive strategy and goals. It pledged that by 2023, the brand will achieve zero waste to landfill across its distribution centres. It also stated that by 2025, it will achieve at least a 20% reduction in total water use across its operations and value chain, and 100% of its key production and packaging materials
will be sustainably sourced.
The Earth Polo will be available for men, women and kids in select retail stores globally and on RalphLauren.com
