The fashion industry generates 92 million tons of waste annually, with less than 15% of textiles recycled. In response, The North Face launched its Renewed program in 2018—a pioneering effort to refurbish and resell pre-owned outerwear. This circular economy model combats waste while offering affordable, high-performance gear. Seven years later, the initiative has evolved into a blueprint for sustainable retail.

How the Renewed Program Works

Collection & Sorting:
Customers return used coats via brand stores or mail. Items are rigorously inspected for damage and material quality.

Refurbishment Process:

• Cleaning: Specialized eco-friendly detergents remove stains.
• Repair: Torn seams, broken zippers, and insulation are restored.
• Re-Waterproofing: DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings are reapplied.

Quality Assurance & Resale:
Refurbished coats undergo third-party testing for performance and durability. Approved items are sold online at 15–30% discounts, backed by a 1-year warranty.

Environmental & Economic Impact

Metric	Impact	Industry Context
Waste Reduction	3,200+ tons diverted from landfills (2018–2025)	Textiles account for 7% of global landfill waste
CO2 Savings	65% lower footprint vs. new production	Manufacturing 1 jacket emits ~20kg CO2
Resource Conservation	Saves 10,000+ liters of water per 100 jackets	New down jacket requires 120L water
Consumer Savings	25% average discount on premium products	Fast fashion dominates low-cost segment

Case Study: The Thermoball Eco Jacket

• Original Price: $200
• Renewed Price: $150
• Refurbishment Steps:
  • Replaced damaged zipper.
  • Restored elbow padding.
  • Applied PFC-free waterproofing.

• Outcome:
  • 8,200+ units resold since 2020.
  • Equivalent to saving 1.2 million liters of water vs. new production.

Industry Challenges & Innovations

• Hurdles:
  • Scaling collection logistics.
  • Consumer skepticism about refurbished quality.
• Solutions:
  • Partnered with TerraCycle for global take-back systems.
  • Blockchain tracing for transparency in refurbishment history.
  • «Try-On Tech» AR tools to visualize repaired flaws.

---

Future Vision: 2025 and Beyond

• Expansion: Adding ski gear, backpacks, and tents to Renewed.
• Tech Integration: AI-driven damage assessment to accelerate processing.
• Global Goals: 30% of revenue from circular products by 2030.

Why This Model Matters

The Renewed program proves sustainability and profitability can coexist:

• For Brands: Builds loyalty among eco-conscious consumers (73% of Gen Z prioritize sustainable brands).
• For Consumers: Access to premium gear at lower cost.
• For the Planet: Cuts resource extraction and landfill overflow.

«The future of retail isn’t just selling new products—it’s extending the life of what already exists.»
— The North Face Sustainability Report, 2025

Final Takeaway
The North Face’s initiative transcends a niche eco-project—it reshapes how the outdoor industry approaches waste. By marrying innovation with environmental stewardship, Renewed sets a benchmark for circular commerce, proving that even well-worn gear can embark on a second life.

---

Sources: Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2024), The North Face Impact Reports (2018–2025), Textile Exchange (2023).