The North Face Partners with TerraCycle to Recycle Polybags at 20 Stores

The North Face has partnered with upcycling and recycling pioneer TerraCycle to keep plastic polybags, used to protect apparel through distribution and transit, out of landfills.  The North Face Polybag Brigade will divert 100% of the polybag packaging waste at the 20 The North Face retail stores in the United States where #4 plastic bags are not readily recyclable.

Eliminating waste at all stages of the product lifecycle is a key component of The North Face comprehensive sustainability program, said Adam Mott, The North Face Corporate Sustainability Manager.  This partnership with TerraCycle is helpful in diverting this packaging waste stream from landfills.

Through The North Face Polybag Brigade, The North Face and TerraCycle are actively pursuing a solution to a common packaging waste problem in the apparel industry.  TerraCycle will repurpose the bags into various products such as plastic lumber, bike racks, pavers, kitchen utensils and plastic tote bags for re-use. 

TerraCycle is excited to partner with such an iconic brand that is already a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility, said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle CEO.  Through this polybag recycling initiative, we both hope to set a new standard for resource conservation and recycling in the retail supply chain.

Apparel magazine recognized The North Face in its 2011 Sustainability All-Stars program as one of five businesses determined to make a difference for people and planet. The award, featured in the June 2011 print issue, honors The North Face for demonstrating specific steps to make the business more sustainable, including The North Face Polybag Brigade.

To follow The North Face Polybag Brigade real time collection statistics, visit the microsite: www.terracycle.net/brigades/The-North-Face-Polybag-Brigade

TerraCycle, Inc. is an international upcycling and recycling company that takes difficult to recycle packaging and turns it into affordable, eco-friendly products. TerraCycle works with over 30 major brands in the U.S. (and in a growing number of other countries) to collect used packaging and products (chip bags, candy wrappers, juice pouches, pens, toothbrushes, etc.) that would otherwise be destined for landfills. It repurposes that waste into new materials and products that are available online and through major retailers. The waste is collected through TerraCycles Brigade programs, which are free fundraisers that pay schools and non-profits for every piece of waste they collect and return.