Canadian outdoor brand Arc’teryx has started its own recommerce program know as the ‘Used Gear Program‘ to encourage sustainability with trade-in deals for its customers. The Arc’teryx Used Gear Program is essentially a recycling hub for the outdoor brand’s garments which will reward customers who trade in their old gear, therefore helping to keep pieces in circulation and out of landfill sites.
Why has Arc’teryx launched this Recommerce circular initiative?
The company had a wake up call after discovering that 65% of the environmental impact of one jacket came from its creation; due to the production of raw materials and manufacturing processes. The retailer launched the initiative on Black Friday last year after looking for ways to minimise the environmental impact of their clothes.
Every year, companies across the US and Canada usually run huge promotions and sales for Black Friday, but last year Arc’teryx wanted to do something different. The outdoor brand looked to shift focus away from the mass consumption that is so often associated with this day and instead take a more sustainable approach.
Through their Used Gear Program, Arc’teryx wants consumers to see one of their jackets as a circle rather than a jacket. They state that if a customer is not wearing it, then they can find someone who will.
“As a brand, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and taking every action we can to operate responsibly and sustainably. We hope to bring awareness to the importance of circularity in the apparel industry, and to encourage our guests to help us build inventory for our Used Gear program.”
Katie Wilson, Senior Manager of Social and Environmental Sustainability, Arc’teryx
How does the Arc’teryx Used Gear Program work?
Through the program, customers can trade in their old Arc’teryx gear at any US store or by mail, as long as it is in good condition and still functional. The outdoor brand then cleans and repairs the items before putting them back on sale at a discounted price. In return, customers will receive 20% of the original retail value of each item of clothing on a gift card. If an item of clothing is no good for resale, Arc’teryx will donate it or try their utmost to recycle it.
Which items are acceptable for the Arc’teryx Used Gear Program?
The following items are acceptable for trade-in at any US store or via mail-in:
- GORE-TEX 3L jackets and pants
- Non-GORE-TEX jackets
- Insulation layers and mid-layers
- Non-GORE-TEX pants and shorts
- Shirts (any blend)
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Footwear
- Packs
- Veilance items
However, it’s worth noting that the following items are not eligible for trade-in:
- GORE-TEX 2L jackets and pants
- GORE-TEX PACLITE™ jackets and pants
- GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ jackets
- Any product with embroidery
- T-shirts
- Pack water bladders
- Headwear
- Accessories and gloves
- Base layers and underwear
- Air bags
- Harnesses
- Climbing gear
- Ski boots
- LEAF items
- Co-branded items
What other sustainable initiatives are Arc’teryx doing?
Arc’teryx ran another initiative throughout the end of 2020 called Giving Tuesday. The brand donated $10 for every item that was traded in during November to a nonprofit organisation called Protect Our Winters, who focus on fighting climate change.
Arc’teryx have also pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030. The Used Gear program will help them achieve this goal as they look to become a more sustainable and eco-friendly brand.
Further Reading: Recommerce: Future of Retail. Read More