Skip to main content

Patagonia Takes Another Step Toward Sustainable Textiles with New Clean Color Collection

Patagonia is on a mission to preserve the planet and reduce the environmental impact of their clothing and gear. In the past, we’ve written about Patagonia’s re\\\collection, which uses only recycled down, polyester, zippers, and more to create new products from Patagonia’s deeply loved, but no longer useful clothing and outerwear and their recent efforts to promote and preserve Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments. Now, we bring you the venerable outdoor company’s latest environmental effort: the Clean Color Collection, which focuses on creating dyes derived from 96% natural renewable resources.

But why the focus on all-natural dye? Because, according to Patagonia, “dye is dirty.” The company goes on to note that, “Even though many of our synthetic dyes use less water, energy, and CO2, when compared with conventional processes, we’re always trying to do better.” And they do better by using the the waste or byproducts of natural elements as varied as food waste, silk worm poop, and dried beetle shells to create their all-natural dyes.

Recommended Videos

The colors of the Clean Color collection will fade over time, but that’s part of what makes this collection unique to both Patagonia as a company and will also be unique to your closet. Every time you wear and wash, the clothing gets a little lighter in hue, and you’re reminded to be a little more mindful when it comes to the environment.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The dyes are sourced from:

Mulberry: Patagonia sources its rich, natural green dye from Chinese silworm feces, whose main diet consists of mulberry leaves.

Carmine: Made from cochineal beetles that feed on prickly pear cacti, this color was once so valuable, Emperor Montezuma, according to Patagonia, “levied a special tax on his subjects to be paid in the prized insects.”

Pomegranate: Pomegranate rinds produce a rich yellow brown and this particular dye comes as a byproduct of agriculture and food production.

Citrus Brown: Patagonia takes the residue of bitter orange peels to create this brown dye.

Palmetto Green: Palmetto is used in a variety of construction and herbal production processes and Patagonia sources this green dye from the herbal production byproducts.

Check out the full collection here.

Chase McPeak
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…
Topics
TAG Heuer’s new Monaco Gulf is a racing legend reimagined
The Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf is a perfect tribute to racing history
The Monaco Chronograph Gulf

The iconic combination of the Heuer Monaco’s square case and the vibrant Gulf racing livery has achieved legendary status among serious watch collectors. Today, TAG Heuer and Gulf Oil return with the introduction of a captivating new iteration of the Monaco Chronograph Gulf, a luxury timepiece that masterfully celebrates tradition while embracing contemporary refinement. This is a watch designed to capture the rebellious spirit of 1970s motorsport while staying true to the technical performance and elegant finish expected by today's watch enthusiasts. It is a watch that speaks directly to purists, offering a unique insight into a bygone era of racing glory.

A dial that roars

Read more
Bulgari unveils stunning new bronze and green Octo Roma watch
Bulgari’s new bronze Octo Roma is a masterclass in material design
Bulgari Octo Roma watches

In an industry extremely competitive in the realm of luxury sports watches, Bulgari has consistently proven themselves capable of defying the conventional at every turn. The horological powerhouse has once again captivated both industry insiders and watch enthusiasts with an unexpected debut at Geneva Watch Days 2025: the introduction of a bronze-cased Octo Roma. This strategic move has Bulgari infusing its modern architectural aesthetic with a vintage-inspired patina that evolves with each wearer. This release is a profound statement from a brand confident enough to let its soulful narrative develop over time, further cementing the Octo’s status as an undeniable force in the industry. 

A patina meets Roman architecture

Read more
New Balance turns the 1906R into a cold-weather sneaker with Primaloft
New Balance reinforces its sneaker with Primaloft
New Balance 1906R

It’s well known that New Balance sneakers are made with quality craftsmanship and premium materials, but their newest release takes that latter a step further. Beyond just a simple military-inspired design, New Balance's newly announced 1906R touts the integration of Primaloft, a US Army innovation that was developed during the 1980s. Added to keep your feet protected during the harsher climates of the winter season, the New Balance 1906R is the perfect feature for those who seek a more durable option for the season. While Primaloft isn’t new to the footwear or apparel world, the integration into New Balance’s lineup adds immense value to the brand’s already certified durability and comfort. 

New Balance strengthens its sneaker with Primaloft

Read more