Earth Polo to Lead Ralph Lauren’s Sustainability Message

Ralph Lauren Corp. is throwing its considerable muscle behind the sustainability movement, and is using its signature polo shirt to drive the message home. The company will today introduce the Earth Polo, its classic polo shirt silhouette that has been created with thread derived entirely from recycled plastic bottles and dyed in a process that uses no water. “Ralph Lauren will commit to removing at least 170 million bottles from landfills and oceans by 2025,” said David Lauren, chief innovation officer of the company. “Plastic waste is a major issue threatening the environment — we want to be part of the solution and utilize an innovative approach to create something valuable.” The Earth Polo, which is made from an average of 12 plastic bottles, was produced in partnership with First Mile, an organization that focuses on sustainability and positive social impact. The nonprofit works with entrepreneurs in low-income communities to collect recyclable plastic bottles, which are then processed and turned into high-quality yarn and later, fabric. Lauren likened the product to an Impossible Burger, a popular nonmeat patty that has the texture of actual hamburger, adding that the shirt “feels like a regular polo shirt” and adheres to the company’s high-quality and craftsmanship requirements. “When

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