Patagonia invests in CO2Nexus Inc.

Patagonia has announced a strategic investment in CO₂Nexus Inc., a company that has developed a sustainable method of processing (cleaning, disinfecting and coating) textiles and garments using liquid carbon dioxide. Using no water, the process consumes less energy and generates very little waste.

This marks a significant investment by Patagonia through its $20 Million & Change fund, launched in 2013 to help innovative, like-minded startup companies bring about sound environmental solutions through business.

“Quite simply, processing textiles and apparel requires huge amounts of energy and water, and both are in crisis,” says Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario. “CO₂Nexus is a young company using business and innovation to bring about positive benefits to the environment.”

CO₂Nexus’ unique system called TERSUS® can process textiles using the same CO₂ that provides fizz to beverages. It’s fast (20–30-minute cycle times) and requires no separate dryer, conserving significant energy as a result. Over the course of repeated washes, benefits include down loft enhancement, water repellency, and color, size and fit consistency.

Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, Calif. Since 1985, Patagonia has dedicated 1 per cent of sales each year to environmental causes. CO₂Nexus is based in Denver, Colo.

Patagonia

CO₂Nexus