Ralph Lauren’s sustainable polo

American corporation Ralph Lauren launches an eco-friendly polo shirt made of 12 recycled plastic bottles. Shirts can be purchased here for $89.50

American corporation Ralph Lauren launches an eco-friendly polo shirt made of 12 recycled plastic bottles. Shirts can be purchased here for $89.50

I’ve admired Polo Ralph Lauren for years.

His seasonal fashion shows, often creative and noteworthy, never seem to compromise classic style and timeless taste. Needless to say, I dressed in a red cable knit v-neck sweater made by Polo for my high school senior portraits. I’ve spent more than I’m willing to admit on the iconic collared polo, a signature icon that continues to be well respected in the fashion industry.

Last month Chief Innovation Officer David Lauren shared with the Associated Press that their release of the “Earth Polo”, an iteration of the collared shirt made of 12 recycled plastic bottles, will serve as a component of the company’s approach to sustainability.

Sales for the Earth Polo began in April, shortly before Earth Day, with a price point consistent with traditional polo shirts of the same brand.

With this new initiative, the company has committed to “removing at least 170 million bottles from landfills and oceans by 2050, and have partnered with bottle collection organization First Mile. They process the collected bottles into yarn and fabric.

In addition, Ralph Lauren has appointed Halide Alagoz, former H&M employee, as their new supply chain and sustainability officer. Alagoz shared with Women’s Wear Daily that in their designing of new products, the company will “think through the lens of sustainability”.

Halide Alagon, center, newly appointed sustainability officer of Ralph Lauren.

Halide Alagon, center, newly appointed sustainability officer of Ralph Lauren.

Chief Innovation Officer, David Lauren.

Chief Innovation Officer, David Lauren.

  1. Foley, Bridget. “Bridget Foley's Diary Views on Sustainability: Halide Alagöz.” WWD, WWD, 25 Apr. 2019, wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/bridget-foleys-diary-views-on-sustainability-halide-alagoz-1203116069/.

  2. Italie, Leanne, and Associated Press. “Earth, Meet Polo: Ralph Lauren Unveils Plastic Bottle Shirt.” Lake Charles American Press, 18 Apr. 2019, www.americanpress.com/wire/earth-meet-polo-ralph-lauren-unveils-plastic-bottle-shirt/article_5b921a0a-470e-5d14-a649-82aaf4eaecbc.html.

  3. Maoui, Zak. “Exclusive: The Ralph Lauren Polo Just Got an Eco-Friendly Makeover.” GQ, British GQ, 18 Apr. 2019, www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/ralph-lauren-earth-polo.