What We're Doing to Be More Sustainable
What Is UO's Reuse & Recycle Strategy?
Since our first store opened in 1970, Urban Outfitters has placed an emphasis on found objects and recycled, unused, bulk materials to enhance the brand’s unique identity. When building, our approach has always been to preserve a space’s original features, whether it’s recycling concrete, or upcycling found objects into décor. In 2020, UO will continue a strategy for fixture programs to be repurposed, and has committed to using 50% recycled plastic in our packaging materials, working towards 100% recycled packaging by the end of 2021. We also recognise recycling doesn’t stop at our stores; and are pleased to communicate that our offices are zero waste, meaning none of our waste goes to landfill.
Can I Recycle UO Packaging?
Our shopping bags are made from 100% recyclable material, and we're always looking for ways to decrease our packaging waste. For now, you can help us make a minimal environmental impact by recycling your plastic packaging and cardboard boxes—and reminding your friends to do the same, too.
What are UO's Product Commitments?
In 2019 we joined SCAP - Sustainable Clothing Action Plan. This initiative equips us with tools to benchmark our water waste and carbon footprint, allowing us to make better choices and implement sustainable processes. We are committed to swapping 20% of the virgin fibres in our UO collections to organic and recycled alternatives by 2021, and are working hard to move towards circular design in order to minimise waste and our environmental impact.
We are also proud to partner with likeminded brands to offer a wide range of sustainable brands and exclusives from the likes of Chilly’s, Timberland, Beyond Retro, Lefrik, Teva, Temporary Collective and many more.
Vintage & Urban Renewal
At UO, we recognise that the future of fashion lies in its past, and have carefully curated vintage collections since the 1982. Today, our Urban Renewal team continues to hand-pick vintage from clothing recycling plants, to not only uncover rare, one-of-a-kind pieces, but to also give new life to damaged and unwanted clothing by reworking these garments into new styles. At our UK clothing recycling plant alone, we save over 260,000 pieces of clothing every year that could otherwise be destined for landfill.
Conscious Living