The energy from transporting virgin materials from the source is also saved.

Recycling prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials.

This reduces the amount of virgin material used for Patagonia's products.

Others have sandwiched recycled layers between virgin material, which is also expensive.

Only a fresh infusion of virgin material will restore it.

No virgin material was ever here-that work was done elsewhere.

The roof is made from recycled aluminium instead of virgin materials.

"American industry has been seduced into excessive reliance on virgin materials and doesn't know how to use scrap," he said.

Even so, the prices of virgin raw materials fluctuate - and presently, many are depressed.

Administrative issues further cloud the practicality of fees on virgin materials.