The iconic sports and lifestyle brand Adidas is focusing on a more sustainable future. The well-known company is committed to improving its labour and environmental standards as a member of the Adidas Group. Let’s discuss Adidas’s efforts to use eco-friendly materials, lessen their carbon impact, and other sustainability initiatives as we examine their story.
Environment-friendly materials: Taking a greener step
Adidas supports eco-friendly materials entirely. They have reduced waste and conserved resources by using a sizable amount of recycled materials in their goods. Their commitment to protecting the environment is demonstrated by their decision.
The company’s “Own the Game” approach focuses on growing its line of sustainable products. They want 90% of their products to satisfy environmental standards by 2025. Utilising eco-friendly resources like sustainable and recycled cotton along with cutting-edge solutions like biobased synthetics, they are able to attain sustainability.
With particular requirements for each product category, 70% for clothes, 50% for accessories and gear, and 20% for footwear, these materials must account for a substantial portion of the product’s weight in order for it to be considered sustainable. They have successfully achieved their sustainability goals, with seven out of ten items now being sustainable as of 2022.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: A goal to reach
Adidas has set goals based on research to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its supply chain and operations as a whole. Although this is a positive pledge, it is unclear if they will be able to meet these objectives. Evaluating their performance in lowering emissions will depend critically on frequent monitoring and open reporting.
Adidas’s devotion to safeguarding the climate:
- By 2025, achieve CO2e neutrality in its operations (Scopes 1 and 2)
- By 2030, (calculated against a 2017 baseline), reduce absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% throughout the whole value chain (Scopes 1, 2, and 3)
- By 2050, attain CO2e neutrality throughout the value chainÂ
The “Science Based Targets initiative” has accepted its 2030 goals (SBTi). A 90% decrease in absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from the 2017 baseline is part of the 2025 goal, which is in line with initiatives to keep increases in global temperature to 1.5°C. They achieve SBTi’s requirements for ambitious value chain goals with their GHG reduction target for value chain emissions (Scope 3).
Research on microplastics: Addressing new environmental concerns
Adidas is taking action to address microplastics, a significant environmental problem. Together, they have gathered research on the effects of these minuscule plastic particles—which often measure less than five millimetres—on the environment, aquatic life, and human health. Clothes are one among the many items that contain cunning microplastics.
Adidas demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility by delving into this research. To ascertain the extent of the microplastic debacle in rivers, soil, and oceans, scientists are compiling data. Using this information, they want to create clever strategies to lessen the harm that microplastics cause to the environment. All of this is Adidas’s responsibility to take action to clean up and green our planet.
Preserving biodiversity: An unfinished business
Adidas is aware that its activities have the potential to negatively affect the environment, the natural resources used, and even the functioning of the apparel industry. They are aware that maintaining the health of the environment is difficult and requires cooperation from all parties, including their partners, suppliers, and experts. They agreed to set specific targets to become more environmentally responsible as part of the Fashion Pact.
They’re now working to improve environmental protection. They began by examining the ways in which they impact nature globally and the things on which they rely. They started a strategy to stop cutting down wood in 2022, and they will continue to do so in the upcoming years.
They’re also trying to figure out how to add additional flora and fauna to their areas. They are researching the current species of plants and animals and how to expand their population at their headquarters. Thus, modest efforts are being made to improve the environment and assist nature.
Adidas’s dedication to ethical and secure work environments
Adidas is committed to providing fair and safe working conditions in its manufacturing plants, and it takes this obligation seriously. The business abides by the Adidas Workplace Standards, which are incorporated into their contractual agreements and serve as a set of rules for suppliers.
These regulations ensure that employees have safe, comfortable working conditions and support the sustainability of the environment. Adidas also works with groups like the Better Buying Institute to assess its sourcing processes and synchronise its operations with international labour laws.
The company trains its staff in this area and strives to make ethical purchasing decisions by abstaining from actions that would prevent its suppliers from fulfilling these requirements. Constant observation guarantees adherence to these guidelines and permits required adjustments.
Transparency: A crucial disclosure
In the 2021 Fashion Transparency Index, Adidas received a score of 51-60%, demonstrating their dedication to sharing information about their supply chain, policies, and practices. In order to hold brands responsible and encourage improvements in sustainable policies, transparency is essential.
(Tashia Bernardus)