Corporate responsibility strategy

Environmental sustainability

To manage and further reduce the environmental footprint of our business operations, the environmental strategy has defined core subjects which are products, production and own sites.

Products

Improving the environmental impact of our products requires tackling the root cause. The major part of environmental footprints of our products is predetermined through decisions made in the product creation, design and development stage. Our goal is to further drive and extend research, product innovation and development to ensure that we have made the right choice. By this we mean that we have created and launched products that are environmentally sustainable and high performance.

For example, in 2008 the adidas Sport Performance Division developed the Better Place programme, an innovative product concept that uses environmentally improved materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton. Read more about this in progress against targets.

Production

95% of direct environmental impacts are caused during the production of our products. Manufacturing operations are almost entirely managed by our external supply chain. While we do not have direct accountability for and control over our suppliers' operations, we have a shared responsibility in supporting them to reduce environmental pollution and resource use.

Our long-term goal is to be a partner for change with our suppliers in improving their manufacturing conditions. We are looking for effective mechanisms that make environmental aspects an embedded part of their management. We strive to achieve this by supporting suppliers in awareness raising, capacity building programmes and in developing partnerships with brand and scientific organisations that help them manage change.

For example in 2008, we contracted energy experts to run a series of energy efficiency workshops for core suppliers in China and Turkey. Read more about this initiative.

Own sites

We have direct accountability for minimising the environmental impact resulting from our own sites and offices. Striving to be a leader in the industry means we work towards the goal of leading by example. In terms of environmental management we will further strengthen and extend our efforts in establishing sound environmental programmes that help systematically manage a reduction in our environmental impacts.

For example, in 2008 the adidas Group Green Company initiative was launched to all entities of the adidas Group. This programme is to drive environmental improvements at offices, sites and internal operations in a more systematic way and support employee engagement in this matter. Find out more.