More Sustainable Materials
We are committed to steadily increasing the use of preferred fibers and are constantly exploring new, innovative materials to incorporate into our products.
We strive to create the best sporting goods. At the same time we want to reduce any potential impact this has on the planet. This is why we adopt increasingly more sustainable materials for making our products. We align our approach to more sustainable materials with internationally recognized industry definitions: “A fiber or raw material that delivers consistently reduced impacts and increased benefits for climate, nature, and people against the conventional equivalent, through a holistic approach to transforming production systems.”
Find out more about our latest progress in our 2023 Annual Report
Besides transforming our portfolio to preferred fibers and materials, we are constantly exploring new innovative materials to incorporate into our products. Our approach is to be transparent about the materials we use, their environmental impact, and our efforts to mitigate any potential negative effects. Working with industry partners is essential to navigate this journey. (See Our Collaborations)
In the following sections, we dive into the reasons behind our material choices, the effects they can have on the environment and people, and our approach to addressing potential impacts.
At adidas, we utilize a small fraction of animal-derived materials, they make up less than 4% of our total materials use (2023). The largest animal-derived material is leather.
We aim to source materials of animal origin in a humane, ethical, and sustainable manner concerning animal welfare and species conservation. We therefore recognize the Five Freedoms Animal Welfare framework to guide our business practices and have implemented a company standard which must be adhered to for the sourcing of animal-derived materials.
LEATHER
WHY DO WE USE LEATHER?
Leather is a material that has been long valued for its unique performance properties and style versatility. It is light, strong, supple and breathable. Despite developments in synthetic materials, leather materials remain popular due to comfort and durability. Most of the leather used for adidas products comes from cattle.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
Leather is a by-product of the cattle industry, which is the main driver of man-made deforestation in the world’s tropical forests (UNDP, 2021). Cattle rearing is also a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions (FAO, 2021). Also, the tanning of leather requires energy, water and chemicals that can have a negative impact on the environment.
OUR APPROACH
In 2023, we committed to sourcing all cattle leather from deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains by 2030 or earlier, signaling our ambition to reduce our impact on nature. This commitment was accomplished through our collaboration with Textile Exchange and the Leather Working Group (LWG) on the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather. This initiative aims to catalyze change within the entire leather value chain through collective action and to create positive impact by driving sustainable practices at scale. As part of this commitment, we want to extend the traceability of our leather to the slaughterhouse level, focusing on sourcing deforestation- and conversion-free leather.
A member of the Leather Working Group (‘LWG’) since 2006, adidas has defined clear standards for our leather suppliers, including LWG certification, compliance with our restricted substances list A-01, and exclusion of all exotic leathers and furs. Currently, more than 99% of our leather volume is audited in accordance with the LWG protocol, with most of our hides being sourced from tanneries with the highest possible rating (‘Gold’). The LWG is a multi-stakeholder group that promotes sustainable business practices in the leather industry.
DOWN
WHY DO WE USE DOWN?
We use down in our products for their exceptional insulating properties. Derived from the fluffy layer of feathers on ducks and geese, down is the most effective natural insulator in the industry. Its ability to form clusters creates a layer of insulation that retains warmth in items such as pillows, sleeping bags, and puffer jackets.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
Animal farming requires land, water, and other resources, which can contribute to deforestation, water scarcity, and other environmental issues. In addition, down production can involve inhumane treatment of animals, including force-feeding, live-plucking, and other practices that can cause pain and suffering.
OUR APPROACH
All down in adidas product is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). This way we ensure that the down used in our products is sourced from suppliers who meet stringent animal welfare and sustainability standards.
WOOL
WHY DO WE USE WOOL?
Wool is used for its durability and exceptional thermal insulation properties. The specific type of hair used in wool production determines its unique insulative effects, as animals naturally rely on this hair to stay warm during the winter. These inherent properties make wool a preferred choice to provide warmth and comfort in various climates.
What is the impact?
Sheep farming can lead to overgrazing and soil degradation. The wool industry has also been criticized for poor working conditions and low wages in certain countries, which raises concerns about fair labor practices. ¬
OUR APPROACH
We have committed to only use wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) by 2024. RWS farmers and ranchers must meet animal welfare, land management, and social requirements that aim to protect the Five Freedoms, soil health and biodiversity, and address the social welfare and working conditions of workers.