Adidas' Carbon Footprint: Clothing's Air Pollution Problem

Adidas, the world's second-largest sportswear brand, has been criticised for its contribution to air pollution and environmental damage. In 2017, Greenpeace's Dirty Laundry report revealed links between Adidas and suppliers who discharge toxic chemicals into Chinese rivers. However, Adidas has since committed to eliminating hazardous chemicals from its supply chain and improving waste management. The company aims to replace virgin polyester with recycled polyester and has partnered with Parley for the Oceans to create products from recycled ocean waste, reducing pollution and conserving natural resources. Adidas has also invested in renewable energy projects and improved energy efficiency, with seven of its retail stores receiving LEED certification for eco-friendly design and construction. While Adidas has made strides towards sustainability, it still faces challenges, including ensuring living wages for workers in its supply chain.

Adidas's commitment to reducing air pollution

Adidas has made several commitments to reducing air pollution and minimizing its environmental impact. The company has set clear emission reduction targets and implemented measures such as on-site renewable energy production, improved energy efficiency, and sourcing renewable energy through green tariffs in Europe. In 2022, Adidas invested in its own operations and offered Green Funds to support local energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy projects. These initiatives included solar energy projects in multiple locations and improvements in energy efficiency through LED retrofits and equipment upgrades.

Adidas has also prioritized the optimization of waste diversion across its supply chain, aiming to increase the value of waste within the product lifecycle through recycling and reuse. The company has developed waste management guidelines to enhance waste segregation in manufacturing, prioritizing the recycling and reuse of non-hazardous waste. They have specified that non-recyclable waste materials should not be directly landfilled and have developed a waste diversion program to use this waste in energy production, reducing pollution and natural resource consumption.

In addition, Adidas has responded to the Greenpeace 'Detox' challenge by committing to zero discharge of hazardous chemicals across its supply chain and product lifecycle by 2020. This commitment followed the Greenpeace report, "Dirty Laundry," which revealed links between Adidas and suppliers responsible for releasing toxic pollution into Chinese rivers. Adidas has also agreed to address the "right to know" principle by ensuring transparency about the chemicals released from its suppliers' factories.

Furthermore, Adidas has taken steps to address plastic pollution by partnering with Parley for the Oceans in 2015. Together, they aim to turn marine pollution into sportswear. Adidas has utilized recycled ocean plastic in its products, including its footwear, apparel, and accessories, with close to 27 million pairs of shoes containing Parley Ocean Plastic produced in 2022. The company has also set a target to replace all virgin polyester with recycled polyester by the end of 2024, and in 2023, 99% of the polyester used was recycled.

Adidas has also launched innovative materials, such as the use of LanzaTech technology, which turns greenhouse gases into feedstock for polyester. In 2023, they produced a collection of apparel and footwear using this technology. Additionally, Adidas is developing the Futurecraft Loop, a 100% recyclable shoe that can be returned, broken down, and remade into a new pair.

While Adidas has made significant strides in reducing air pollution, it is important to note that the company has also faced criticism and allegations regarding human rights abuses and supply chain ethics.

The use of recycled materials

Adidas has been making efforts to reduce air pollution by optimizing waste diversion across its supply chain. The company has developed waste management guidelines to help suppliers improve waste segregation in manufacturing, prioritizing the recycling and reuse of non-hazardous waste. In 2019, Adidas, in collaboration with co-processing partners, developed a waste diversion program to utilize non-recyclable manufacturing waste in energy production. This co-processing solution reduces pollution, the consumption of natural resources, landfill space, and contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.

Adidas has also been using recycled materials in its products. In 2015, Adidas partnered with the environmental organization Parley for the Oceans to turn marine pollution, such as plastic bottles and used fishnets, into sportswear and shoes. The partnership has prevented 2,810 tons of plastic from reaching the oceans. The collected waste is sorted, and the recovered plastic is sent to an Adidas processing plant. The plastic is then crushed, washed, dehydrated, heated, dried, and cooled, resulting in small resin pellets. These pellets are melted to create a filament, which is spun into what Adidas calls Ocean Plastic, a form of polyester yarn. In 2022, Adidas produced close to 27 million pairs of shoes containing Parley Ocean Plastic, and they are on track to use only recycled polyester by the end of 2024.

Adidas has also launched its Primeblue and Primegreen performance fabrics, where 100% of the polyester used is recycled plastic waste. The iconic Stan Smith sneaker has been revamped with Primegreen fabric, replacing the virgin polyester material. The outsoles are made from recycled rubber, and the laces are crafted from recycled fabric. Additionally, Adidas has been running water reduction programs and has obtained LEED certifications for some of its retail stores, demonstrating a commitment to eco-efficiency standards.

In 2023, Adidas launched products with a material using LanzaTech technology, which turns greenhouse gases into feedstock for polyester. This technology substitutes conventional building blocks made with fossil fuel feedstock. Adidas also introduced a small collection of Gazelle shoes made with Mylo, a material based on mycelium. These initiatives showcase Adidas's commitment to sustainability and reducing pollution by incorporating recycled and innovative materials into its product lines.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy

Adidas has been working towards improving its energy efficiency and adopting renewable energy sources. In 2022, the company invested in its operations and offered Green Funds to support local energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy projects. These initiatives included solar energy projects in Herzogenaurach, Bogota, Caspe, and Stockport. The company also improved energy efficiency through LED retrofits, HVAC equipment upgrades, energy monitoring, sensors, and automation.

Additionally, Adidas has been working to phase out coal-fired boilers, with a commitment to decommissioning them at all Tier 1 and Tier 2 direct supplier facilities by 2025. The company has also been advocating for policy changes to scale up renewable energy use, engaging with governments and electricity utilities in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia to facilitate PPAs and remove barriers to rooftop solar adoption.

Adidas has set clear targets for reducing its environmental impact, aiming to achieve climate neutrality (CO2e) across its operations by 2025 and a 30% reduction in GHG emissions across its value chain by 2030, measured against the baseline of 2017. To achieve these goals, the company has implemented measures such as on-site renewable energy production and improving energy use efficiency.

Furthermore, Adidas has been working to optimize waste diversion across its supply chain, aiming to increase the value of waste through recycling and reuse. The company has developed waste management guidelines to help suppliers improve waste segregation and prioritize recycling and reuse, including using non-recyclable manufacturing waste for energy production through co-processing, reducing pollution and natural resource consumption.

Adidas has also been using innovative materials, such as "LanzaTech," which turns greenhouse gases into feedstock for polyester, and Parley Ocean Plastic, plastic waste collected from remote islands, beaches, and coastal communities, preventing ocean pollution. By 2023, 99% of the polyester used by Adidas was recycled, and the company is on track to use only recycled polyester by the end of 2024.

Waste management and reduction

Adidas has been making efforts to reduce its environmental impact and pollution caused by its manufacturing processes. The company has set clear emission reduction targets and has invested in projects to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy sources. For instance, Adidas has implemented on-site solar renewable energy projects in several locations, including Herzogenaurach, Bogota, Caspe, and Stockport. They have also improved energy efficiency through LED retrofits, HVAC equipment upgrades, energy monitoring, sensors, and automation.

In addition to reducing energy consumption, Adidas is also committed to minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization. The company has developed waste management guidelines to improve waste segregation in manufacturing, prioritizing the recycling and reuse of non-hazardous waste. They have implemented a waste diversion program to use non-recyclable manufacturing waste in energy production, reducing pollution, natural resource consumption, and landfill space. Adidas aims to increase the value of waste within the life cycle through recycling and reuse, and they have set a goal to achieve a circular economy by minimizing waste and extending the lifespan of their products.

Adidas has also focused on reducing water intensity and improving water use reduction. By 2025, the company aims to achieve an overall reduction in water intensity of 40% against the 2017 baseline. They have expanded their water-reduction efforts to include additional Tier 2 suppliers in their environmental program and continue to support their suppliers in implementing water-saving initiatives.

Furthermore, Adidas has been working to remove harmful chemicals from its products. They have successfully phased out polyfluorinated and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and are committed to eliminating any hazardous materials. Adidas launched the "ZDHC Supplier to Zero" program to assist suppliers in adopting safer chemistries and ensuring that wastewater is treated effectively to prevent environmental pollution.

Adidas has also pioneered innovative materials and technologies to reduce their environmental impact. They have partnered with "Parley for the Oceans" to use "Parley Ocean Plastic" as a replacement for virgin polyester. This involves using plastic waste collected from remote islands, beaches, coastal communities, and shorelines, preventing it from polluting the oceans. In 2023, Adidas also launched products made with "LanzaTech," a technology that turns greenhouse gases into feedstock for polyester, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Through these initiatives, Adidas is actively working towards reducing pollution, minimizing waste, and improving its environmental sustainability.

Adidas's response to Greenpeace's 'Detox' challenge

Adidas has taken several steps to address Greenpeace's Detox challenge, which calls on major clothing brands to stop the release of toxic chemicals into waterways and eliminate hazardous chemical releases from their supply chains. Here is Adidas's response to the challenge:

Partnership with Parley for the Oceans:

Adidas has been partnering with the environmental organization 'Parley for the Oceans' since 2015. Together, they use ''Parley Ocean Plastic' as a replacement for virgin polyester. This plastic waste is collected from remote islands, beaches, coastal communities, and shorelines, preventing it from polluting the oceans. In 2022, Adidas produced close to 27 million pairs of shoes containing Parley Ocean Plastic, and they are on track to use only recycled polyester by the end of 2024.

Phasing out of PFCs:

Adidas has worked to remove harmful chemicals from its products, including perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). The company planned to phase out all PFCs by 2020, addressing concerns about the high levels of these chemicals found in their "Predator" soccer boots.

Innovative Materials:

Adidas launched products in 2023 featuring a new technology called 'LanzaTech', which turns greenhouse gases into feedstock for polyester. This process uses waste gases from industrial emissions, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel feedstock.

Waste Management Guidelines:

Adidas has developed waste management guidelines to improve waste segregation in manufacturing. These guidelines prioritize the recycling and reuse of non-hazardous waste and specify that non-recyclable waste should not be directly landfilled. They have also implemented waste diversion programs to use non-recyclable manufacturing waste in energy production, reducing pollution and consumption of natural resources.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

Adidas has invested in on-site renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements. This includes solar renewable energy initiatives in multiple locations and upgrades to HVAC equipment, energy monitoring, and automation. They have also sourced renewable energy through green tariffs in Europe.

Retail Store Certifications:

Adidas seeks certifications like 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' (LEED) and 'Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method' (BREEAM) for the interior design and construction of its retail stores. In 2023, seven of their stores globally received LEED certification, with the store in Cape Town, South Africa, achieving the highest level of recognition.

Water Reduction Programs:

Adidas has been running water reduction programs and working with Tier 1 suppliers to build awareness of the importance of water conservation.

Adidas's response to Greenpeace's Detox challenge demonstrates a commitment to reducing pollution, improving waste management, and increasing the sustainability of its operations and products.

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