Textile Exchange

The adidas Group focuses research on more sustainable materials as part of the environmental strategy

Being a truly global business, the adidas Group is committed to sustainable business practices in its company and particularly in its supply chain.  We do so by looking at each part of the business, that way we can understand where the key impacts are and can then create a plan for tackling them. For assessing each part of the business - or value chain - three key principles have been defined:

                     - Use resources sustainably. 
                     - Reduce our emissions. 
                     - Limit risks and chemical hazards.

Our material guidelines

We apply these principles in the selection of materials and increase the usage of materials that have a lower overall environmental impact during their life cycle than conventional ones. We look at several factors when considering whether a material is sustainable or not, e.g. land used for the crop, energy and water use for production. We are continuously improving our own Guidelines on Sustainable Materials, which we are extending constantly as materials based on new technologies become available.

How much better is recycled polyester?

Being one of three industry sponsors of a scientific study which has been conducted by the University of Utrecht (Netherlands), the adidas Group has participated in a life cycle analysis (LCA) of recycled polyester. The study shows the environmental impact of the life cycle of recycled polyester.

Polyester, notedly known for its high-performance, is one of the preferred fibres used for athletic apparel and is therefore one of the most widely used materials for products made by the adidas Group. At the same time, the extensive sustainability activities of the company are increasingly focusing on the environmental impact of materials used in production. Dependable data is needed in order to precisely assess the environmental profile of fibres.

The LCA results of the study show that recycled polyester fibres offer important environmental benefits over virgin polyester. Non renewable energy savings of 40-85% and global warming potential savings of 25-75% can be achieved.

For more information about our sustainability efforts please visit:

http://www.adidas-group.com/en/SER2009/