adidas Sustainability Review

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adidas qZERO® Sustainability Score

3.7 / 5.0

Advanced Sustainability *

November 20, 2024

About adidas

Headquarters: Adi-Dassler-Str. 1 91074 Herzogenaurach Bayern Germany
Country: Germany Germany

adidas, owned by Adidas AG, is a globally recognised brand specialising in sportswear and athletic equipment. Founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, it has grown to be a leader in footwear, apparel, and accessories for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Known for its innovative designs and high-quality products, adidas maintains a strong presence in both professional sports and casual fashion. The iconic three stripes logo is synonymous with performance and reliability. Collaborations with athletes and influencers have extended its market reach. adidas continues to set trends and influence the sportswear industry on an international level.

adidas Sustainability Rating is 3.7 out of 5.0

This means adidas are above average compared to other companies in the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear.

Industry positioning

adidas
Industry average
5
4
3
2
1
0
3.7
3.6
Overall
4.1
3.0
Environmental
3.5
3.4
Social
3.6
4.1
Governance

adidas positioning within the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear

Key Sustainability Issues in the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear Industry

The Apparel, Accessories & Footwear industry faces several sustainability challenges, including environmental impact, social labour conditions, and governance practices. Environmental issues relate to resource consumption, pollution, and waste management. Social concerns revolve around fair labour practices, worker rights, and community impact. Governance includes ethical business conduct and transparency.

Sustainability Performance: Adidas vs. Industry

In terms of sustainability performance, Adidas outperforms the industry average environmentally, showing higher levels of ecological responsibility. The company is also slightly better than average in social aspects, ensuring better social practices. However, Adidas falls short compared to the industry's average in governance, suggesting room for improvement in its accountability and corporate ethics.

How does adidas focus on You?

Adidas, offered by adidas AG, provides a wide range of products, including sportswear, shoes, and accessories. Their portfolio covers items for various sports such as running, football, basketball, and training, as well as casual and lifestyle apparel for everyday wear.

Affordability vs. Sustainability

Adidas addresses the balance between affordability and sustainability by integrating eco-friendly materials and practices into their production processes while striving to keep products competitively priced. They leverage innovative technologies, such as recycling ocean plastics, to create sustainable products without significant cost increases. Adidas also partners with organisations promoting sustainable fashion to enhance transparency and efficiency. Furthermore, they offer a diverse range of product lines, allowing consumers to choose based on their budget and eco-conscious preferences without compromising on quality or style. This approach helps adidas to maintain an equilibrium between price accessibility and environmental responsibility.

adidas Sustainability Rating Breakdown:

adidas Overall Sustainability Rating is 3.7 out of 5.0

Adidas' Commitment to Sustainability

Adidas' sustainability approach stands out through its innovative use of recycled materials, such as ocean plastic, in its products. The company focuses on circular business models by promoting resale and repair services, ensuring product longevity. They are committed to reducing carbon emissions and have set ambitious targets to achieve climate neutrality across their entire value chain by 2050. Transparency is another key element, as Adidas provides detailed reports on sustainability performance, allowing consumers to track its progress. In addition, the brand engages in collaborations with environmental organisations to support broader ecological initiatives.

adidas Environmental Rating is 4.1 out of 5.0

Environmental Practices at Adidas AG

Adidas AG demonstrates strong environmental practices, with notable strengths in energy management, water management, and pollution prevention. The company excels at leveraging resources efficiently and minimising the environmental impact of its operations. There is also a strong commitment to environmental certifications, reflecting their adherence to industry standards and best practices. However, there is room for improvement in environmental compliance, which seems to be a relatively weaker area. While the company's performance in climate risk, land use, and biodiversity is commendable, focusing on compliance could enhance its overall sustainability profile.

adidas Social Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0

Social Sustainability at adidas AG

Adidas AG demonstrates a significant commitment to social sustainability, with notable achievements in several areas. Their strengths are evident in community engagement, corporate philanthropy, and training and education, reflecting their investment in community support and employee development initiatives. The company also performs well in diversity and inclusion and supplier engagement, indicating a dedication to fair practices and equitable supplier relationships. However, opportunities for improvement exist, particularly in data privacy and cyber risk management, where adidas is currently underperforming. Enhancing efforts in these areas could further fortify their overall social sustainability profile.

adidas Governance Rating is 3.6 out of 5.0

Governance Practices Summary for adidas AG

Adidas demonstrates strong governance practices in several key areas. The company's notable performance in Business Resilience and Sustainability and Governance-related Certifications highlights its commitment to long-term stability and adherence to established standards. Board Accountability is also a significant component of their governance efforts, ensuring effective oversight and management. However, there is room for improvement in Shareholder Rights, where the scores indicate potential limitations in shareholder engagement and influence. While the scores for Business Ethics and Corporate Compliance Behaviours show moderate performance, addressing these areas could enhance overall governance strength and transparency.

What makes adidas stand out in the Industry?

Main Unique Selling Proposition of Adidas

Adidas by adidas AG stands out in the market through its commitment to innovation and performance in sportswear. The brand excels in offering high-quality products that combine cutting-edge technology with style and comfort. Adidas appeals to athletes and fashion-conscious consumers alike by continuously incorporating sustainable practices within their production processes. Emphasising a strong connection to cultural and sports communities, the brand enhances its reputation by partnering with world-class athletes and influential designers. This strategic approach ensures that Adidas remains at the forefront of both functionality and fashion, making it a preferred choice for consumers seeking excellence in sports apparel.

So is adidas sustainable?

Understanding Adidas' Sustainability Efforts

When considering the sustainability of a brand like Adidas, it’s important to explore various factors that impact its operations. Adidas demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, indicating a positive approach towards managing its ecological impact. While not perfect, the company's initiatives suggest it has a well-balanced understanding of environmentally friendly practices.

On the social front, Adidas is making notable progress by ensuring fair labour practices and contributing positively to the communities where it operates. This suggests that Adidas values the welfare of its workforce and aims to create a positive social impact.

Concerning governance, the company appears to have systems in place to manage and oversee its operations responsibly. While there is always room for improvement, Adidas is showcasing its dedication to maintaining a transparent and ethical business model.

For consumers looking for sustainable options, Adidas presents a decent choice. The brand embodies a mix of environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and solid governance practices. When you choose Adidas, you are supporting a company that is actively engaging in sustainable actions, which aligns with eco-friendly and ethically responsible values.

adidas Certifications List


adidas Supports These Sustainable Development Goals


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