Puma, the renowned German-based sporting goods manufacturer, has significantly increased its commitment to sustainability by scaling up the use of recycled materials in its products. According to Puma’s recent Sustainability Report for 2022, the company successfully produced seven out of ten products using better materials, such as cotton and viscose from certified sources or recycled polyester. This achievement not only reduced the environmental footprint in terms of CO2 emissions but also improved Puma’s overall environmental impact across its product range.
Over the years, Puma has made remarkable progress in reducing CO2 emissions from materials by 32% since 2017. However, the company believes there is still room for improvement and aims to further reduce overall CO2 emissions by an additional 7%, despite experiencing significant growth in sales.
One of Puma’s notable achievements in sustainability is its commitment to powering 100% of its offices, stores, and warehouses with renewable energy. In 2022, the company continued to achieve this milestone, ensuring that its operations have a minimal carbon footprint.
Puma has successfully encouraged its suppliers to increase their use of renewable energy in the supply chain, where a significant portion of Puma’s carbon emissions originates.
Puma’s core suppliers, accounting for approximately 80% of its production volume, have more than doubled their consumption of renewable energy in just one year. From 0.2% in 2017, they have now reached 11% in 2022.
This remarkable progress was made possible through the installation of large-scale solar power systems at selected suppliers and the purchase of renewable energy certificates. Puma aims to surpass this achievement by 2025, aiming to ensure that its core suppliers source at least a quarter of their energy needs from renewable sources.
Moreover, Puma has taken substantial steps in incorporating recycled materials into its products. Over 50% of the polyester used in Puma’s apparel and accessories now comes from recycled materials, showcasing the company’s commitment to circularity and waste reduction. Additionally, Puma has started scaling up the use of recycled cotton, further bolstering its sustainability efforts.
The company has also been actively involved in various sustainability projects. Two notable initiatives, RE:SUEDE and RE:FIBRE, continue to make progress in 2023. RE:SUEDE focuses on developing biodegradable sneakers, while RE:FIBRE aims to scale up more advanced polyester recycling technologies. These projects demonstrate Puma’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation.
To ensure the well-being and rights of workers in Puma’s extensive supply chain, the company collected audit reports from 510 factories producing finished products and materials in 2022. By diligently monitoring these reports, Puma aims to uphold the rights of more than half a million workers and ensure ethical practices throughout its supply chain.
Puma’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials and energy. The company has set ambitious targets for sourcing sustainable cotton, polyester, leather, down feathers, paper, and cardboard. By 2025, Puma aims to source 100% of these materials from more sustainable sources, such as organic and recycled alternatives. Through partnerships with organizations like the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and certifications like bluesign® and Oeko-Tex, Puma ensures that its materials meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility and safety.
In conclusion, Puma’s increased focus on sustainability is evident through its commitment to using recycled materials, scaling up renewable energy use, and partnering with organizations and certifications that promote responsible practices. By setting ambitious targets for sourcing sustainable materials and continuously exploring innovative projects, Puma demonstrates its dedication to creating a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible sporting goods industry. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, Puma’s efforts position the company as a leader in the pursuit of a greener future.
