Puma sets science-based target while Nike envisions carbon neutrality

Sportswear giant Puma has set a new science-based target to reduce emissions by 35% by 2030, while fellow sports brand Nike has joined the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.


Puma sets science-based target while Nike envisions carbon neutrality

Both companies announced new climate goals next week

Nike, which committed to setting a science-based target back in 2017, has signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. The company joins the likes of H&M Group, Inditex and Adidas in joining the charter.

As a signatory, Nike has committed to new climate targets, including a 30% reduction in aggregate emissions by 2030 and vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Issues as big and complex as climate change call for us to collaborate across our industry and beyond,” Nike’s chief sustainability officer Noel Kinder said.

“That’s why we’re committed to doing just that in partnership with UN Climate Change – teaming up with peers and partners across sectors to do what’s right for our planet and for the future of sport.”

Nike is also a member of the RE100 initiative to source 100% renewable energy. As of 2018, Nike is powered by 100% renewables in North America and is more than halfway to its commitment of sourcing 100% renewable energy across owned and operated facilities worldwide. The commitment has a 2025 deadline.

More recently, Nike launched an open-source circular design guide to help the fashion industry embed sustainability into product design and manufacturing.

Puma’s approach

In related news, rival sports brand Puma has joined the growing number of companies to have a greenhouse gas emissions target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Puma, also part of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, has this week committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 35% by 2030 compared to 2017. The company will also reduce Scope 3 emissions, coming from purchased goods and services, by 60% per Million € in sales between 2017 and 2030.

“Recent scientific reports have highlighted the need for urgent action, as global warming is happening at a faster pace than previously anticipated,” Puma’s head of corporate sustainability Stefan Seidel said.

“That is why Puma wants to be a part of the solution by setting a bold path towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Puma joins the likes of Best Buy and Burberry in setting new science-based targets. The latter has set a target aligned to the 1.5C trajectory of the Paris Agreement, after committing to reducing its operational emissions by 95% by 2022.

Matt Mace

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