Nike, a global leader in athletic apparel and footwear, is not only committed to creating innovative products but also to reducing its environmental impact. As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, Nike has recognised its responsibility to lead by example and has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy that addresses critical environmental challenges.
Landscape view of a lake in Oregon, the location of Nike's global headquarters. AI generated picture.
By adopting circular design principles, advancing renewable energy use, and promoting responsible sourcing, Nike is pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a sustainable company. Let’s discover Nike’s 3 approaches to becoming a greener company.
1. Move to zero: Nike’s journey towards zero carbon and zero waste
At the heart of Nike’s sustainability efforts is its Move to Zero initiative, a bold commitment to achieve zero carbon and zero waste across its operations. Nike aims to drastically reduce its carbon footprint and eliminate waste in the production process by designing products that are durable, sustainable, and circular.
To achieve this, the owner of the brand Swoosh has set ambitious Science-Based Targets to reduce its carbon footprint by 2030, with an absolute reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 65% and Scope 3 emissions by 30%. And they’ve ‘just done it’, reducing 69% of its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, from 225,644 tonnes of CO2 in 2020 to 70,723 in 2023.
The sports brand is expecting to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half this decade and reach net zero by 2050. By transitioning to 100% renewable energy in North America and Europe, Nike is on track to meet these goals and significantly reduce its overall environmental impact.
As part of its Move to Zero initiative, Nike has made significant efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits to compensate for the emissions generated from the outbound shipment of all Nike.com purchases.
These carbon credits (carbon units) are sourced from approximately 28,000 acres of forestland in Oregon, which can absorb, on average, 30% more carbon from the atmosphere than conventional management practices. These projects not only enhance carbon sequestration but also contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.
One project protects coastal forests, safeguarding clean drinking water and critical habitats for endangered species like the marbled murrelet and the threatened coastal coho salmon. Another project in central Oregon preserves a crucial migration corridor for mule deer, funding efforts to restore meadows and water sources.
Through these initiatives, Nike’s carbon credits support ecological preservation while advancing its ambitious emissions reduction goals. Bert Stevens, Vice President of Nike North America Supply Chain, stated: ‘We hope to elevate the critical importance of forests in reducing global emissions and highlight the potential that climate-smart forestry has to contribute to mitigating climate change in a meaningful way.’
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2. Responsible sourcing and advancing sustainable materials
Nike understands that the materials it uses play a critical role in its sustainability journey. The company has committed to sourcing 100% of its cotton, polyester, and leather from sustainable sources by 2025. This means using organic cotton, recycled polyester, and sustainable leather alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of its products.
Nike’s innovation in materials is exemplified by its Flyknit technology, which reduces waste by using precision knitting techniques. Flyknit shoes are made with yarn that’s 50% recycled polyester, significantly cutting down on material waste during production. Since the launch of Flyknit in 2012, Nike has fought plastic pollution by diverting more than 4 billion plastic bottles from landfills by incorporating recycled materials into its products.
The American apparel brand is also reducing waste by using recycled materials in its products. In 2020, the company introduced its Space Hippie collection, which was made from factory scraps and post-consumer recycled materials. This is just another example of Nike’s commitment to circular design, where products are created with the end of their life cycle in mind, allowing them to be repurposed or recycled instead of ending up in landfills.
The company is also focusing on water stewardship, working to minimise water use in manufacturing processes and implementing water-efficient practices across its supply chain.
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3. Collaborating for a sustainable future
Nike’s sustainability goals cannot be achieved in isolation. The company is working closely with partners, suppliers, and industry peers to create a more sustainable and transparent value chain. Through initiatives like the Fashion Pact, a global coalition of companies dedicated to fighting environmental instability, Nike is collaborating to drive systemic change across the apparel industry.
The sportswear retailer also recognises the importance of social responsibility. By ensuring fair labour practices and promoting diversity and inclusion, the company is working to create positive impacts for the people who produce its products. Nike’s efforts in this area include improving working conditions, supporting local communities, and empowering women through education and leadership programs.
Read more: Meta’s journey to sustainability: pioneering net-zero emissions
Nike’s positive impact: building a sustainable future
Nike’s dedication to sustainability reflects its belief that businesses have a crucial role to play in protecting the planet. With its ambitious goals, innovative products, and collaborative approach, Nike is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also inspiring other companies to follow suit.
By embracing sustainable practices and prioritising the health of the planet, Nike is leading the charge toward a more sustainable future—one that benefits both people and the environment.
DGB Group: a partner in sustainability
Like the sportswear designer, DGB Group is committed to making a positive impact on the planet. Our projects focus on large-scale reforestation, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable community development. We believe that sustainability is about more than just reducing carbon emissions; it’s about creating long-lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.
By partnering with local stakeholders and using natural-based solutions, DGB is restoring degraded landscapes, planting millions of trees, and providing sustainable livelihoods to communities around the world. Together with businesses like Nike, we’re working towards a future where economic growth goes hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship.
Creating a positive impact on our planet while generating business? Just do it.
