PUMA, a global leader in the sportswear industry, has emerged as a powerful example of how sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. By significantly reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while achieving notable sales growth, the company is proving that environmental responsibility can be a driver of commercial success.
Renewable Energy: A Game Changer
A cornerstone of PUMA’s sustainability success lies in the increased adoption of renewable energy by its core suppliers. This shift has substantially contributed to the reduction of GHG emissions, underscoring the critical role of green energy in shaping sustainable operations.
Key Sustainability Measures
PUMA’s environmental strategy spans multiple dimensions, including operational improvements, product innovation, and collaborative partnerships. These initiatives have not only reduced the company’s carbon footprint but also strengthened its position as a sustainability leader in the sportswear sector.
• Material Innovation: PUMA has increased its use of low-carbon materials, effectively minimising the environmental impact of its product range.
• Partnership with Maersk: By collaborating with logistics partner Maersk, PUMA introduced low-carbon shipment tariffs for its key sea freight routes, particularly between Asia and Europe.
• Commitment to Renewable Energy: The company has pledged to source 100% renewable electricity for its offices, stores, and warehouses through green tariffs and renewable energy certificates.
• Electric Vehicle Transition: PUMA is transitioning its car fleet to electric vehicles, further aligning with its carbon reduction goals.
Embracing the Circular Economy
PUMA has made significant strides in advancing circularity and recycling, a crucial part of its broader sustainability vision.
• Take-Back Programmes: The company has expanded its product take-back programmes into additional countries, enhancing its efforts to close the loop on waste.
• Recycled Polyester Use: Around 65% of the polyester used in PUMA’s apparel and accessories is now sourced from recycled materials, significantly reducing the reliance on virgin polyester.
Embracing the Circular Economy
PUMA has made significant strides in advancing circularity and recycling, a crucial part of its broader sustainability vision.
• Take-Back Programmes: The company has expanded its product take-back programmes into additional countries, enhancing its efforts to close the loop on waste.
• Recycled Polyester Use: Around 65% of the polyester used in PUMA’s apparel and accessories is now sourced from recycled materials, significantly reducing the reliance on virgin polyester.
Achieving Science-Based Targets
PUMA’s sustainability achievements include surpassing its science-based GHG reduction targets well ahead of schedule. The company has achieved:
• 85% reduction in its own operational emissions.
• 65% reduction in supply chain emissions relative to sales.
Building on this success, PUMA has set ambitious goals for the future, including:
• 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from a 2017 baseline.
• 33% reduction in absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions across its supply chain and logistics operations.
A Benchmark for the Industry
PUMA’s journey illustrates the power of aligning business growth with sustainability. By investing in renewable energy, adopting low-carbon materials, rethinking logistics, and embedding circular economy principles into its operations, the company is setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in the sportswear industry.
Through these efforts, PUMA not only demonstrates that sustainability can be a key driver of success but also inspires other organisations to rethink their approach to growth in a rapidly changing world.