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Sustainability & CSR
News, reports, and analysis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices across the sporting goods value chain – covering climate strategies, materials innovation, human rights, regulatory compliance, and commercial implications for brands, suppliers, retailers, and investors.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Women still wait for a seat at the top: the 2026 data
Women hold 30 percent of board seats and 24 percent of executive roles in sporting goods. The numbers are improving — but barely.
Worldly names VP for human rights risk
Supply chain intelligence platform Worldly taps a 12-year Walmart responsible sourcing veteran as new regulations raise the stakes for social data.
Clean200 2026: Nike, Adidas and Puma ranked
Five sporting goods firms feature in the global ranking of largest companies by sustainable revenue, with Nike at rank 57.
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Thermore launches T2T insulation made from textile waste
The Milan-based insulation supplier’s new free fiber draws 80% of its content from post-industrial textile scrap — not downcycled.
Worldly names VP for human rights risk
Supply chain intelligence platform Worldly taps a 12-year Walmart responsible sourcing veteran as new regulations raise the stakes for social data.
Nike names new chief sustainability officer
Cimarron Nix, a nine-year Nike veteran with roots in sourcing and manufacturing, takes the helm after a five-month vacancy.
Football’s fossil fuel problem
From Aramco sponsorships to expanding World Cups, global football’s carbon footprint now rivals that of an entire country
Nike Japan nears 100% renewables
A 16-project solar supply agreement could close the last gap in Nike’s Japan electricity transition.
Intersport Finke wins EuroShop sustainability prize
A German Intersport franchise store triumphed over a global field of 122 entries from 30 countries with a circular-economy refit that cut 5 tons of CO2.
Women redefine performance beyond function in active lifestyle industry
Influenced by a strong female perspective in design and strategy, the industry is moving toward a balance of high-functionality, circularity, and sensory comfort.
Clean200 2026: Nike, Adidas and Puma ranked
Five sporting goods firms feature in the global ranking of largest companies by sustainable revenue, with Nike at rank 57.
Circular Economy
From take-back programs to resale platforms, repair services to material recovery: tracking circular economy developments: rental models, recycling technologies, and business innovation transforming product lifecycles.
New Balance expands resale program to include apparel
The Boston brand brings apparel into its two-year-old resale program after recirculating more than 100,000 pairs of shoes.
Women redefine performance beyond function in active lifestyle industry
Influenced by a strong female perspective in design and strategy, the industry is moving toward a balance of high-functionality, circularity, and sensory comfort.
EU’s new Ecodesign law takes effect
The new regulation requires companies to disclose discarded items and limit waste, with large firms required to comply by February 2027.
eBay expands circular fashion grants to more startups
eBay is accepting applications until March 8 for $50,000 grants plus mentorship. Eight businesses will be selected, with one eligible for $300,000.
Lenzing, OceanSafe pioneer circular fiber
Lenzing and OceanSafe have teamed up to develop biodegradable performance fibers, setting new sustainability standards for global sportswear.
Lenzing earns fifth EcoVadis Platinum rating
Lenzing secures EcoVadis Platinum status for the fifth year and ranks first in Canopy’s Hot Button Report, reaffirming its position as a sustainability leader in the global fiber industry.
European textile coalition demands mandatory circular economy policies
A 12-company alliance has launched a manifesto calling for binding EU policies to transform Europe’s textile waste into resources.
Gore‑Tex launches kids’ jacket subscription
The outerwear materials brand introduces a circular subscription service for children’s waterproof jackets in Europe.
Xpore e2cycle: A new pathway for polyester recycling
From screen to seam. Xpore e2cycle transforms LCD e-waste into award-winning performance textiles. A new, sustainable pathway for polyester recycling.
Circular economy: Survey suggests disruption
”The Tipping Point: Building trust in the circular economy” identifies key drivers for a change to circularity.
India considers scaling up circular-fiber production
India’s agricultural and textile waste is being transformed into next-generation fiber on a large scale, thanks to plans spearheaded by the Canada-based sustainability nonprofit Canopy.
EU Green Claims Directive is dead, for now
The Commission’s laconic announcement came on June 20 from spokesman Maciej Berestecki, who said: “In the current context, indeed the Commission intends to withdraw the Green claims proposal.”
ESG
ESG reporting and finance—disclosure standards, green bonds, traceability technologies, and transparency frameworks shaping investor confidence and regulatory compliance across the industry.
Zalando leads retailer initiative on due diligence data
Eight retailers and two industry bodies streamline human rights reporting with standardized questionnaire and free digital infrastructure.
WFSGI partners with Worldly on ESG intelligence tools
WFSGI and Worldly announce a partnership to equip sporting-goods companies with enhanced supply-chain sustainability intelligence, offering free platform access and training for new users
Otto ties marketplace fees to verified climate goals
The German e-commerce platform rewards suppliers with validated science-based climate targets, signaling a stronger push for corporate decarbonization.
Italy fines Shein €1m for misleading environmental claims
Italy’s competition authority (AGCM) has fined fast-fashion retailer Shein €1 million for deceptive environmental marketing.
EU Green Claims Directive is dead, for now
The Commission’s laconic announcement came on June 20 from spokesman Maciej Berestecki, who said: “In the current context, indeed the Commission intends to withdraw the Green claims proposal.”
Asics and Adidas stop using kangaroo leather, but what’s next?
After Puma, Nike and New Balance stopped using kangaroo leather, Adidas and Asics have now communicated that 2025 will be the final year the material will be used in the production of football cleats.
Eight ski resorts form Global Sustainability Ski Alliance
The collaboration is designed to accelerate climate action and drive sustainable innovation in winter tourism.
The sports industry is urging the EU to sustain funding
The EU’s next multiannual budget framework is under pressure from more than 150 organizations across Europe, who are urging it to safeguard sport funding.
Adidas climate neutrality ad banned by German court
Adidas is ordered to stop promoting its “carbon neutral by 2050” pledge, a court having ruled that its net-zero advertising is misleading.
Women in leadership in the sporting goods industry 2024
Women in sporting goods leadership are making gains, but progress is slow. Our 2024 report reveals where the industry stands—and what still needs to change.
The 2025 sustainability agenda: What brands should have on their radar
The EU’s sustainability agenda will continue to be at the heart of many companies in the sports and outdoor industry. We’ve outlined the key developments.
Equality and diversity
Diversity, equity, and inclusion: representation metrics, pay equity, inclusive hiring, leadership diversity, and the workforce strategies driving competitive advantage through diverse talent.
UK study maps girls’ fading sports fandom
Four in ten young UK people cannot name a sportswoman, as new research maps how girls lose fan identity through secondary school.
Women still wait for a seat at the top: the 2026 data
Women hold 30 percent of board seats and 24 percent of executive roles in sporting goods. The numbers are improving — but barely.
Women redefine performance beyond function in active lifestyle industry
Influenced by a strong female perspective in design and strategy, the industry is moving toward a balance of high-functionality, circularity, and sensory comfort.
WPA and IPPA seek to boost women’s padel in Asia
New alliance aims to boost memberships, train coaches and professionalize the sport across the continent.
Melissa Kaar: 'Regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability – there is a place for everyone in sport'
Managing director Melissa Kaar discusses the adidas Foundation’s evolution from startup phase to independent entity, detailing challenges from bank accounts to building trust with grassroots partners using sport for social change.
Sporting Goods brands quietly retreat from DEI messaging
Major sporting goods companies are quietly revising or rephrasing their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments.
Arena new global campaign focuses on freedom and inclusivity
The swimwear brand celebrates swimming as a universal and inclusive activity.
European Parliament calls for comprehensive European Sport Model reforms
For a strengthened European Sport Model the EU parliament demands improved governance, financial integrity and athlete protection.
Women are massive sports fans, yet feel unseen
A new study reveals that many women sports fans feel misunderstood by brands and leagues.
Nike and Special Olympics deepen collaboration with new partnership
The new agreement aims at expanding access to youth sports and improving training for Special Olympics’ Unified Sports coaches.
FIS and Virtus sign agreement to promote inclusion in winter sports
This MoU marks a significant step toward integrating athletes with intellectual impairments into Alpine and Cross-Country skiing disciplines at the highest levels of competition.
Intersport named official sponsor for EuroGames 2025
The multi-sport event that celebrates inclusion, diversity, and unity through sport, is the largest LGBTQIA+ event of its kind in Europe
Design for tomorrow: Circular Economy RE:THINKING Business Special
Best practices, success stories, circular models: re:sale, re:pair, re:cycle, re:design, re:invest, re:think.
>> Explore the specialThe Impact of Sports – Why the industry must act now
Physical inactivity is rising rapidly. Explore the data, initiatives and action plans as the sporting goods community transforms a societal challenge into an opportunity.
>> Explore the specialCSR: RE:THINKING Business Special
How the Sporting Goods Industry redefines corporate social responsibility amid political pressure, regulation and consumer fatigue. Stories, voices, facts and data.
>> Explore the special
Intelligence, analysis and advice for the global sporting goods industry.
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