Adidas 2024 Report: Leadership in Material Innovation
Adidas' 2024 annual report highlights a year of strong financial performance, with operating profit rising by more than €1bn (US$1.08bn) to reach €1.337bn (US$1.45bn).
The brand continues to strengthen its position as a sustainability leader within the sportswear industry.
Its sustainability data is voluntarily reported in accordance with the CSRD and relevant ESRS.
“I am confident we have the product pipeline and marketing plans to continue to drive brand heat globally," says Bjørn Gulden, CEO of adidas.
“Of course there is a lot of macroeconomic uncertainty right now, but with products that we think are on trend and the attitude of being agile and more local, I cannot see why we should not be successful.”
Cutting emissions
Adidas’ primary goal is to achieve net zero by 2050, following SBTi guidance to align with a 1.5°C pathway.
By 2025, it aims to reduce carbon intensity by 9%.
By 2030, Adidas targets a 70% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 43% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.
In 2024, the company reported emissions reductions of:
- 17% in Scope 1 and Scope 2
- 20% in Scope 3
- 5.3% in carbon intensity
- 20% across all three scopes
Responsible materials
“In 2024, climate change, pollution, water, biodiversity and ecosystems, and resource use and circular economy were confirmed as material environmental impact areas for us to continue to focus on in the future,” the report says.
To tackle these challenges, Adidas is not only addressing greenhouse gas emissions but also reconsidering the materials it relies on.
The company is committed to ensuring a deforestation-free leather supply chain by 2030 at the latest and is advancing its approach to circularity.
Adidas is collaborating on cross-industry initiatives centred on circularity, including T-REX and Sorting for Circularity.
T-REX, or Textile Recycling Excellence, is a project designed to showcase the complete recycling process for polyester, polyamide 6 and cellulosic materials, transforming textile waste into new garments.
The initiative brings together 13 partners, including Adidas, Veolia and Fashion for Good.
Adidas has also reached a 99% usage rate for recycled polyester where feasible, significantly reducing reliance on virgin materials.
Responsible business practices
Adidas understands the importance of ethical and sustainable operations across its entire value chain.
The company carries out due diligence to identify and mitigate potential risks related to human rights and environmental impact.
This includes evaluating supplier-related risks and supporting improvements in their environmental and social performance.
Adidas also strives to uphold fair labour standards and ensure safe working conditions throughout its supply chain.
Commitment to innovation
Adidas continues to invest in research and development to advance more sustainable products and production methods.
This involves researching cutting-edge materials, including bio-based alternatives to traditional synthetics, while developing manufacturing methods that cut waste and lower energy use.
The company is also refining its logistics and transport operations to reduce its carbon footprint.
Adidas continues to back initiatives that support environmental conservation and biodiversity.
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