Nike
Rating: It's a start
Price: $ $ $ $
Location: United States
When it comes to sustainability, Nike has made some progress but still has room for improvement. In terms of its environmental policies, Nike has earned a rating of “It’s a Start” in our “Planet” evaluation. One positive factor is that Nike uses some lower-impact materials, including recycled materials. This shows their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
In addition, Nike has set a target to eliminate most hazardous chemicals by 2025, and it appears that they are on track to meet this target. This is a significant step towards creating a safer and more sustainable supply chain.
However, one area where Nike falls short is in protecting biodiversity. There is currently no evidence that they are taking actions to protect biodiversity in their supply chain. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and it is essential for brands to prioritize its preservation.
In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Nike has set a science-based target to reduce emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain. However, there is no evidence that they are on track to achieve this target. It is crucial for brands to actively work towards reducing their carbon footprint and transitioning to more sustainable practices.
Turning our focus to workers’ rights, Nike receives an “It’s a Start” rating in our “People” evaluation. One positive aspect is that their social auditing program is certified by the Fair Labor Association (FLA). This certification ensures that workers’ rights are protected and that ethical practices are in place throughout Nike’s supply chain.
In addition, Nike received a score of 51-60% in the 2022 Fashion Transparency Index. This indicates that they have made some progress in being transparent about their practices and policies. Transparency is essential for building trust with consumers and stakeholders.
While Nike claims to have a program to improve wages, there is no evidence that they ensure their workers are paid living wages in most of their supply chain. Ensuring fair wages is crucial for promoting social justice and improving the livelihoods of workers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nike disclosed some policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus. This shows a level of responsibility towards its workers’ health and safety during challenging times.
When it comes to animal welfare, Nike receives a rating of “Not Good Enough” in our “Animals” evaluation. While they have a basic policy covering animal welfare, there are no clear implementation mechanisms in place. It is crucial for brands to have robust and transparent mechanisms to ensure that animal welfare is protected throughout their supply chains.
Nike does appear to use some animal-derived materials, including wool, down, exotic animal skin, shearling, exotic animal hair, and silk. However, they do not appear to use fur or angora. It is important for brands to carefully consider the sourcing and use of animal-derived materials to minimize their impact on animals and the environment.
Furthermore, there is no evidence that Nike traces any animal-derived materials to the first production stage. Traceability is crucial for promoting transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
In conclusion, based on all publicly available information, Nike receives an overall rating of “It’s a Start.” While they have made progress in certain areas, there is still work to be done, particularly in protecting biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring fair wages, and implementing clear mechanisms for animal welfare. By continuing to prioritize sustainability and taking action to address these areas of improvement, Nike can further enhance its commitment to sustainability.
