GREEN THUMBS

Nike launches sustainable product push
October 29, 2008

Sportswear giant Nike has launched a sustainability drive, rolling out its "Considered Design" concept to all six of the company's key product categories.The aim of the initiative is to create innovative products that minimise environmental impact by reducing waste in their design and development, as well as using environmentally preferred materials and eliminating toxics. Nike Considered products have been offered for several years, but now the US company is rolling out the full Considered Design concept across all six of its key product categories: basketball, running, soccer, women's training, men's training and sportswear, as well as tennis and ACG (all condition gear). "As we look at how we design and develop products and run our global business, it's not enough to be solving the challenges of today," said Nike CEO Mark Parker. "We are designing for the sustainable economy of tomorrow, and for us that means using fewer resources, more sustainable materials and renewable energy to produce new products. "Nike is aiming for 100% of its footwear to meet Considered standards by 2011, all apparel by 2015 and all equipment by 2020. That would achieve a 17% waste reduction in the company's supply chain, plus a 20% increase in the use of environmentally preferred materials.