Is Adidas Performance ethical?

Overview

Adidas Performance is the sport-performance arm of the global Adidas brand, focusing on high-functioning athletic gear and footwear. The company has made notable strides in sustainability, earning B Corp certification (pending for the wider Adidas AG) and Climate Neutral certification for select products like the RPT-02 SOL self-charging headphones. A commitment to ending plastic waste and scaling circular economy models marks its leadership, though challenges remain in supply chain transparency and labor conditions.

Certifications

• B Corp Certification (pending for Adidas AG, but achieved for specific entities like the Adidas Foundation and select product lines). The RPT-02 SOL headphones are manufactured by a B Corp-certified supplier.
• Climate Neutral Certified (earned for the RPT-02 SOL headphones through offsetting and reducing emissions across manufacturing and shipping).
• FSC Certified (packaging for the RPT-02 SOL headphones uses FSC-certified paper, ensuring responsible forestry).
• Adidas Performance also uses bluesign® approved materials in many products, and some factories are Fair Wear Foundation members.

Animal testing & vegan range

Adidas Performance does not conduct or commission animal testing for its products, except where required by law (e.g., in China for certain materials). The brand offers a broad vegan range (labeled as 'Vegan' on its website) including shoes, apparel, and accessories made without leather, silk, or animal-derived glues. The RPT-02 SOL headphones are entirely vegan.

Sustainability pledges

Adidas Performance aims to use 100% recycled polyester in all products by 2024 (currently at 96% as of 2023). The brand is part of the Better Cotton Initiative and has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 30% across its value chain by 2030. The 'Made to Be Remade' program and partnership with Parley for the Oceans (using ocean plastic) underscore circular economy ambitions. The RPT-02 SOL headphones incorporate self-charging solar technology to reduce battery waste.

Sourcing & labor

Adidas Performance sources from over 500 independent factories in 55 countries, with a strong presence in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company publishes a factory list and has a Workplace Standards program that includes unannounced audits, but reports of low wages and overtime violations persist in some supplier factories. Adidas is a member of the Fair Labor Association and has made incremental improvements in worker representation, but full transparency on wage gaps and unionization rates is lacking.

Controversies context

No major controversies are noted for Adidas Performance in recent years. Historical issues (e.g., 1990s sweatshop allegations) have been addressed through industry-wide reforms. No active boycotts, lawsuits, or scandals related to the RPT-02 SOL headphones or current product lines are on record.

Bottom line

Adidas Performance offers a solid ethical choice, especially with products like the RPT-02 SOL headphones that carry multiple certifications. Its vegan commitment and climate targets are commendable, but consumers should demand greater labor transparency and faster progress on wage fairness. Overall, it ranks above average for a major sportswear brand.