PUMA Reaches Sustainability Milestone Ahead of Schedule: 90% of Products Now Made from Recycled or Certified Materials
PUMA one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, has proudly announced a significant achievement in its ongoing sustainability journey. According to its recently published sustainability report, the company has successfully met its ambitious target of manufacturing nine out of ten products using recycled or certified materials. Remarkably, this milestone was achieved by 2024—a full year ahead of the originally set deadline.
This achievement underscores PUMA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in sustainable product design. The success is largely attributed to the collective efforts of the company’s internal teams and its global network of manufacturing partners. As part of its broader sustainability strategy, PUMA has made notable advances in critical areas such as circularity, climate action, and human rights.
Milestone in Sustainable Materials
The foundation of PUMA’s environmental strategy has been its strong focus on reducing the environmental impact of its products. This commitment has resulted in a substantial increase in the use of recycled and certified materials across its apparel and footwear lines. As of 2024, the company reported that it uses approximately 13% recycled cotton and around 75% recycled polyester in its products. These materials have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to their conventional counterparts.
Maria Valdes, Chief Product Officer at PUMA, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment. “Achieving our 9 out of 10 product goal a year ahead of schedule is a testament to the great teamwork of everyone involved at and our manufacturing partners,” she said. “We will build on this momentum and continue to look for ways to reduce our environmental footprint as part of our Vision 2030 sustainability goals.”
Innovation Through RE:FIBRE
A major driver of PUMA’s progress in sustainable materials has been its groundbreaking RE:FIBRE program. Unlike traditional recycled polyester, which is generally made from plastic bottles, RE:FIBRE focuses on textile-to-textile recycling. The initiative repurposes both industrial and post-consumer textile waste, transforming it into high-quality raw materials for new garments. By 2024, 13.9% of the polyester used in apparel comes from this innovative recycling method.
This approach not only reduces dependency on virgin plastics but also addresses the growing issue of textile waste, thereby contributing to a more circular fashion industry. RE:FIBRE exemplifies dedication to closing the loop and developing scalable, sustainable solutions.
Progress on Climate Commitments
PUMA has also made significant strides in tackling climate change, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations and supply chain. The company has worked closely with its key suppliers to implement emissions-reduction strategies and promote the use of renewable energy.
Between 2017 and 2024, emissions from purchased goods and services decreased by 17%. Additionally, PUMA achieved an 86% reduction in emissions from its own operations. This was accomplished through a combination of measures, including sourcing 100% renewable electricity for all offices, retail stores, and warehouses, increasing the use of electric vehicles in its fleet, and installing large-scale solar photovoltaic systems at its German headquarters and a major distribution center.
Looking ahead, PUMA aims to further reduce its carbon footprint by targeting a 90% absolute reduction in GHG emissions from its operations and a 33% reduction in supply chain emissions by 2030, compared to 2017 levels. These targets align with the global effort to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as recommended by climate scientists.
Upholding Human Rights
In parallel with its environmental efforts, PUMA continues to advocate for human rights and fair labor practices across its supply chain. The company has organized comprehensive training sessions focused on critical social issues, such as sexual harassment prevention. Since 2021, over 290,000 workers and employees associated with PUMA’s supply chain have received such training.
Furthermore, the company has made progress in improving worker compensation. In 2024, the average earnings, including overtime and bonuses, at PUMA’s major supplier facilities were 66% higher than the respective legal minimum wages. This represents a 3 percentage point increase from the previous year, indicating steady progress toward fairer labor practices.
These initiatives highlight PUMA’s recognition that sustainability encompasses not just environmental concerns but also the social well-being of workers in the global apparel industry.
PUMA at a Glance
With a legacy of over 75 years, PUMA has established itself as a major force in the sportswear and lifestyle market. The company designs, develops, markets, and sells a wide range of products, including footwear, apparel, and accessories. PUMA’s product categories span various sports such as football, running and training, basketball, golf, and motorsports.
PUMA is also known for blending athletic performance with street style, frequently collaborating with prominent designers and cultural icons to create trend-setting collections. The PUMA Group also owns the brands Cobra Golf and stichd.
With a presence in more than 120 countries and a global workforce of approximately 22,000 employees, PUMA remains committed to pushing the boundaries of sports and culture while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability.
PUMA’s early achievement of its sustainable product goal stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to responsible business practices. From groundbreaking textile recycling programs to climate action and human rights initiatives, PUMA is setting a high standard for the sportswear industry.
As the company continues its journey toward its Vision 2030 goals, it demonstrates that sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive but can, in fact, drive each other forward. The success of PUMA’s initiatives serves as a blueprint for others in the fashion and retail industries striving to create a more sustainable future.
