Under Armour embraces material innovations to reduce its environmental footprint

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Sep 29, 2022

Under Armour, Inc. has committed to 23 new goals and targets that will guide its work to reduce its environmental footprint in products and operations. 

The company’s ambitious plans were reported as part of its 2021 Sustainability & Impact Report, released on Wednesday, with goals and targets designed across three key pillars – products, home field, and team. 

As part of its product pillar, the company is embracing material innovations for less waste and more durability, through 10 goals. In particular, it aims to reduce single-use plastic brand product packaging by 75% by 2025 and to implement sustainability and circular design principles in at least half of its products by 2027. 

It’s also developing chemistry and processes that can enable a circular footwear program to be launched in market, at scale, by 2030. Likewise, it is targeting 75% of fabric to be made of low-shed materials by 2030, as defined by industry-leading guidance on fabric shedding. 

As part of its home field pillar, the company is working to reduce its overall environmental footprint and do its part to protect the planet. To get there, it has seven goals including eliminating 100% of biocides and fluorine DWR in its products by 2025, as well as reducing absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and increasing renewable energy in owned and operated facilities to 100% by 2030. Moreover, at its manufacturers, it is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.

Lastly, as part of its team pillar, the company aims to support its people and communities through six goals starting with protecting workers' human rights and well-being in its supply chain through comprehensive programs and audits. It is also working to create opportunities for millions of youth to engage in sports by 2030.

“As a global innovator and leader in athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories, we believe Under Armour has an important role to play in addressing impending challenges facing our society, industry, and planet. This belief informs our innovation methods and compels us to rethink, reinvent, and reimagine our products and how we make them in our work to support athletes and protect people and our shared planet,” said Colin Browne, Under Armour interim president and CEO. 

“Mindful that lasting change will require global cooperation across communities and industries, our new report conveys our renewed commitments to continuous improvement, industrywide collaboration, and transparent communication with our stakeholders in our ongoing sustainability journey.”