Puma pounces on science-based greenhouse gas reduction goals

Puma has joined the growing roster of companies around the world committed to building their business strategies in line with ambitious emissions targets, after yesterday revealing it has secured approval for several new greenhouse gas goals from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The German sports brand has committed to cutting emissions from its owned and operated facilities and its associated energy use - its Scope 1 and 2 emissions - by 35 per cent by 2030, compared to a 2017 baseline.

In addition, it has pledged to slash its Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services across its supply chains by 60 per cent for every €1m of its global sales over the same timeframe.

"Recent scientific reports have highlighted the need for urgent action, as global warming is happening at a faster pace than previously anticipated," said Stefan Seidel, Puma's head of corporate sustainability. "That is why Puma wants to be a part of the solution by setting a bold path towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

He also reiterated Puma's full support for the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action which launched at the UN COP24 climate conference in Poland late last year, and is led my Dame Ellen MacArthur and Stella McCartney.

The move comes amid increasing pressure from consumers and policymakers for the fashion industry to improve its environmental footprint.

In order to help spur the sector into action, the SBTi yesterday also released new guidance for apparel and footwear firms to help them provide clarity on measuring and reducing value chain emissions.

Cynthia Cummis, director of private sector climate mitigation at green NGO the World Resources Institute - one of the partners behind SBTi alongside CDP, UN Global Compact, and WWF - welcomed Puma's announcement and urged more companies in the sector to follow suit.

"We know that the fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, but rapid growth in global apparel and footwear production shows no signs of slowing," she said. "We need more companies in the industry to follow Puma's lead and pursue comprehensive strategies to decarbonise and do their part to prevent catastrophic climate change."

The news follows luxury fashion giant Burberry's SBT announcement just yesterday, which has seen it commit to a 95 per cent cut in its direct emissions by 2022 from a 2016 baseline.