Nike strides into environmental protection and uplifting girls

Sportswear producer Nike Inc has continued to make efforts in protecting the environment with circular innovations and has invested in programs to help girls and rural children in China, according to the company's 2022 annual impact report of its fiscal year.

Waste prevention, recycling and reuse had been key words in the sportswear producer's fiscal year agenda in 2022. For example, Nike and local supplier Stella International focused on reducing the biggest driver of the company's manufacturing waste stream: rubber flashing generated in the molding process.

During the process, by applying lean methodology to 80 percent of its rubber outsole footwear production, the Stella International factory successfully reduced flashing by 10 percent year-on-year. The relevant learning is being shared with global footwear suppliers, helping inform how other factories achieve reduction targets.

Nike's factories have already achieved 100 percent landfill diversion of the waste generated during production and processing. Since the end of 2021, Nike has worked with the Circular Economy Research Institute of Tongji University on a strategic cooperation on the closed-loop recycling of used shoes.

The company plans to build a total of 100 Nike Grind courts in China by 2030, enabling more school kids and athletes in the community to make sport a daily habit, and expects to reach around 300 million consumers throughout the journey.

The company had invested nearly 270 million yuan ($39.2 million) in key programs such as Active Schools, Boundless Girls and Jordan Wings to create a positive, lasting social impact.

For example, Boundless Girls, an innovative program that unleashes girls' potential through sport and inspiring role models, has reached more than 90,000 girls across over 500 schools in the country.

In the past few years, many outstanding women have participated in the program, including elite female athletes such as former professional tennis player, Li Na and swimming athlete Liu Xiang.

"I am proud of the work I do with Nike and the role the company has played to recruit and keep girls in sport, and I know the momentum will only grow," said Li Na.