PUMA has set itself ambitious sustainability targets to be achieved by 2015. Product is a core element of this, as 50% of PUMA’s international collections will be manufactured according to PUMA’s Sustainability Index S-Index standard by 2015, using more sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Cotton made in Africa and recycled polyester.
In its Spring/Summer 2012 collections, PUMA is increasingly using recycled polyester alongside organic cotton and Cotton made in Africa. The recycled polyester is made from materials such as synthetic material off cuts, recycled synthetic clothing and PET plastic bottles. This drastically reduces the need for crude oil and limits waste production. The Outdoor Horizon Jacket from PUMA’s Spring/Summer 2012 collections for men and women is an example of a product that uses recycled polyester.

By expanding the range of organic cotton products, PUMA helps to increase demand for cotton from non-genetically modified plants grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. PUMA is a member of the international organization Organic Exchange – now Textile Exchange – a non-profit organization supporting the cultivation and use of organic cotton to create sustainable apparel. In 2007, Organic Exchange developed the OE 100 Standard to track and document the purchase, handling and use of 100% certified organic cotton fiber in yarns, fabrics and finished goods.
Organic cotton is being used not only in apparel, but also in footwear production. In spring 2011, PUMA introduced its very first pair of shoes with the upper material made exclusively from organic cotton - the TEKKIS Jam.
The new PUMA collections include organic cotton products in all areas from performance to lifestyle, including for example the PUMA Archive Edition Tee (ROMA) and Boys Graphic Tee.
Cotton made in Africa is an initiative that produces cotton without the use of artificial irrigation. The Cotton made in Africa is an initiative of the Aid by Trade Foundation who mentor and offer advice to ensure an efficient management of its farms. Techniques such as mulching that keep the soil covered and prevent high-levels of evaporation, as well as balanced fertilization, are crucial. Farmers participating in the Cotton made in Africa project are taught the relevant skills to make these techniques effective in “Farmer Field Schools“.

Since spring 2008, PUMA has widely supported the Aid by Trade Foundation’s Cotton made in Africa initiative to help improve the living conditions of African cotton farmers and their families. Last year, PUMA produced approximately 1.7 million pieces made using Cotton made in Africa, translating to 2.4% of PUMA’s overall collection. In 2011 and 2012, PUMA’s goal is to further increase the number of pieces using Cotton made in Africa.

Sustainable materials in PUMA’s collections are not limited to the products themselves – PUMA is also wrapping them in more sustainable packaging. The “Clever Little Bag”, a packaging concept for footwear introduced in 2010, replaces the traditional shoebox and will reduce material use and therefore weight in transport, reduce paper waste by 65% and energy use by 60%. New textile packaging made from compostable materials such as corn starch will also save around 29 million plastic bags per year.

The sustainability aspect of each product is clearly communicated through their labeling and through the icons of the PUMA Eco-Table (pictured), allowing the consumer to actively choose more sustainably produced footwear, apparel and accessories.