Climate change is a serious issue that requires global solutions, and many companies are on the right track in seeking change. Among them is athletic wear giant Nike, who is using sustainability as a benchmark for success. Since athletes are the brand’s main customer base, Nike is especially aware of the impact of climate change on athletics. Currently Nike uses carbon emissions as a main indicator of sustainability, while also looking at other environmental impacts and labour rights.

Nike is forecasting a need to invest in ‘disruptive innovation’. This means a shift towards a low-carbon, closed-loop model, with products made from sustainable materials, fewer resources, and are easy to reuse. In its most recent sustainability report, Nike reveals that 71 percent of its shoes and clothing contain recycled materials. In order to achieve success, Nike is partnered with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the NASA. Its overall goal is to divert 100 percent of its footwear waste from landfills by 2020. If this sounds unattainable think again, in 2015 Nike managed to reclaim 92 percent of its waste.

One of Nike’s most popular products is its Flyknit shoe, made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Its products are now being produced in fewer factories. This means that Nike will be able to pay more attention to working conditions and manufacturing standards. Currently 86 of Nike’s factories have at least the minimum required rating to be classified as using sustainable manufacturing and sourcing methods.