KOBE – Japanese sports brand ASICS has announced it will expand the application of a resource-saving technology called solution dyeing method to more than 50 per cent of total new products across all of its shoe brands – including ASICS, Onitsuka Tiger, and Häglofs – from 2020. The move is forecast to cut carbon emissions from the dyeing process by around 45 per cent and water use by 33 per cent compared to conventional processes. It is aimed at helping ASICS set 1.5°C science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with a net-zero future by 2050, responding to what climate science indicates is needed to limit the worst impacts of climate change.
The solution dyeing method is used for insoles and sees colour added to synthetic fibre components in their liquid state before the fibre is actually produced. This is said to drastically reduce water use and carbon emissions compared to conventional processes which require the dipping and washing of fabrics
In 2018, ASICS was the first sporting goods company to have its science-based targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and in June this year the first to support the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). ASICS has accelerated its actions now by committing to set new targets in line with last October’s report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which made the case for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
“ASICS was founded in 1949 with a vision to promote the health of young people through sport. ASICS remains committed to this philosophy today and to enable future generations to be active and play sport, we are committed to set ambitious targets as a core of the business strategy to help mitigate the impact of climate change,” said Yasuhito Hirota, COO and president of ASICS Corporation.
He added: “Building a prosperous, net-zero carbon economy by 2050 requires a transformation of unprecedented pace and scale, with decisive business leadership and investment in climate solutions.”
