Driven by globalisation and digitalisation, Nike has not only expanded its market share but has also actively responded to the social responsibilities that modern businesses face. Particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate change and environmental protection, Nike has demonstrated its forward-thinking leadership within the industry. Former Nike CEO John Donahoe stated: “We have always believed that sport has the power to change the world, and our responsibility extends beyond winning on the field to protecting our shared home – the planet.”

As environmental awareness continues to grow globally, Nike, as an industry leader, bears a dual responsibility: to promote the development of sports culture while safeguarding the future of the Earth. By participating in the RE100 initiative and launching its “Move to Zero” campaign, Nike has committed to achieving zero carbon emissions and zero waste:

“Our sustainability goals are not just a brand slogan but a tangible action plan. We are fundamentally transforming Nike’s operations, from business models to supply chain management, ensuring that our core values align with sustainable development, creating a better environment for the future.”

Global Renewable Energy Strategy: Fulfilling the Commitment to Net Zero Emissions

As a member of the RE100 initiative, Nike is actively participating in this global effort, committed to achieving the goal of using 100% renewable electricity. Nike has set a plan to power all its global operational facilities with renewable energy by 2025, and by 2023, it had already achieved a 96% renewable energy usage rate in its owned and operated facilities, a significant leap from 48% in 2020. This achievement not only demonstrates Nike’s determination to reduce carbon emissions but also sets an example for other global companies on the path of energy transformation.

Nike’s renewable energy strategy extends beyond its own facilities, encompassing a broader collaboration across its supply chain. Nike works closely with its suppliers, actively encouraging them to adopt renewable energy in their operations. It also provides technical support and resources to facilitate their transition to more sustainable energy practices. This comprehensive energy transformation not only helps reduce Nike’s carbon footprint but also fosters sustainable development among other companies in the supply chain.

“Participating in the RE100 initiative is an important step towards our sustainability goals. We understand that only by fully adopting renewable energy can we truly reduce our carbon emissions,” emphasised John Donahoe. He added that Nike’s involvement goes beyond its own targets, aiming to address global climate change challenges and lead the industry toward a more sustainable future. Collaboration is essential for companies to achieve this grand vision.

However, the challenges Nike faces are not confined to its direct operations. With a global supply chain, particularly in regions like Vietnam and China that heavily rely on coal energy, Nike encounters significant obstacles in reducing carbon emissions across its supply chain. Energy transitions in these regions are more complex, and Nike must work closely with local governments, businesses, and non-governmental organisations to drive effective change.

In response to these challenges, Nike is placing greater emphasis on technological innovation and cross-industry collaboration to meet its sustainability goals. Nike’s success depends not only on its own efforts but also on the collective involvement of the entire industry. As John Donahoe stated, “We must work hand in hand with suppliers and industry partners to truly realise the vision of net zero emissions.” This spirit of collaboration and drive for innovation will be crucial as Nike continues to advance on its path toward sustainable development.

Nike’s Global Green Revolution: Transforming Supply Chains and Setting New Industry Standards

Nike has deeply embedded environmental principles into the core of its operations, showcasing a profound impact across its global supply chain. Through the “Move to Zero” initiative, Nike has set ambitious long-term goals to achieve zero carbon emissions and zero waste. This vision extends not only to Nike’s own factories and offices but also elevates environmental standards throughout its global supply chain. The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration with business partners, encouraging collective action:

“Our mission is to work alongside Nike and global supply chain partners to drive a more sustainable future. We understand that only through unified corporate collaboration can a true green revolution be achieved.”

Through this initiative, Nike encourages suppliers and partners to rethink their production methods and integrate environmental consciousness into their daily operations. This includes sharing technology and resources to help partners adopt renewable energy and low-carbon manufacturing techniques, further enhancing the eco-efficiency of the global supply chain:

“We are not moving forward alone—this is a global collective challenge, and we must work hand-in-hand to contribute to reducing carbon emissions.”

These measures have prompted many companies to take their environmental responsibilities seriously and actively face the challenges. Nike is leading the standardisation of global supply chain practices, guiding other companies towards more sustainable development. This green revolution has not only effectively reduced carbon emissions across the supply chain but has also allowed Nike and its partners to remain competitive in a fiercely contested market.

Green Revolution: Transforming Supply Chains and Redefining Industry Standards

Nike’s global impact extends far beyond its internal operations, actively promoting environmental action worldwide through collaborations with governments and international organisations. By participating in numerous international environmental agreements, Nike has positioned itself as a key advocate in global climate action. These partnerships not only enhance Nike’s presence on the global stage but also serve as a model for other companies, demonstrating how corporate and governmental cooperation can help achieve sustainability goals.

As global demand for environmentally friendly products continues to rise, Nike’s initiatives are not only in line with this trend but are also driving industry transformation. More businesses are now reassessing their production methods and placing greater emphasis on environmental responsibility. These efforts not only help Nike maintain its competitive edge but also make an indispensable contribution to global environmental protection:

“Our vision is not just to lead the sportswear market but to guide the industry into a sustainable future. This requires a collective effort, incorporating environmental principles into every stage, from manufacturing and design to operations. This is not just Nike’s revolution, it’s the world’s revolution. We must work together to leave behind a cleaner, more sustainable planet for the next generation.”

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During his leadership, Samsung Electronics gradually built a comprehensive ESG framework that permeated all aspects of its operations — from energy transition and supply chain decarbonisation to circular economy initiatives and employee wellbeing. Every move reflected Han’s core belief: that the advancement of technology must not serve efficiency and profit alone, but must also carry responsibility towards society and the planet. In the 2024 Samsung Sustainability Report, Han personally articulated the company’s direction for the future: “We are not merely responding to present-day challenges — we are shaping a more sustainable future.”

In the face of escalating climate crises and increasing pressure on global resources, Han recognised the indispensable role of corporations. In numerous public addresses, he repeatedly emphasised that sustainability is no longer optional; it is the foundation of any company’s ability to survive and remain competitive in the years to come. Under his guidance, Samsung returned to first principles — reinforcing R&D, streamlining operations, and embedding sustainability at the heart of innovation.

“Innovation is our core response to future challenges. It is not only a technological duty — it is our promise to the next generation.”

Climate Change Challenges: Samsung’s Strategic Response

In response to the growing challenges of climate change, Samsung Electronics has implemented a series of proactive measures to reduce its environmental impact and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.

“Our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions in the DX division by 2030,” said CEO Han Jong-Hee, underlining the company’s long-term ambition. He acknowledged that this goal is highly ambitious, particularly given the complexities of deploying such strategies across various global sites. Nonetheless, Samsung has made significant progress — by the end of 2023, the DX division had already reached 93.4% renewable energy usage, with a target of reaching 100% by 2027.

In its pursuit of net-zero, Samsung has also turned its attention to the carbon footprint of its supply chain. According to the company’s environmental division, efforts are not limited to reducing Samsung’s own emissions. The company is also committed to lowering the carbon output across the full lifecycle of its products — including material sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, usage, and end-of-life recycling.

Collaboration with suppliers is seen not merely as a matter of compliance, but as a joint effort to tackle climate change. Samsung has been actively working with a wide network of global suppliers to help them set and meet specific greenhouse gas reduction targets. These partnerships are not just symbolic; Samsung supports its suppliers with hands-on guidance and specialised training to ensure they can achieve measurable reductions in emissions.

This approach reflects Samsung’s leadership and sense of responsibility in addressing climate challenges. By working closely with its suppliers, Samsung ensures that each stage of the supply chain contributes meaningfully to reducing the overall carbon footprint. This top-down environmental strategy signals that the company is not only advancing its own sustainability agenda but also helping to lead the wider industry towards a low-carbon future.

Circular Economy and Maximising Resource Efficiency

As part of its sustainability strategy, Samsung Electronics is advancing a circular economy approach that prioritises material reuse and effective electronic waste management. The company has set a goal to transition all plastic components in products from its DX division to recycled resins by 2050, thereby reducing dependence on virgin plastics and contributing to the global advancement of plastic recycling technologies.

In the area of e-waste management, Samsung aims to recover 10 million tonnes of electronic waste by 2030. This effort involves partnerships with local recycling firms and international organisations to expand its global recycling network. At the same time, Samsung is investing in enhancing the capacity and technical sophistication of its recycling systems, ensuring that discarded materials are efficiently reintroduced into the resource cycle.

These strategies not only improve resource efficiency but also help mitigate environmental risks. By balancing economic and environmental benefits, they represent Samsung’s tangible commitment to taking responsibility for the planet’s future.

A Comprehensive Commitment to Social Responsibility: Safeguarding Wellbeing from Employees to Communities

Beyond its environmental efforts, Samsung Electronics has made significant commitments in the areas of social responsibility and corporate governance. The company has implemented various measures to ensure the well-being of its employees, suppliers, and communities.

“Our employees are our greatest asset, so we are committed to providing them with a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment,” explained the head of HR at Samsung Electronics. He further noted that the company has introduced a range of policies to promote career development and to ensure that employees’ rights are fully protected.

In managing its supply chain, Samsung has introduced the Eco-Partner Certification Program to ensure that suppliers adhere to rigorous environmental and social standards. Suppliers are required to submit environmental assurance reports, and Samsung conducts regular audits to verify compliance with these strict standards.

A senior supply chain manager highlighted that the company’s collaboration with suppliers goes beyond commercial transactions—it is a shared responsibility. He emphasised that Samsung works closely with its suppliers to ensure that every link in the supply chain meets sustainability criteria.

An Innovation Blueprint for Tackling Future Environmental Challenges

Under the leadership of CEO Han Jong-Hee, innovation remained central to Samsung Electronics’ strategy in addressing future challenges. Han consistently emphasised that companies must continue to invest in the development of environmentally conscious technologies, while refining product design and manufacturing processes to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This philosophy was deeply embedded in every sustainability initiative he led.

In its 2024 Sustainability Report, Samsung Electronics presented a systematic approach to addressing global environmental and social challenges. Confronting critical issues such as climate change and resource scarcity, the company accelerated the adoption of renewable energy, embraced circular economy principles, and improved water resource management — all reflecting its proactive role as a global industry leader in sustainability. The company’s commitment extended beyond reducing its own carbon footprint; by strengthening collaboration across its supply chain, Samsung magnified its positive environmental impact throughout the entire product lifecycle.

In terms of social responsibility and governance, Samsung continued to enhance its support for employees, suppliers, and local communities — striving to build a sustainability framework that balances corporate performance with human-centred values. Amid an increasingly complex global landscape, the company recognised that its achievements thus far were merely the starting point for more ambitious, long-term sustainability goals.

Under Han’s guidance, Samsung Electronics established a clear long-term roadmap with key milestones set for 2025, 2030, and 2050. These include achieving 100% renewable energy usage across all global operations, fully integrating circular economy practices, strengthening water and pollution management systems, and ultimately reaching net-zero carbon emissions and zero waste operations by 2050.

This vision not only reflects Han Jong-Hee’s deep foresight but also embodies a lifelong conviction: that innovation must be the driving force towards a better future — one where technology not only transforms lives but also safeguards the planet and supports society. While his passing is deeply mourned, the sustainable blueprint he crafted continues to guide Samsung Electronics, lighting the path forward for global progress in sustainability.

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CHANEL’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kate Wylie, brings a wealth of expertise in the field of sustainability, having held senior management positions at several leading global companies, where she focused on driving environmental and social responsibility initiatives. Before joining CHANEL, Wylie worked at Mars, where she led the company’s global sustainability efforts, achieving significant milestones in carbon reduction, renewable energy usage, and social equity across the global supply chain, making Mars a leader in sustainability. Kate Wylie’s extensive experience and unwavering values make her a pivotal figure in CHANEL’s drive to promote sustainable development. She is committed to transforming the luxury industry into a leader in environmental stewardship and social responsibility:

“Our goal is not only to maintain our leadership in the luxury sector but also to drive the planet towards sustainable development. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 is our commitment to the future. In the face of global climate change and environmental challenges, we must take responsibility for both the environment and society.”

CHANEL’s 2040 Carbon Neutrality Declaration: Comprehensive Reduction of Supply Chain Carbon Emissions

In its 2024 report, “Net Zero Emissions 2040”, CHANEL clearly outlines its strategic roadmap for the next 16 years, with the goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The report identifies three scopes to measure a company’s greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from sources that CHANEL directly controls, such as fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes. Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from the energy the company purchases, including electricity, steam, and hot water. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions, primarily from the company’s supply chain, including product transportation, raw material production, and employee commuting.

CHANEL has committed to reducing emissions across all three scopes by 90% by 2040, compared to 2021 levels. This ambitious target covers the company’s entire operations and supply chain, reflecting CHANEL’s dedication and active role in addressing global climate change. This commitment signifies that the brand will not only optimise its internal operations but will also work closely with suppliers, embrace technological innovations, and transition to renewable energy, all aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions to meet its ambitious sustainability goals.

“This objective extends beyond reducing internal carbon emissions; it requires a complete transformation of the entire supply chain,” Wylie emphasises. She notes that CHANEL will gradually phase out high-carbon materials and processes, while also exploring innovative technologies to drive global carbon reduction efforts. CHANEL’s actions further cement its leadership in the luxury industry, reaffirming the company’s responsibility in addressing the global climate crisis.

The Transformation from Luxury to Sustainability: Innovation-Driven Change

In CHANEL’s sustainability blueprint, the company is actively transforming traditional luxury production into a sustainable model through technological innovation and material substitution. “We are collaborating with Finnish start-up SULAPAC to develop a renewable and biodegradable material, which is planned to be used for future cosmetic packaging.” This material not only significantly reduces carbon emissions during production but also greatly minimises the negative impact on the environment.

Material selection plays a crucial role in CHANEL’s production process. By adopting recycled materials and low-carbon agricultural practices, the company aims to reduce its reliance on natural resources while protecting ecosystems within its supply chain. CHANEL is also gradually introducing renewable natural ingredients in its perfume and beauty products, with plans to substantially increase the use of these ingredients in the coming years, driving a more sustainable production model.

RE100 and Renewable Energy: From Commitment to Action

As a member of the RE100 initiative, CHANEL has committed to using 100% renewable energy across its global operations by 2025. This pledge highlights the brand’s leadership in the global energy transition:

“Joining RE100 is not only our commitment to the environment, but also an investment in the future economy.”

To achieve its sustainability goals, CHANEL is driving the adoption of clean energy worldwide, introducing solar and wind energy technologies at production facilities in Europe and the Americas, and heavily investing in renewable energy infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region. Simultaneously, CHANEL is working closely with suppliers, encouraging them to adopt clean energy by offering technical support and financial assistance, helping its supply chain transition to a low-carbon model. These efforts not only support CHANEL in reaching its sustainability targets but also propel the luxury industry towards a more environmentally friendly future.

Investing in Global Nature-Based Solutions: The Path to Carbon Neutrality Spanning Three Continents

In addition to its emission reduction efforts, CHANEL is balancing its carbon footprint through investments in nature-based solutions, such as protecting and restoring global carbon sinks like forests and peatlands. Through these initiatives, CHANEL is not only driving emission reductions within its operations but also making a tangible contribution to global environmental conservation.

For instance, CHANEL has invested in low-income countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, helping local communities enhance their resilience to climate change. These investment projects include improving agricultural techniques, strengthening disaster response capabilities, and promoting the use of renewable energy. This approach demonstrates CHANEL’s global commitment to social responsibility and sets an example for the luxury industry:

“We recognise that emission reductions alone are not enough to achieve net-zero emissions, which is why we fully support global nature-based solutions to help balance our carbon footprint.”

CHANEL: Advancing Technological Innovation and Global Collaboration

One of CHANEL’s key future strategies is centred on technological innovation and global collaboration, which will serve as the cornerstone for achieving its 2040 net-zero emissions target. The brand has partnered with the École Normale Supérieure in Paris to research ocean carbon capture and storage systems, exploring the potential of “blue carbon” ecosystems in mitigating climate change. These studies not only contribute to the development of new technologies but also drive environmental protection efforts on a global scale.

In addition, CHANEL plans to increase its investment in technological innovation, particularly in critical areas such as supply chain management, material selection, and energy use. The brand is developing data-driven decision support systems to more accurately track and manage carbon emissions. Simultaneously, CHANEL is actively involved in international collaborations, working with other companies, NGOs, and research institutions to develop new sustainable technologies and promote their adoption worldwide.

Racing Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future: Becoming a Global Leader in Sustainable Development

One of the core elements of CHANEL’s future strategy is technological innovation and global collaboration, which will be crucial in achieving the brand’s 2040 net-zero emissions target. CHANEL has partnered with the École Normale Supérieure in Paris to research ocean carbon capture and storage systems, exploring the potential of “blue carbon” ecosystems in mitigating climate change. Through these forward-looking collaborations, CHANEL aims not only to introduce innovative technologies to the luxury industry but also to make a substantial contribution to global efforts to combat climate change. This research will further promote environmental protection initiatives and pave the way for more nature-based solutions, supporting ecosystem restoration and conservation.

In terms of technological innovation, CHANEL also plans to significantly increase its investment in supply chain management, material selection, and energy use. The brand is developing a data-driven decision support system that will enable precise tracking and management of carbon emissions, helping CHANEL to be more transparent and efficient on its path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, CHANEL recognises that global cooperation is another essential pillar of driving sustainable development. To this end, the brand is actively participating in international collaborations, joining forces with other companies, NGOs, and research institutions to develop and promote new sustainable technologies, pushing the luxury industry towards a greener future.

Over the next decade, CHANEL will continue to increase its investments in renewable energy, nature-based solutions, and technological innovation, striving to become a global leader in sustainable development. Kate Wylie is well aware that emission reduction efforts alone cannot fully address climate issues—larger transformations must be driven by ongoing technological innovation and global collaboration:

“Our goal is to become a pioneer in global sustainable development through continuous innovation and action. This is not just about the future; it is our responsibility to the planet.”

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