Sustainability Comparison

Nike vs adidas Sustainability: SINK Score Comparison

adidas scores 3 points higher than Nike on SINK's sustainability index.

Question-by-question

How each category compares

Category
Nike
adidas
Carbon Footprint — Operations
8/10
7/10
Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain
6/10
7/10
Emissions Trajectory
4/10
5/10
Energy Source
7/10
5/10
Nature & Biodiversity Impact
3/10
5/10
Resource Use & Waste
6/10
6/10
Water Impact
5/10
6/10
Targets & Commitments
6/10
7/10
Transparency & Accountability
7/10
7/10
Controversies & Red Flags
3/10
5/10
Frequently asked

Nike vs adidas, answered.

Which is more sustainable, Nike or adidas?

adidas is more sustainable according to SINK's open sustainability index, scoring 42/100 vs Nike's 39/100 — a difference of 3 points.

What is Nike's SINK sustainability score?

Nike scores 39/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Nike has cut Scope 1&2 emissions 69–73% since 2015 but Scope 3—96% of its footprint—only recently began falling after years above baseline. Supply chain energy transition remains early-stage, nature impact assessment is absent, and Nike's membership in anti-climate trade associations directly contradicts its climate commitments. Recent greenwashing ruling adds credibility damage.

What is adidas's SINK sustainability score?

adidas scores 42/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Adidas discloses comprehensive Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions with third-party assurance and SBTi-validated targets, but absolute emissions rose 5.5% year-on-year and the company is off-track for 2030 climate goals. A German court upheld a greenwashing ruling in 2025 for misleading 'climate neutral by 2050' claims, and reliance on unbundled EACs weakens renewable energy credibility.

How does SINK compare Nike and adidas?

Both companies are rated on the same 10-question SINK rubric: Scope 1/2/3 carbon footprint, energy source, nature and biodiversity, resource use, water, emissions trajectory, science-based targets, transparency, and controversies. Scores are 0–100, based on public data, and fully reproducible.

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