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Adidas has announced that it aims to reduce its environmental footprint and use sustainably produced cotton in all of its products by 2018.

The German footwear and clothing giant is committed to putting the changes into practice across the company, in their footwear and sports apparel as well as in their offices.

The introduction of sustainable cotton to its chain will begin this year with the intention to increase the level of sustainable cotton used in its products to 40 per cent of its total cotton consumption within three years.   

Frank Henke, the director of social and environmental affairs for Adidas, does not believe that the change to sustainable 'better cotton' will increase the price of their merchandise.

Businesses have seen a strain on profit margins, with global cotton prices rising by more than $1 per pound since last year, according to the National Cotton Council.

Key rival Nike announced that it planned to increase its product prices as a result of the rise in cotton prices and production costs

On 17 March Nike publicised its third quarter earnings, and revealed that its operating expenses had risen by six per cent to the cost of almost $1 billion, making a dent in their gross margin.

In 2004, Adidas joined the then new Better Cotton Initiative, an association that focused on reducing water consumption and the use of pesticides within the cotton trade because of their impact on the natural environment. 

Henke said in an interview that 'supporting this approach helps us to mainstream the sustainability agenda within the global cotton market.'

Adidas has already experimented with materials that are more environmentally sound such as in its Supernova Glide 3. This specialist running shoe is designed to give the most comfortable run and is also made from 50 per cent recycled polyester.

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