Nike's Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

Introduction

• Brinkley introduces herself as a Nike Eken and discusses the focus on sustainability and innovation in the episode.

Guest Introduction

• Shawna Hanna, VP of Sustainable Innovation at Nike, is introduced.
• Discusses Nike's responsibility to combat climate change.

Sustainable Innovation at Nike

• Nike's goal:
  • Make athletes better.
  • Make the world better for athletes.
• Importance of incorporating sustainability in product life cycle:
  • Decisions made early in the process affect the end of the product life.

Circularity Design

• Definition: Considering the entire life cycle of a product from creation to disposal.
• Key strategies:
  • Choose recycled materials whenever possible.
  • Design to minimize waste (e.g., using less material).
  • Encourage athletes to return used products for recycling (e.g., shoes turned into basketball courts).

Move to Zero Program

• Focus on combating climate change by prioritizing carbon and waste reduction.
• Aim: Achieve zero carbon emissions.
• Materials matter:
  • Use recycled materials
  • Aim for zero carbon materials.
  • Example: Space Hippie shoes made from recycled materials.

Scaling Sustainable Innovation

• Nike's strength in scaling innovation.
• Example: VaporMax 2020 shoe:
  • Air soles produced with 100% renewable energy.
  • At least 50% recycled content in air soles, 70% recycled content in VaporMax 2020.
  • Flyknit upper made from 100% recycled polyester, resulting in minimal waste.

Impact on Athletes

• Climate change affects athletes' training conditions (extreme heat, air quality).
• Nike aims to combat these issues through sustainable innovation.
• The right decisions and innovations can significantly impact both athletes and the environment.

Conclusion

• Brinkley thanks Shawna for her insights.
• Encourages viewers to like and subscribe to the Nike YouTube channel.