Biodiversity, climate and plastic pollution in the ocean: issues that DECATHLON are working on in particular. Why these? How? Find more information here on the methods used to deal with these challenges.
Because we are well aware that our activities have an impact on the environment, we must actively play our part in making change happen. But it's far from simple: fighting climate change is presenting us with numerous challenges.
The fauna, flora, air, water… What on earth does all this have to do with DECATHLON?
To be honest, it has everything to do with Decathlon. From creating our products to distributing and selling them in stores, the negative impact on biodiversity is permanent. To better understand, let's go back to basics: what is biodiversity? What are the threats to it?And what are the consequences in the event of its decline?
Then, we'll scrutinize DECATHLON's responsibility at different levels and the measures put in place.
DECATHLON is conducting research and modelling work to ultimately reduce the potential for the release of plastics generated by its activities.
In 2023, its teams developed a dynamic dashboard to make a fresh assessment of the company’s footprint in terms of plastic pollution at the Group level, as well as for the countries, sports and industrial processes.
By designing, manufacturing, transporting… DECATHLON has an impact on thousands of people each day. It clearly has a sizeable impact that should be assessed, measured, and improved.
In keeping with its values of responsibility and generosity, Decathlon created an international solidarity fund in 2022 to support populations facing exceptional events. The fund is managed in partnership with the King Baudouin Foundation, which is expert in international philanthropy, and allows the company to contribute to projects led by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that share Decathlon’s values and that are recognised internationally for their reliability and transparent management.
Decathlon prefers medium- and long-term projects to guarantee a long-lasting impact and support.
Donation usefulness and traceability must also be guaranteed to prevent any risk of corruption or evaporation of funds. In the event of a humanitarian emergency, and depending on the context, Decathlon may consider ad hoc actions to meet the basic needs of the people affected. When exceptional crises occur, a committee composed of representatives from Decathlon and the King Baudouin Foundation, as well as an external international expert, meets regularly to evaluate needs, define and identify local NGO projects, approve funding and monitor projects.
The Group has also created a Decathlonian mutual assistance association that collects donations in the short term, to help teammates and their families who are experiencing an exceptional crisis.
For example, in 2024, the Decathlonian mutual assistance association and Decathlon Spain quickly jumped into action to help 53 teammates who were directly impacted by the historic flooding in the region of Valencia, Spain. Thanks to the donations, €70,809 were distributed based on the level of damage suffered.
