Based on PUMA’s policy to eliminate harmful substances within the PUMA product range, an advanced Restricted Substance List (RSL) and a detailed testing procedure are described in our “Handbook for Environmental Issues”.

The independent environmental organization Greenpeace confirms that PUMA’s commitment sets standards. Greenpeace has checked different companies regarding eco friendliness of their products, ranking them from red to green. After examination of PUMA’s product range, the Sportlifestyle company has obtained the best category “green”.

We have developed the RSL list in accordance to international standards like Oeko- Tex 100 as well as recommendations from several laboratories around the world. To ensure that the list is frequently updated we work closely together with national and international experts in the field of consumer goods, like the round table of the German Chemical Society “Consumer goods” and the steering committee AFIRM, Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group.

By signing the Declaration of Principles the suppliers have to assure that they are strictly following our environmental standards. Therefore we developed a very clear and strict policy, which ensures that materials that are used for production will be tested in accredited and certified laboratories. This policy ensures as well that the final products will be tested randomly.

Already at the product design stage, environmentally friendly solutions such as PVC- free, Solvent-free or usage of recyclable materials are taken into consideration.

PVC
We at PUMA identified the production of the material PVC, as well as the final disposal of PVC, as harmful to the environment. Chlorine chemistry, which can lead to the pollution of the environment during production and disposal of PVC, is a significant reason for phasing out the material.

Although PVC has very good material characteristics and its use in producing sporting goods is more or less inexhaustible we decided because of its possible risks to discontinue its use. At the same time, we avoid the use of the so-called softeners, Phthalates, in PVC that were recently restricted by the European Union Parliament.

Instead of PVC alternative materials are in use now like Polyurethane, Silicone and Ethylvinyl acetate (EVA) and natural rubber as an example for sustainable management.