Adidas loses in court: climate neutrality no longer a sales argument!

Adidas loses in court: climate neutrality no longer a sales argument!

Vienna, Österreich - In a pioneering decision, the Nuremberg-Fürth decided that Adidas is no longer allowed to be the goal of being climate neutral by 2050. This decision, which was made on March 25, 2025, is the result of a lawsuit by German Environmental Aid (DUH), which accused the company misleading advertising. The judicial decision makes it clear that the impression that climate neutrality is achieved exclusively through emission reductions is misleading.

The German Environmental Aid criticized the fact that Adidas did not adequately explain how the self -set goal should be achieved. According to the court, Adidas plans to achieve its climate goals through the use of CO₂ compensations, for example through the acquisition of certificates. This was considered inadequate. Jürgen Resch, Managing Director of DUH, described Adidass destination as a "modern indulgence trade".

corporate reaction and measures

After the judgment, Adidas explained that the statement that was complained about was removed from the website in August 2024. The company has undertaken to fully achieve the reduction goals by 2030 through its own measures and to implement 90% of its goals through emission reductions by 2050. Since 2022, Adidas has reduced its absolute emissions, including the supply chain, by 20 percent. On its website, the company emphasizes that they want to extend the lifespan of products and to reduce the CO2 footprint.

In addition, Adidas plans to intensify the use of recycled materials. The social pressure in relation to sustainable corporate practices is growing. A survey by the Nuremberg Institute for Market Declarations from 2023 showed that 72 percent of German sustainability consider it important when making buying decisions.

similar cases and legal context

The decision of the Nuremberg-Fürth Regional Court follows a similar judgment against Lufthansa, where the