Global Manufacturing Practices of Adidas: A Closer Look
Where Adidas Clothes Are Made
Adidas offers a wide range of shoes and clothing that combine superior quality, functional design, and eco-friendly materials. Their Made to Be Remade line is designed to be recycled into new products at the end of their lifespan.
In terms of production, China leads the way with 337 factories followed by India, Indonesia and Vietnam with 79, 76 and 79 factories respectively.
China
Adidas makes most of their shoes in China, which has 337 factories producing their goods. The largest is YueYuen in Dongguan, where 50,000 people work. The company also has factories in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and Thailand.
Despite the fact that China is still a crucial manufacturing hub, many Adidas products are now made in other countries. Vietnam, for instance, is now the second biggest supplier of Adidas clothes after China, making up 21 percent of the sportswear manufacturer’s production.
The German sportswear brand is committed to responsible sourcing and uses a comprehensive set of standards that it shares with its suppliers. It also conducts regular audits of its factories. These are based on the Adidas Workplace Standards that include due diligence, worker rights, health and safety provisions, and environmental management. The company also publishes its global factory list, which has been updated regularly since 2007. It is a vital resource for consumers who want to support responsible businesses.
Europe
Adidas clothing is made in a wide range of countries, including China, Indonesia and Vietnam. The company adheres to strict standards of ethical and sustainable production, and they work closely with their suppliers to ensure that the well-being of workers is a priority.
The brand’s factories follow the Adidas Supplier Workplace Standards, which include a comprehensive set of guidelines for worker health and safety, freedom of association, ethical treatment of employees, prohibition of child and forced labor and fair wages. These standards are incorporated into the contractual agreements that Adidas signs with its suppliers.
Despite being known for their innovative manufacturing techniques, Adidas has closed high-tech “speed factories” in Germany and the US, saying that outsourcing production to Asia would be more flexible and economical. However, the company continues to work with independent supplier facilities in order to maintain control of quality. As such, it remains one of the most reputable brands in the industry when it comes to transparent supply chain practices.
Oceania
Adidas works with a vast network of manufacturing partners to create the vast array of products that carry their name. They seek out independent suppliers who adhere to their stringent quality standards and are committed to social and environmental compliance.
They also prefer to manufacture in regions where labor and operational costs are low. This allows them to keep prices competitive globally. They also produce in regions close to major markets for faster product distribution.
In addition to their core athletics line, the company designs and produces slide-style sandals, mobile accessories, watches, eyewear, bags, baseball caps and socks. They also have a branded range of male and female deodorants, perfumes and aftershaves.
Africa
Adidas’s diverse global supply chain allows the brand to produce in locations with low operating costs and proximity to their markets. This makes them a competitive option in the global footwear industry.
The brand works with a number of independent factories to manufacture their products. They prioritize sustainability and ethical working conditions in their supplier relationships. They also require strict quality standards for their manufacturers. They publish their global factory lists and work with suppliers who meet their standards.
Asia houses the most Adidas factories, with China and Vietnam having the highest number of production facilities. Indonesia is another important manufacturing hub for the company. The company invests in Indonesia with programs like energy management training and the SMS worker hotline project that help improve working conditions. They also sponsor a number of soccer teams, including Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. Their partnership with these teams promotes awareness of the company’s products.