Our Approach
- Materiality, Risks and Opportunities
- ASICS Sustainability framework
- Material topics in the value chain
- Sustainability policies and guidelines
- Governing Sustainability at ASICS
- External recognition
Materiality, Risks and Opportunities
To ensure we are addressing ASICS’ most important sustainability impacts, risks, and opportunities, we update our materiality assessment annually and conduct a comprehensive review every three years. Our material topics are those that are most relevant to our stakeholders and our business, and as such, our approach to materiality revolves around stakeholder engagement.
In 2023, we performed a double materiality assessment. This involves establishing not just the outward impacts ASICS has on people and the planet, but also the opportunities and risks various sustainability topics bring to the business.
1. Mental and Physical Well-Being
2. Innovation
3. Quality of Products and Services
4. Human Rights and Transparency in
the Supply Chain
5. Climate Action
6. Circularity
7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
8. Corporate Governance and Disclosure
9. Biodiversity and Water Managemen
This double materiality assessment is one of the first steps in preparing to meet the requirements of the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which will apply to ASICS Europe in 2025. From 2028, ASICS global will be required to report according to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
In preparation, we have aligned our earlier materiality assessment with the CSRD requirements, identified key business activities and stakeholders, narrowed down topics based on ESRS and SASB standards, conducted an initial impact assessment, and held a double materiality workshop with internal stakeholders. We have conducted a gap analysis, and we are working with departments across the company to ensure we have the relevant information to report fully on our material topics. Based on identified gaps, we have drafted a high-level roadmap towards sustainability reporting in line
with the CSRD requirements.
ASICS Sustainability framework
Built on two pillars – People and Planet – the ASICS Sustainability Framework sets out the targets, actions, and partnerships that enable us to improve people’s well-being while protecting the planet.
This Framework is in line with our wider business strategies – VISION 2030 and our Mid-Term Plan 2026 – and it is shaped according to our materiality analysis. With input from our key stakeholder groups and external frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as critical information from the business and the wider operating context, our material topics represent the areas in which ASICS has the biggest impact. They cover topics such as Climate Action, Human Rights, Supply Chain Transparency, and Innovation. Our philosophy places particular emphasis on the topic of Mental and Physical Well-being.
People
Consumers and Communities
We support people’s mental and physical well-being.
Our people
We support and encourage ASICS employees to fulfill their potential.
Supply chain
We empower people in our value chain and build transparent, fair, and ethical partnerships.
Planet
Products
We focus on materials, production processes, and sustainable design to limit environmental impact.
Operations
We aim to make a positive contribution to global climate goals by adjusting the way in which we operate, including our manufacturing processes.
KPIs at a glance
To realize our philosophy of Sound Mind, Sound Body, we have established approaches, KPIs, and actions as part of the ASICS 2026 Mid-Term Plan.
Material topics in the value chain
Impact of Material Topics Across Our Value Chain
The impacts, risks, and opportunities of our material topics are connected to ASICS directly and its value chain. The visual represents the impacts of the material topics across our value chain, allowing us to understand where and how we have positive or negative impacts on people and the planet.
| Raw materials | We are switching to more sustainable materials, such as recycled or bio-based polyester and certified natural materials. |
|---|---|
| Material processing | We are committed to meeting our quality and safety standards and reducing resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the production process. We build transparent, fair and ethical partnerships and empower people. |
| Product manufacturing | We engage with our suppliers to reduce environmental impacts during the manufacturing process and encourage them to actively seek renewable energy alternatives. We build transparent, fair and ethical partnerships and empower people. |
| Distribution to market | We work with our logistics providers to transport our products to our various markets in the most efficient way, including shifting to packaging with lower environmental impact. |
| Retail | Our own retail stores are designed to use energy efficiently and to maximize the reuse of store fittings. We are switching to more sustainable packaging for our products. |
| Product use phase | We support consumers to improve their mental and physical health and help them to reduce their environmental impact through care label advice. We offer repair services for some products in Japan. |
| End of life and recycling | We investigate partnerships and engage consumers in take-back programs to support a circular economy. |
Governing Sustainability at ASICS
Sustainability is on the agenda for ASICS governing bodies all the way to shareholders and the Board of Directors. With a governance structure that spans the company, we can ensure our sustainability strategy remains integrated with the overall business strategy.
Board of Directors
Chaired by the ASICS CEO. Oversees the ASICS sustainability strategy and ensures sustainability is integrated and prioritized in corporate objectives. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and the General Manager of the sustainability department report to the Board of Directors at least twice a year on sustainability-related risks and opportunities based on input from the Sustainability Committee and Risk Management Committee. The latest sustainability knowledge is also reported to the CEO and the Board of Directors regularly.
Sustainability Committee
Chaired by the ASICS CEO. Reviews strategy and action plan, and provides progress reports.
Risk Management Committee
Chaired by the ASICS COO. Reviews priority risks and action plans, and reports on progress.
Human Rights Committee
Advises on human rights issues, oversees the implementation of human rights due diligence, and evaluates the effectiveness of ASICS’ human rights-related actions.
Dealing with critical concerns
In addition to implementing ASICS’ sustainability strategy, these governance bodies are responsible for dealing with grievances and violations of ASICS policies. ASICS employees and business partners can use our confidential Global Whistleblowing System to report their concerns. We encourage employees, subsidiaries, suppliers, and partners to use this mechanism, and they have the option to do so anonymously. We ensure their reports are dealt with promptly and confidentially, according to the process outlined in our Global Policy on Protected Disclosure. Ultimately, critical concerns are reported to the Audit & Supervisory Committee, as disclosed in the GRI content index.
*Read more about the grievance mechanism in our value chain
*Global Policy on Protected Disclosure (Whistleblowing)
*Read more about governance at ASICS
Sustainability policies and guidelines
To guide ASICS employees and our business partners as we work together towards a shared vision of a sustainable future, we have policies and guidelines in place. Covering topics ranging from anti-corruption to cotton use, human rights to conflict minerals, these policies and guidelines set out a clear path we can all take as we create products that improve people’s well-being.
To embed our policies and guidelines at the core of our operations, we offer ongoing training to employees and business partners. This includes training on materials and products guidelines, annual supplier training on our Policy of Engagement, and annual employee training on ASICS’ Code of Conduct.
ASICS
Our suppliers & Other business partners
Our materiais and Products
- ASICS Materials Guidelines
- Restricted substance policy
- Policy on animalderived materials
- Conflict mineral policy
- Recycled material policy
- Cotton policy
- Sustainable Packaging Policy
External recognition
Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index
ASICS Corporation was selected for the 10th time as a component company of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index.
CDP
ASICS is pleased to announce that it has received the highest rating "A" in the climate change, by the international non-profit organization CDP.
FTSE4Good Index Series、FTSE Blossom Japan Index
ASICS Corporation has been continuously included in the FTSE4Good Index since 2016 and the FTSE Blossom Japan index since 2017.
MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index
ASICS Corporation has been continuously included with AA ratings since 2017.