On Runs Toward a More Sustainable Future

On was born in the Swiss Alps. Surrounded by glaciers, sustainability has been front of mind since the high-performance running brand’s beginning.

You don’t have to compromise performance for sustainability; that’s a core belief at On. As a brand dedicated to minimizing its negative impacts, On’s sustainability priorities include:

Incorporating Preferred Materials
Reducing Corporate CO2 Footprint
Developing Circular Products

Preferred Materials

Research has shown that material production is responsible for up to 80% of a brand’s environmental footprint. That’s why incorporating preferred materials is a top priority for On.

With every product launch and update, On is working towards using –

- 100% recycled polyester
- 100% recycled polyamide
- 100% organic and GOTS certified cotton
- 100% mulesing-free and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool
- Increased percentages of Tencel

Check out On products to learn more about their specific sustainability attributes.

Reducing Corporate CO2 Footprint

On joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as a sign of their commitment to reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions. In an effort to collectively limit the global temperature to preindustrial levels, SBTi defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting and independently assessing companies’ targets.

Each year, On will inventory its greenhouse gas emissions and publicly report progress toward achieving the targets set in partnership with the SBTi.

Circular Product

The future of On product is circular. On designs products intended to live in a loop, not a landfill.

Research from the Circular Fibres Initiative in 2018 revealed that approximately 12-14 tons of textiles are landfilled or burned every second. That adds up to about 73% of clothing being put to waste, while just 1-3% are recycled into new clothing (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

On saw this as a challenge to rethink how their products were made, consumed, and owned.

A circular approach creates a virtuous, closed-loop product life cycle, offering a sustainable solution to the industry’s traditional linear production models (make-use-dispose). Circular products start with a design from recycled materials and run right through the recycling of the product. Then it starts again. On’s design and innovation, teams are working on developments that will create this never-ending loop for their products.

Is this an easy task? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Shop On products here.