Innovation

Decathlon integrates sustainability into its sports products by using recycled and eco-friendly materials. The company actively works to reduce carbon emissions, minimize plastic waste across its value chain, and advance a circular economy through its EcoDesign product line. By empowering consumers to make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions, Decathlon supports global efforts in sustainable consumption (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13), contributing to a more sustainable future.

Inspiration

Saharul's journey toward sustainability and innovation was deeply shaped by his personal experiences and passion for sports. Growing up in a modest family, he drew inspiration from his background and his love for sports, which fueled his drive to make a meaningful impact. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, "I come from a very underprivileged family. I'm not shy to tell anyone because what I do, what my family has given to me, it's my golden opportunity." This sense of purpose and determination became the foundation for his commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Sports, particularly rugby, played a pivotal role in shaping Saharul's values and leadership skills. He often credits sports as a transformative force in his life, stating, "Sports can change your life. If I hadn't played rugby, I wouldn't be here today." The discipline and opportunities he gained through rugby provided him with a platform to contribute to his company and his country, even earning him the honor of carrying the Olympic torch in Paris.

Saharul's dedication to sustainability is evident in his leadership of Decathlon's EcoDesign initiative. He has been instrumental in integrating green solutions into the company's operations, from waste management and water conservation to the adoption of solar power. His forward-thinking approach reflects his belief that "Through sports and sustainability, we can inspire the next generation and make a difference."

By championing Decathlon's EcoDesign program, Saharul continues to merge his passion for sports with his commitment to sustainability, ensuring that responsible innovation remains at the core of the company's mission.

Overall impact

Decathlon's EcoDesign collection represents a significant step forward for both the company and the environment, as it effectively integrates recycled materials to address plastic waste in the supply chain and reduce carbon emissions. By providing consumers with transparent information about the environmental impact of its products, Decathlon empowers them to make informed, eco-conscious purchasing decisions. This approach not only increases demand for sustainable products but also fosters loyalty among environmentally aware customers.

Through its adoption of the circular economy model, Decathlon has redefined retail and the sports industry by prioritizing recycling and waste reduction. The company further demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by transitioning to renewable energy sources for its manufacturing and retail operations.

Looking ahead, Decathlon has set ambitious sustainability goals, including a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and sourcing 100% of its products sustainably by 2026. Beyond its own initiatives, Decathlon's leadership in sustainability has inspired other retailers to follow suit, amplifying its positive impact. By expanding its presence in sustainable markets and prioritizing ecological responsibility, Decathlon is leading the way in creating a more sustainable future for the industry.

Business benefit

Decathlon has reinforced its commitment to sustainability through the launch of its EcoDesign line, which has delivered notable business advantages. By prioritizing sustainable materials and maintaining transparency, Decathlon has resonated with environmentally conscious consumers, driving increased sales of eco-friendly products and cultivating a loyal, sustainability-minded customer base. This shift has not only boosted revenue but also solidified Decathlon's position as a leader in the sustainable retail sector.

Beyond financial gains, Decathlon's sustainability initiatives have positively influenced its workplace culture. The company's purpose-driven approach has fostered greater employee engagement, involvement, and retention, attracting top talent aligned with its vision of environmental responsibility. This shared sense of purpose has enhanced job satisfaction, productivity, and organizational commitment among its workforce.

Additionally, Decathlon's leadership in sustainability has made it more attractive to investors, particularly those focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria. Its dedication to sustainable innovation has elevated its brand reputation, positioning Decathlon as a pioneer in green business practices. This focus has not only expanded its customer base but also unlocked new market opportunities, diversified product lines, and supported global growth, ensuring long-term success.

Social and environmental benefit

The innovations highlighted in the interview, including sustainability projects, sports initiatives, and energy efficiency measures, have delivered significant benefits to both society and the environment. Among these, the School Project (SRF) led by Saharul stands out as an effort to integrate sports and education, particularly for children from underserved communities. Saharul explained, "We help children play sports, enabling them to develop skills and build confidence." By nurturing talent at the grassroots level, the project creates opportunities for children to grow and thrive, fostering personal development and community empowerment.

On the environmental front, Saharul has championed impactful programs focused on energy efficiency, water management, and waste segregation. He shared, "We reduced landfill waste by implementing recycling systems and installed solar energy solutions to lower electricity costs." These initiatives directly address critical sustainability challenges, such as resource depletion and pollution. For instance, Decathlon stores have significantly cut energy consumption by incorporating transparent roofs for natural lighting and solar panels that feed excess energy back into the grid.

These sustainability-focused projects have been successfully implemented in diverse settings, from urban centers like Mumbai and Guwahati to rural areas like Siliguri, delivering both environmental and social benefits. By combining practical solutions with educational outreach, these initiatives serve as a model for other organizations looking to adopt sustainable practices. They pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future—one that supports communities, reduces environmental harm, and ensures long-term ecological balance.

Interview

Saharul Paeda, Sports Leader Coach at Decathlon Sports India