How ethical is Nike Inc? | Ethical Consumer (2024)

Nike is the world’s largest supplier and manufacturer of athletic shoes, apparel and sports equipment. The company claims to be dedicated to promoting the safety, health and well-being of people and the environment.

But how much do its practices live up to its alleged principles?

Is Nike ethical?

We looked at several ethical issues including human rights, worker's rights, supply chain management, pollution and toxics, habitats & resources, environmental reporting, use of controversial technologies, political activities, anti-social finance and animal rights.

Our research highlights allegations of forced labour in the Nike supply chain, gender discrimination towards female athletes and parents, and failure to ensure all employees receive a living wage.

What’s more, the company is spending high amounts of money on political lobbying each year – that’s not to mention the extortionate wage packets received by company executives.

Below we outline some of these issues. To see the full detailed stories, and Nike's overall ethical rating, please sign in or subscribe.

People

In February 2020 the Washington Post reported that a large Nike supplier factory, Qingdao Taekwang Shoes Co., had been employing Uighurs from the Xinjiang region of China. The article referenced a report which said Uighurs in the Taekwang factory were working “under conditions that strongly suggest forced labor”.

A second Washington Post article published in March states "Nike said it was reviewing its suppliers’ hiring practices in China, after The Washington Post and an Australian think tank reported that members of the Uighur Muslim minority were making shoes for the American brand in conditions that suggested they were coerced.”

Nike also received the worst rating in the 2019 Tailored Wages UK report, published by The Clean Clothes Campaign in June 2019. The report stated: "The brand can show no evidence of a Living Wage being paid to any workers".

Nike also came under fire when Olympic runner and champion Alysia Montaño, who was sponsored by Nike, spoke out about how the company said it would pause her contract and stop paying her if she had a baby. This triggered public outcry and a congressional inquiry. Nike later announced a new maternity policy for all sponsored athletes, which guaranteed pay and bonuses for 18 months around pregnancy.

Environment

Nike received Ethical Consumer’s worst rating for its cotton sourcing policy, because it lacks a clear approach to use of pesticides and herbicides. Cotton accounts for 12.34% of all insecticide sales and 3.94% of herbicide sales, even though cotton covers only 2.78% of global arable land. Nike used some organic cotton and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified cotton, but this wasn’t 100%. Companies that have the environment in mind should have a clear statement committing to the use of 100% sustainable cotton.

Nike also uses leather as a substantial part of its business. The leather industry uses a co*cktail of harmful chemicals to preserve leather. Tannery effluent also contains large amounts of other pollutants which can pollute the land, air and water supply, making it a highly polluting industry. Nike made reference to using Leather Working Group (LWG) certified leather in its Impact Report 2019, but no clear information was provided about what percentage was certified 100% LWG gold standard. LWG Gold is the only standard Ethical Consumer considers positive.

Politics

Nike is a dubious company in terms of financial ethics and political activities.

In 2019 Nike’s highest paid Executive Officer received an astonishing $13,968,022 – around £11m. Five named Executive Officers received over £1m in total compensation in the same year, which Ethical Consumer considers to be excessive pay.

The company also has subsidiaries in jurisdictions considered by Ethical Consumer to be tax havens, including in Bermuda, Delaware, Netherlands, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. At least 21 of these were considered to be a high risk company type (such as a holding company) for likely use of tax avoidance strategies.

According to Opensecrets.org, in 2019 the company had spent $1,180,000 on lobbying and in the 2020 election cycle made $511,737 in political donations to both Republican and Democrat parties. What’s more, in 2019 32 out of 38 Nike Inc lobbyists were said to have previously held government jobs.

Nike is also involved in lobbying. In February 2020 Nike was listed as a member of the US Council for International Business (USCIB). Ethical Consumer regarded USCIB to be a corporate lobby group which lobbied for free trade at the expense of the environment, animal welfare, human rights or health protection.

Animals

Nike lost a whole mark under Ethical Consumer’s animal rights category, because it retailed several products containing animal-based materials, including leather, wool and down/feathers.

Nike lost marks for not having a clear policy against mulesing. Merino sheep are specifically bred to have wrinkled skin, which yields more wool. Flies lay eggs in the folds of skin, and maggots can eat the sheep alive. To prevent this condition Australian ranchers perform 'mulesing' which involves carving large strips of skin and flesh from the backs of unanesthetized lambs’ legs and around their tails. The company stated “Nike supports the use of wool fiber that is sourced and certified from non–mulesed sheep and will consolidate its wool sourcing accordingly, as rapidly as supplies and pricing allow”. This was worded in such a way that it left open the possibility of the company using wool from mulesed sheep.

How ethical is Nike Inc? | Ethical Consumer (2024)

FAQs

How ethical is Nike Inc? | Ethical Consumer? ›

Nike received Ethical Consumer's worst rating for its cotton sourcing policy, because it lacks a clear approach to use of pesticides and herbicides. Cotton accounts for 12.34% of all insecticide sales and 3.94% of herbicide sales, even though cotton covers only 2.78% of global arable land.

How is Nike trying to be ethical? ›

Environmental impact

Nike uses some eco-friendly materials, including organic and recycled cotton and polyester, and has water reduction initiatives in its supply chain. The brand has also set a deadline to eliminate hazardous chemicals by 2025 and the good news is that it is on track to meet its target.

Does Nike use ethical practices? ›

The introduction of recycled cotton and polyester into some of its collections is a start. However, Nike still has a lot to do regarding ethical labor practices and using ethical and sustainable materials. If anyone has the funds and resources to make the right environmental choices, it's Nike.

What are the major ethical issues in Nike? ›

Nike Ethical Issues
  • Child Labour. Although Child Labour laws are in place in countries NIKE still choses to overlook this and children as young as 12 years of age are made to work in the factories for long hours. ...
  • Expensive Endorsem*nts. ...
  • Low wages. ...
  • Expensive Products. ...
  • Fainting in Cambodia factories.
Dec 9, 2020

What is an ethical issue in the Nike case? ›

Children have their right to get their education instead of working as they are under age according to the law of the country. Therefore, Nike should not hire child labour which violates their right to stay in school and receive education.

Is Nike ethical and socially responsible? ›

Nike's Diversity and Inclusion Program. Nike's CSR and corporate governance programs center on providing a healthy and tolerant work environment for all employees. To that end, the company invests in promoting a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

What unethical things does Nike do that affects the people? ›

Our research highlights allegations of forced labour in the Nike supply chain, gender discrimination towards female athletes and parents, and failure to ensure all employees receive a living wage.

How does Nike treat their customers? ›

To put it simply, Nike doesn't just sell products. It tells customers what they want — and then makes that value readily available. The key is Nike's ability to cultivate customer trust. Between its brand legacy, its knowledgeable team and its commitment to the entire athletic experience, Nike proves it knows athletes.

What is the most ethical business? ›

24 Most Ethical Companies of 2022
  1. Aflac Incorporated - 16 Times Honoree. Based In: Columbus, Georgia. ...
  2. Ecolab - 16 Times Honoree. ...
  3. International Paper - 16 Times Honoree. ...
  4. Kao Corporation - 16 Times Honoree. ...
  5. Milliken & Company - 16 Times Honoree. ...
  6. PepsiCo - 16 Times Honoree. ...
  7. Accenture - 15 Times Honoree. ...
  8. Cummins - 15 Times Honoree.

Why is Nike a good company? ›

The reasons why Nike is the best brand are because they inspire customers, innovate unique products that solve problems and they are inclusive there's something for everyone, not just athletes.

What social justice issues does Nike have? ›

Nike has long been criticized for its glittery surface representation of diversity and social justice while maintaining conservative political ties, discriminatory relationships with women athletes and employees, and questionable labor practices.

What are the 12 ethical issues? ›

What Are the 12 Ethical Principles? Business ethics is an evolving topic. Generally, there are about 12 ethical principles: honesty, fairness, leadership, integrity, compassion, respect, responsibility, loyalty, law-abiding, transparency, and environmental concerns.

What does Nike do with their waste? ›

The company's Nike Grind material reuses scraps and old shoes by slicing them into three parts, then printing them into rubber bits, foam, or a fluffy fiber, the Huffington Post reports. In addition to using the materials in its own designs, the Oregon-based apparel giant is also selling them to outside buyers.

What is one example of ethical issue? ›

These issues include privacy and confidentiality, issues related to socially vulnerable populations, health insurance discrimination, employment discrimination, individual responsibility, issues related to race and ethnicity, and implementation.

What is the Nike logo scandal? ›

Nike has claimed that 16-year-old's business infringes on its trademarked 'Swoosh' logo. THE US BASED sportswear giant Nike has filed legal action against a 16-year-old business owner running a sneaker consignment store in Dublin's city centre.

Does Nike support human rights? ›

At Nike, we strongly believe and are committed to respecting human rights. It is not only the right thing to do, it also drives our success by allowing people's full potential to be realized.

Does Nike have a sustainability policy? ›

MOVE TO ZERO IS NIKE'S JOURNEY TOWARDS ZERO CARBON AND ZERO WASTE, HELPING TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF SPORT.

Why did Nike fail to address corporate social responsibility early on? ›

Why did Nike fail to address corporate social responsibility early on? Nike fail to address Corporate Social Responsibility early on because to be remain competitive, keep on producing in low cost and increasing profit, Nike footwear factory has moved to the other country with low costs labor.

What is Nike's biggest threat? ›

Counterfeit products are one of the greatest dangers to a brand obsessed with quality control, such as Nike. Therefore, it is understandable that the brand has introduced a wide range of methods and technologies to battle this threat.

What social factors are affecting Nike? ›

Social/Sociocultural Factors in Nike's Business Environment
  • Aging population in many countries (opportunity)
  • Increasing adoption of healthy lifestyles (opportunity)
  • Rising preference for domestic or locally produced goods (opportunity)
Oct 1, 2022

What is Nike's stance on labor and human rights? ›

In a fiscal 2022 statement on forced labor, Nike said it is growing its business "through long-term relationships with suppliers that are committed to our strict standards of sustainability and human rights, product excellence and compliance with local laws."

Do consumers trust Nike? ›

A total of 65.2 percent of Millennial respondents have mentioned Nike as a trustworthy brand. Amazon is the next brand directly or indirectly related to apparel to appear on the list. It came third, having been mentioned by 62.6 percent of Millennials.

What does Nike mean to consumers? ›

Nike positions itself as a brand for athletes but pulls every consumer into the fold with its fundamental pitch: if you have a body, you are an athlete. This has led to Nike's outstanding financial success, generating over $44.5 billion in worldwide sales 2021.

Why do consumers trust Nike? ›

With quality to back it up, the company can charge more for its products than competitors while still making a lot of money. 79% of Nike consumers said the special incentives are a big part of why they stick with the brand. Exclusivity and rewards work well together to make the loyalty scheme ideas work.

What are 5 common types of ethical issues in business? ›

Ethical issues in the workplace are defined as instances in which a moral quandary arises and must be resolved within an organization. Unethical accounting, harassment, health and safety, technology, privacy, social media, and discrimination are the five primary types of ethical issues in the workplace.

How does Nike treat their employees? ›

The employee happiness at Nike is listed in the Top 25% of similar size companies on Comparably. Compensation is an important aspect of employee happiness and at Nike, 67% of employees feel they are paid fairly, 76% are satisfied with their benefits, and 70% are satisfied with their stock/equity.

What is Nike's reputation? ›

Nike landed as the second most reputable U.S. company in Reputation Institute's annual U.S. RepTrak 100 rankings.

What does Nike do really well? ›

Nike is a world-renowned shoe manufacturer that makes world-class shoes, especially for athletes around the globe.

What has Nike been criticized for? ›

In 1991, activist Jeff Ballinger began publicizing the conditions of the Indonesian factories, which lead to larger media coverage of Nike's overseas operations. His reports included claims that an Indonesian worker was illegally working for 14-cents an hour, below national minimum wage.

Does Nike believe in equality? ›

Nike believes in the power of sport to unite and inspire people to take action in their communities. Equality isn't a game. But achieving it will be our greatest victory. Until we all win.

Does Nike support social justice? ›

Nike, Inc. has announced a four-year, $40 million commitment in support of organizations focused on social justice, education, and addressing racial inequality in America.

What is the biggest ethical issue? ›

Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace

Harassment and discrimination are arguably the largest ethical issues that impact business owners today.

What makes a company ethical? ›

An ethical business demonstrates respect for its employees by valuing opinions and treating each employee as an equal. The business shows respect for its customers by listening to feedback and assessing needs. An ethical business respects its vendors, paying on time and utilizing fair buying practices.

What are the big five ethics? ›

The Five Factor Model of Personality and Ethical Reasoning

The Big Five model includes five distinct factors, labeled as Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, and Openness to experience.

Does Nike care about the environment? ›

Nike's commitment is not just to produce environmentally friendly footwear, but also to operate with sustainable business practices to reduce our carbon footprint and push toward a more sustainable future.

What happens to Nike shoes when it is no longer needed? ›

Footwear gets turned into Nike Grind, which in its most simple form is the scrap that comes from manufacturing waste, unused materials, and end-of-life product. After grinding it up, we collect, separate, and reuse it, or process it into new materials.

How does Nike help poverty? ›

The Nike Foundation will provide grants and leverage Nike's voice and global reach to help improve the lives and well-being of adolescent girls in the developing world as a critical link to achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of poverty alleviation and gender equality.

What is Nike ethical policy? ›

Safety, Health, and Environment

NIKE is committed to providing safe and healthy work environments and to being an. environmentally responsible corporate citizen. The NIKE standard is to comply with all. environmental, safety and health laws and regulations.

How is Nike being socially responsible? ›

Nike is focusing corporate responsibility efforts in the areas in which they can have the greatest impact and create the most value: Through the materials they design into products, through the process of making those materials and products, and in the world of sport where products are used.

How does Nike give back to the community? ›

Since 2009, NCIF has awarded $10 million through 1,000+ grants to grassroots nonprofits that help create active communities and get kids moving. This year, we'll keep the momentum going with $1.5 million in grants to support local programs in 14 key cities and employee backyards across the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Does Nike donate to charity? ›

Because our biggest wins happen when we work as a team to create a better tomorrow, we offer grants and donations for schools, community-based organizations, and individuals. Please visit purpose.nike.com/ncif to learn about, and apply for, one of our numerous grants or product donations.

Does Nike respect human rights? ›

At Nike, we strongly believe and are committed to respecting human rights. It is not only the right thing to do, it also drives our success by allowing people's full potential to be realized.

What was the Nike social responsibility scandal? ›

Nike Sweatshop Scandal - Key takeaways

The Nike Sweatshop Scandal began in 1991 when Jeff Ballinger published a report detailing the appalling working conditions of garment workers at Nike's factory in Indonesia. Nike's initial response was to deny its association with unethical practices.

What impact did Nike have on society? ›

Along the way, Nike helped the world's best athletes win races, games and championships. And the athletes helped Nike design and market the products and brand that changed the face of sports.

Does Nike support any causes or charity? ›

The Play Equity Fund is focused on bringing the transformational power of sport and play to all children, regardless of their race, gender, zip code or socioeconomic status.

How has Nike improved customer service? ›

By encouraging loyal customers to join Nike+, the brand builds a community of engaged customers. Nike+ users are encouraged to upload their fitness regimes and provide support for others. This fosters a deeper relationship between customers and the brand and, crucially, keeps them coming back.

What is Nike doing for sustainability? ›

Nike has also committed to using 100% sustainable cotton, leather alternatives, and other such low-impact materials by 2025. Considering the size of Nike, the introduction of small changes like recycled materials can help in making a significant impact.

Does Nike help communities? ›

NCIF helps local organizations bring the benefits of sport to their communities, giving kids an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of quality play and active lives, and creating stronger communities where sports and physical activity are a highly-valued part of everyday life.

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