ESRS E3 Water and marine resources

ESRS E3 Water and marine resources

Impact, risk and opportunity management

Material water and marine resources-related impacts, risks and opportunities (IRO-1)

PUMA followed the same process to identify and assess our material topics related to water and marine resources as outlined in the General information (IRO-1) section.

In 2024, PUMA engaged in extensive stakeholder consultations to shape its Vision 2030 sustainability targets. Additionally, a DMA was conducted in 2023 to prioritise key sustainability issues for our long-term strategy and identify material topics for target setting. Detailed information on stakeholder consultation is provided in the General information (SBM-2) section.

Own operations

PUMA’s own operations are limited to offices, stores, distribution centres, and one footwear factory in Argentina. None of these sites use water for industrial purposes. Wastewater from domestic usage is discharged into public sewer systems for further treatment. None of PUMA’s owned or operated sites directly discharge water into natural water bodies.

PUMA’s entities do not actively use significant amounts of marine resources. Therefore, no material IROs have been identified related to water and marine resources for PUMA’s operations. Nevertheless, PUMA collects and reports data on water usage from its sites globally and encourages the use of water efficient technologies.

Downstream

Water is used by consumers of PUMA’s apparel products to wash their clothing. Depending on the methods used, this washing could lead to the release of detergents or microplastics from washing machines.

However, as PUMA does not influence the washing process, no material impacts, risks or opportunities have been identified connected to downstream operations.

The potential release of microplastics during the washing process is assessed under ESRS E2 Pollution.

Upstream

Water consumption in this section refers exclusively to industrial use, which is used in manufacturing processes. We focus on industrial water because we can implement efficiency programmes to reduce usage and mitigate environmental impacts. Domestic water consumption, related to workers' daily needs like drinking and sanitation, increases with the number of workers. Since our factories also supply other brands, we do not have full control over the number of workers. Therefore, our primary focus remains on industrial water.

By 2030, 56 % of global water demand may go unmet. The textile industry, a major water consumer, contributes to water scarcity and pollution. In 2020, the textile sector was the third largest contributor to water degradation.

Water extraction and discharge present challenges, particularly in the upstream value chain. Cotton cultivation and wet processes like dyeing and tanning could contribute to regional water scarcity and pollution. Wastewater from factories, when not properly treated, could contaminate water bodies, impacting communities around cotton farms and stress marine organisms. These concerns are general industry challenges. Water pollution, identified as a material topic, is reported in the ESRS E2 Pollution section. This section (ESRS E3) mainly focuses on water consumption and the potential impact on water scarcity.

PUMA values stakeholder feedback and consulted external stakeholders and core suppliers on sustainability goals. In December 2023, PUMA finalised its CSO engagement policy and mapped 93 CSOs in key sourcing countries, focusing on environmental issues. A CSO engagement plan will be implemented from 2025 onwards.

Policies related to water and marine resources (E3-1)

PUMA’s Environmental Policy aims to meet or exceed all requirements in relevant environmental legislation. The policy covers actions related to reducing water consumption in our global upstream value chain, focusing on relevant suppliers (wet-processing facilities in Tier 1 and Tier 2). The Management Board is responsible for the approval and implementation of all pollution-related policies and handbooks. Various departments handle implementation and report progress to the Management Board and leadership team.

The policy includes measures for conserving, reusing, and recycling water by implementing water-saving devices and efficient production processes, particularly in fabric dyeing and washing. It also raises awareness about water scarcity. PUMA supports industry initiatives to implement water-efficiency measures.

PUMA tracks, calculates and aims to reduce its environmental impact by collecting data and reporting progress towards our goal of 15 % water reduction per pair/piece by 2025 (based on the 2020 baseline).

PUMA promotes the use of certified and environmentally preferred raw materials at scale, focusing on sustainability aspects in the development and procurement of its products. PUMA has 2025 goals to procure 100 % of its cotton, polyester, leather and down from certified or recycled sources, many of these have lower water consumption in the agriculture process, such as Better Cotton. PUMA also conducts LCA on top-selling products to understand their impact on water consumption.

Through joint multi-stakeholder industry initiatives and stakeholder dialogue, PUMA includes the perspective of key stakeholders in the policy related to water, detailed information on stakeholder consultation is provided in the General information (SBM-2) section. The policy is publicly available on our website and accessible to all affected and relevant stakeholders.

Actions and resources related to water and marine resources (E3-2)

Own operation

At PUMA’s headquarters, rainwater is collected to reduce freshwater use and costs. Most PUMA sites are rented and focus on efficient kitchen and sanitary facilities. In 2022, PUMA identified 164 global owned and operated sites in water-scarce areas using the WWF Water Risk Filter and published water-saving recommendations. By 2024, this number increased to 182 sites due to methodological changes in the tool We followed up on water-saving actions at respective sites.

Upstream

The key focus areas include raising awareness, understanding impact, internal actions, and collaboration.

In the PUMA mitigation hierarchy, water actions and resources can be allocated to the following layers for continuous progress with no set timeline of completion:

• Avoid: this involves taking measures to prevent the use of water resources and marine ecosystems from the outset, e.g. implementing water-efficient technologies and practices to minimise water usage
• Reduce: this layer focuses on reducing the impact on water resources. Actions might include optimising water use in industrial processes, reducing water waste and improving water recycling and reuse systems
• Restore: this involves actions to restore and regenerate water ecosystems that have been degraded. Examples include reforestation of watersheds, wetland restoration and improving the health of aquatic habitats
• Transform: this layer aims at transforming water management practices to ensure long-term sustainability. This could involve adopting innovative water management strategies, enhancing water governance and investing in sustainable water infrastructure.

These layers help to systematically manage water resources to ensure their sustainability and resilience.

We provide training to suppliers on improving water management and supported them through cleaner production programmes to improve their water efficiency. In 2024, we expanded resource efficiency programmes in key sourcing countries, including Clean by Design in China-Taiwan, Vietnam, and Pakistan, and the Resource Efficiency programme in Vietnam. We also launched the Cambodia Decarbonisation Programme with the International Finance Cooperation (IFC). From 2019 to 2024, 46 core Tier 1 and 44 core Tier 2 factories engaged in cleaner production programmes, representing significant business volumes, with a water saving of 2,515,086 m³ in 2024. We partnered with WWF Vietnam for a Water Stewardship programme to reduce water footprints in wet processing factories, offer financial solutions, and foster collective action. We communicate water reduction targets during supplier meetings and review KPIs with core suppliers to meet our goals on water consumption.

We conduct LCA for top-selling products to understand their environmental footprint and water risk assessments using the WRI Aqueduct Tool or WWF Water Risk Filter in the supply chain. In 2024, we engaged with high and extremely high-risk factories identified in our 2023 WRI Aqueduct mapping exercise. PUMA also uses ELEVATE intelligence tool (EiQ) for comprehensive supply chain risk evaluations to assess and manage supply chain risks by geography, commodity, and issue. ​In 2023, water risk assessments were conducted for 62 wet processing factories across several countries, identifying high-risk areas and reviewing their water KPIs and compliance. Partnering with Cascale trainers, we delivered Higg FEM 4.0 training to enhance suppliers’ capabilities in water management and wastewater recycling.

In 2023, we mapped water governance for our top three sourcing countries: Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh, identifying key stakeholders and challenges in water and wastewater management. We observed stricter regulations and innovative projects on water reduction and recycling. Vietnam has a comprehensive national water strategy, fiscal incentives, and new regulations enhancing water security and private investment. China has detailed water regulations but faces uneven water distribution. Bangladesh promotes water conservation but needs integrated frameworks to address groundwater tables and increased water abstraction, which threatens industrial production. Recent regulations like the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 focus on groundwater quality assessment and resilience against floods and droughts.

All financial resources are operational expenses (OpEx) incurred annually in our supply chain for memberships, product/material certifications, risk assessments, impact incentives, and consulting fees.

¹ All resources listed here are included in the Other Operating Income and Expenses chapter of PUMA's consoildated financial statement.

Metrics and targets (E3-3)

PUMA has an overall global target in upstream value chain to improve water quality and reduce water consumption and has not set contextual location-based target on water. Suppliers' Environmental KPIs track progress towards PUMA’s sustainability targets. Environmental data are collected for 10 months from 97 of PUMA core Tier 1 and Tier 2 factories (textile, leather, PU) excluding stichd and PUMA United, with estimates for the remaining two months. The metrics are based on primary data collected from January to October 2024. Data for November and December 2024 are then extrapolated based on available measured data to provide full-year data. The metrics are not validated by third parties other than the assurance provider.

PUMA’s 2025 and 2030 water targets are primarily driven by our sustainability strategy and alignment with international standards rather than specific regulatory requirements. These targets are part of PUMA’s broader commitment to sustainability and are aligned with the SDGs. The 2025 goal was set in 2019 after materiality assessment and stakeholder consultation. The 2030 water goals were established in 2024, following a double materiality assessment, stakeholder consultations including suppliers and consideration of current technological advancements as explained in the General information section. These global targets fulfil PUMA’s commitment to the protection and preservation of our entire value chain as stated in our policy, by meeting or exceeding all requirements in relevant environmental legislation and tracking, calculating and reducing PUMA’s water impact.

Vision 2030 Targets (Baseline year 2025)

• Achieve 50 % industrial wastewater recycling back into the process by core suppliers (metric, upstream, global)

10FOR25 Targets (Baseline year 2020) ​

• Reduce water consumption at PUMA core suppliers per pair or piece by 15 % (baseline value can be found below) (upstream, global)
• In 2024, we achieved 41.2 % reduction per pair for footwear, 18.3 % increase per piece for apparel, 8.6 % increase per square meter for leather and 8.3 % reduction per tonne for textile.

The baseline year for our 2025 targets was 2020 with baseline values of 4.6 litres/piece for apparel, 15.1 litres/pair for footwear, 68.3 litres/m² for leather, 2.2 litres/m² for polyurethane and 103.4 m³/ton for textile. The target applied to 2020 to 2025. The target is relative per pair or piece, entity-specific and developed by PUMA itself based on opportunities for improvement in supply chain. Milestone targets are set with a 3 % incremental reduction each year (2025: 15 %, 2024: 12 %, 2023: 9 %, 2022: 6 %, 2021: 3 %). This metric refers only to industrial water consumption as domestic water consumption is driven mainly by workers’ daily needs. In 2024, we separately measured industrial and domestic water consumption. We then recalculated the 2020 baseline to be 0.4 litres/piece for apparel, 0.2 litres/pair for footwear, 65.8 litres/m² for leather and 100.9 m³/ton for textile based on average ratio between measured industrial and domestic water consumption in 2024. The reduction achieved in 2024 is a comparison to this recalculated baseline on industrial water consumption.

Progress against the targets and the effectiveness of policies and water-related actions are tracked through an environmental performance scorecard for each core Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier. The scorecards help to visualise the supplier’s progress towards our 10FOR25 targets.

Water consumption (E3-4)

¹ Data on water withdrawals is collected using primary data (approx. 50 %) and estimations (approx. 50 %). Where primary data is available and does not cover the full reporting year, the data is extrapolated to 12 months. Where primary data is not available, the data is either estimated based on sites with similar properties or on average data.

² Owned and operated locations in areas at water risk were determined using the WWF Water Risk Filter Tool. An area qualifies as being at water risk if the category 'Water Availability' is at very high risk (between 4.2 and 5). 182 of our owned and operated locations got selected.

³ Water recycled and reused from rainwater is defined as the total amount of water that is consumed from rainwater storage basins in the reporting year. We do not track the exact amount of water stored.

⁴ Total water consumption is defined as the sum of water withdrawals from public network and the water recycled from rainwater. Although it says 'consumption', the water is not actually consumed but is discharged back into the public sewage network. This differs with the definition of 'water consumption' from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) where water consumption is defined as water that evaporates or spills and is not led back into the public sewage network.

⁵ As all of our water is discharged into the public sewage network and is treated by public wastewater treatment plants, we assume that our water discharges are equal to our water consumption.

¹ Net revenue relates to overall net revenue which can be found in the Sales chapter in PUMA's consolidated financial statement.