To measure this, we've created the Nike Considered Index. The index metrics are based on over a decade's worth of research about materials, solid waste, innovations, treatments and solvent use.

The Nike Considered Index Breakdown:
  • The Index is tool for evaluating the predicted environmental footprint of a product prior to commercialization.
  • This system examines solvent use, waste, materials and innovation for footwear. Apparel products are evaluated on waste, materials, garment treatments and innovation.
  • Products are assigned a "Considered" score using the Index framework based on Nike's known footprint in these areas. Only products whose score significantly exceeds the corporate average can be designated as "Considered."
  • The Index metrics are based on over a decade of collecting solid waste and solvent use data in footwear, and the examination of waste footprints in hundreds of apparel and footwear products across all sport categories. They are also based on the evaluation of every commercial material used to manufacture Nike products using a life cycle approach.
Specifically, the Nike Considered Index evaluates:

Solvents:
  • The intensity of use of solvent based cleaners, primers and solvents in footwear assembly as well as in decorative applications
Waste:
  • In footwear, the waste footprint created in the manufacturing processes for:
    • Material cutting
    • Midsoles
    • Sockliners
    • Decorative applications
    • Tooling use
  • In apparel, the waste footprint created in:
    • Fabric cutting at the garment factory
Materials:
  • A life cycle analysis approach to material evaluation which considers, growing and extraction practices, chemistry, energy intensity, energy source, water intensity, waste, recycled content and end of life for both footwear and apparel
Garment Treatments:
  • The use of post assembly garment treatments in apparel
Innovation:
  • Significant new solutions to product-related environmental impact issues that are not currently captured in the Index criteria for both footwear and apparel