Decathlon, a French sports goods company, is tightening its ‘Make in India’ and sustainability pledges while bolstering domestic production in India through circular business models and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Currently, 60 per cent of Decathlon sales in India are made with locally manufactured goods, and the company seeks to increase this figure to 80 per cent in 5 years thanks to the US $ 108 million investment it made last year to increase its production capabilities.
Decathlon has also adopted a circular business model in India as part of a significant push towards sustainability, offering services like buybacks (50+ stores), second-life resales (90+ stores), and repairs (95+ stores). By 2027, the company hopes to keep over 300,000 sports items out of the trash.
Annie George, Leader – Sustainable Development, Decathlon India, said, “It is not just about minimising environmental impact; it’s about changing the way people can access sport responsibly.”
As part of its global net zero target for 2050, Decathlon aims to increase its circular turnover from Rs. 35 crore (US $ 4.22 million) to Rs. 100 crore (US $ 12.05 million) by 2027. And with India in the top 10 sports markets in the world, Decathlon is building not just a greener business but a more sustainable sporting ecosystem of the future.
