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The French sporting goods company Decathlon wants to become more sustainable, i.e. have less of an impact on the environment through CO2 emissions and raw material consumption for production. The so-called Revice project is a key component of Decathlon's comprehensive sustainability strategy. The company's goal is to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050 compared to the base year 2021.
Decathlon was already a success in 2023: Global sales increased by 4.4% (to 15.6 billion euros), while absolute greenhouse gas emissions fell by 11.7% - from 11.52 million tonnes of CO2 in 2022 to 10.375 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023.
More sustainability at Decathlon: what does this mean for customers?
Decathlon wants to achieve its sustainability goals by taking action in various areas: Decarbonisation of the company's activities, development of long-lasting products and the expansion of circular economy models. As a large proportion of the greenhouse gas emissions caused (around 80%) are related to the products themselves, Decathlon wants to reduce them primarily by:
- utilises more sustainable materials and production processes (eco-design approach, recyclability)
- the products are designed so that they can be used and repaired for a long time (repairability, durability)
- the products are kept in circulation for as long as possible through maintenance, repair or resale (buyback, second-hand sale)
By extending the service life of our products and offering repairs directly on site, we are actively helping to conserve resources and reduce our ecological footprint. - Nathalie Jäger, Chief Sustainability Officer, Decathlon Germany
An example: A children's bike lasts on average 200 kilometres until it is worn out - in reality it is only used for about 20 kilometres until a child has "outgrown" it. Consequently, you could use it 10 times as long. The same applies to (e-)bikes for adults.
Decathlon has therefore now also announced that the French company has entered into a co-operation with Rebike from Munich the market leader for the reconditioning and sale of professionally overhauled, refurbished second-hand e-bikes in the DACH region. Both want to sell refurbished e-bikes in Europe together.
Repair services at Decathlon Germany to be expanded
The second pillar of Decathlon's Revice strategy is the repair of products. Because what can be repaired does not have to be bought new. This saves resources and saves customers money.
Decathlon has set itself the goal of quadrupling the number of repaired products in Germany within three years: from 120,000 in 2023 to 500,000 in 2027. The service will not only be extended to the company's own products, but also to third-party brands in the future. A broader range of services and shorter waiting times are to be realised in the near future. According to the company, the average processing time for repairs is currently 20 days - in future, it should be just 7 days.
The aim is also to be able to repair 100% of its own sporting goods. Decathlon wants to position itself as the market leader in the repair sector. To this end, 10 service hubs are gradually being set up in Germany. The first workshop opened in Schwetzingen in 2015, in Dortmund in 2017 and now in the north of Munich. Hamburg and Berlin are set to follow in the near future. There are also plans for vending machines for bicycle inner tubes, bicycle repair stands, repair cafés and the expansion of the online DIY offering.
New regional Decathlon workshop in Munich-Unterföhring
The newly opened workshop in Munich-Unterföhring is a key component of the Revice strategy. Covering an area of 750 square metres, it offers comprehensive repair services with a focus on mobility and winter sports. Nine Decathlon shops in the region are supported by this facility, which employs 12 people, including master bike mechanics. Equipped with modern workshop technology and bicycle cranes that can Cargobikes can carry up to 200 kgThe workshop offers services ranging from the professional assembly of new bicycles to maintenance and repairs - in future, as described, also for brands from other manufacturers.
With the repair campaign, we are creating the basis for further expanding our circularity services in Germany. The circular economy approach is not just an option for us, but a necessity for the future. More sustainable solutions such as repair, second-hand and rental are firmly integrated into our strategic goals. - Nathalie Jäger, Chief Sustainability Officer, Decathlon Germany
Marc Strucken
Editor
