On April 22, LI NING (02331) officially released its 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, systematically disclosing its latest practices in areas such as eco-friendly products, green operations, supply chain management, employer branding, and social welfare. Since publishing its first corporate social responsibility report in 2006 and a dedicated ESG report in 2014, LI NING has now released ESG reports for 12 consecutive years, continuously and systematically integrating ESG principles into its business practices. The company is committed to unifying commercial value with social value, embodying its motto of "Making Every Step Count."
Coinciding with World Earth Day, LI NING announced a partnership with the China Green Foundation's "Million Forests" project to launch a year-round outdoor environmental initiative. For each participant in an official LI NING outdoor experience event, the company, via the foundation, will donate one tree to be planted in ecologically vulnerable regions of Northwest China. Participants will also receive an official charitable certificate from the foundation. This initiative aims to deeply connect corporate environmental actions with the public, encouraging more people to practice environmental理念 while engaging in sports.
To date, LI NING has organized multiple mountain clean-up hiking events in cities including Zhengzhou, Hefei, Beijing, and Dalian, demonstrating its commitment to protecting nature through concrete actions and establishing itself as a steadfast force in ecological conservation.
In a green innovation breakthrough, LI NING, as an official partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee, collaborated to unveil the podium apparel for the Chinese sports delegation at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. Each outdoor podium suit incorporates approximately 45% recycled nylon and polyester, cumulatively utilizing over 800 kilograms of industrial waste silk and more than 4,200 recycled plastic bottles. This showcases a deep integration of green technology and professional athletic performance on the global stage.
During the Milan Winter Olympics, LI NING, as an official partner, was present at the "China House." Alongside displaying its technological innovations, the brand used a special exhibition to present its green practices to the world. The LI NING "Green Sports" exhibition area at the Milan "China House" served as a platform for this display.
As a leading enterprise in China's sporting goods and textile footwear and apparel industry, LI NING drives green transformation of its products through technological innovation. Focusing on four stages—raw materials, processes, recycling/reuse, and ecological cycles—the company has established a comprehensive "full-chain" approach for eco-friendly products, described as "Sourced from Nature, Naturally Dyed, Natural Renewal, and Returning to Nature," leading the industry towards a greener future.
At the raw material level, LI NING actively promotes bio-based materials. Its core materials are derived from annually renewable plant-based sources, reducing reliance on petroleum resources. The signature LI NING BENG S silk upper utilizes castor oil extracts, offering light weight, breathability, and durability while being closer to nature. To date, over 15 million pairs of LI NING running shoes have incorporated bio-based materials.
In the dyeing process, LI NING employs waterless dyeing technology, which reduces water usage by 95% and salt consumption by 100% compared to traditional methods, achieving near-zero wastewater discharge. On average, this saves about 40 liters of water per garment, significantly reducing the environmental footprint.
Regarding recycled materials, in 2025, LI NING used approximately 4,715 tons of recycled polyester yarn, accounting for 29.7% of its total polyester yarn usage. In recent years, the company has facilitated the recycling and reuse of approximately 380 million discarded plastic bottles. As a professional sports brand, LI NING widely applies recycled yarns in professional competition apparel for sports like basketball, badminton, and table tennis.
In the realm of ecological cycles, through industry-academia-research collaboration, LI NING has innovatively developed biodegradable bio-based polyester rubber for outsoles. This represents a technological breakthrough in the professional sports shoe sector, achieving a degradation rate of over 80%, making LI NING the first Chinese sports brand to possess fully biodegradable professional athletic footwear.
In carbon footprint management, LI NING has completed carbon footprint certifications for 15 iconic products. Several products have achieved over 20% carbon reduction compared to previous generations, demonstrating an effective balance between green technology and professional performance. In packaging, approximately 77% of shoe boxes are FSC-certified, and 97.7% of packaging bags are made from 100% recycled polyethylene, collectively reducing carbon emissions by over 2,100 tons.
From product development to recycling and degradation, and from international stages to public initiatives, LI NING consistently integrates sustainable development into its brand actions, promoting a green lifestyle. It collaborates with consumers and partners to protect our shared home through practical actions, advancing towards a greener future.
Digitalization and intelligence are injecting new momentum into LI NING's green operations. The Nanning LI NING Center achieved a 19.7% energy saving rate through intelligent upgrades to its air conditioning system. The Shenzhen LI NING Center obtained LEED v4.1 O+M: EB Platinum certification. At the store level, energy-saving renovations in 12 stores in Guangzhou and Beijing are projected to save over 144,000 kWh of electricity annually.
The deployment of renewable energy is accelerating. The 1.16MW photovoltaic power station at the Beijing LI NING Center generates an average of 129,000 kWh monthly. The 13MW photovoltaic project at the Jingmen LI NING Center can cover over 50% of its total annual electricity consumption. The first phase of the Nanning LI NING Center's 3.29MW photovoltaic project and the East China Smart Logistics Center's 2.56MW photovoltaic project are both operational. The implementation of these green operational measures signifies that LI NING is driving operational efficiency transformation through digitalization and intelligence, creating benchmark solutions for the industry's green transition.
While advancing its own green operations, LI NING continues to build a responsible supply chain management system, collaborating with value chain partners towards sustainability. In 2025, LI NING conducted third-party social responsibility audits for 173 finished/semi-finished product suppliers and environmental audits for 66 material suppliers, all of which received Green or Blue ratings. As a founding brand of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation, LI NING continues to promote the zero discharge of hazardous substances. Furthermore, as of 2025, 20 suppliers have set targets for at least a 20% carbon reduction by 2030.
LI NING adheres to a "people-oriented" philosophy, deeply integrating employee development with corporate social responsibility. The company has established dual career paths for employees: management and professional tracks, supporting individuals in choosing their preferred growth direction. It continuously optimizes its compensation management system and employs differentiated benefit strategies to meet diverse employee needs. Simultaneously, the company operates over ten sports clubs, regularly organizes diverse activities, and arranges events like tree planting and outdoor clean-ups to foster a healthy work atmosphere.
In talent development, focusing on building a high-quality workforce, the company conducts diversified learning and training programs and continuously increases investment in talent cultivation. In 2025, LI NING received numerous honors, including "China's Best Employer" and "University Students' Favorite Employer Brand," and in January 2026, it obtained Great Place to Work™ certification.
LI NING actively promotes diverse public welfare practices. In emergency disaster relief, in January 2025, it donated cold-weather supplies worth approximately 10 million RMB to the earthquake-stricken area of Shigatse, Tibet. In November of the same year, it donated 20 million HKD to support reconstruction efforts after the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong. Leveraging its sports expertise, LI NING continues to help youth in remote regions realize their sports dreams by donating sports equipment to schools in Qinghai, Tibet, and to youth football tournaments in central and western China. Notably, the basketball team from Fuyan Town Primary School in Menglian County, Yunnan Province, supported by LI NING's "Youth Blueprint Plan," competed in the LI NING China Primary School Students Basketball League, with their story being featured in the 2025 "Philanthropy Times" "Annual Philanthropic Faces."
In sports assistance for people with disabilities, starting in 2025, the LI NING Group has committed to three consecutive years of charitable donations to the Zhejiang Disabled Persons' Welfare Foundation to support the development of sports for persons with disabilities. Additionally, since late last year, the LI NING Group has partnered with the Yangtze River Ge 21 Blue Ribbon organization to provide professional sports equipment and customized services for visually impaired runners, helping them complete marathon experiences and ensuring every sports dream is equally illuminated.
Looking back on 2025, LI NING achieved a series of positive outcomes in product and operations, supply chain management, employer branding, and social welfare. These accomplishments represent a firm commitment to its corporate values of "harmonious development among employees, the enterprise, society, and nature." Looking ahead, LI NING will continue to promote the deep integration of sustainable development principles with its business operations, ensuring that "Making Every Step Count" becomes a solid force in building a better world.
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