The trails we trek, the seas we explore, and the fields where we play sports are all vital natural spaces — and at Decathlon, we feel a deep duty to protect them for the athletes of tomorrow. Our love of sport is inseparable from our respect for nature, which is why our mission in Italy is grounded in environmental responsibility. We’re working hard to lessen our ecological footprint and empower our customers to make eco-conscious decisions as well.
But our devotion to sustainability isn’t just talk. It’s reflected in every aspect of our business, from the way we design new products to the services available in our stores. We are consistently innovating to support a more circular approach to sports gear and apparel. Let’s take a closer look at how Decathlon Italy is advancing sustainability through planet-friendly product creation, accessible repair options, and robust recycling initiatives.
Eco-Conscious Design: Building Products with the Future in Mind
A product’s environmental effect is largely decided during its design. That’s why eco-design principles are at the center of our creative process. An eco-designed product is made using materials and methods that are gentler on the environment. Our ambition is to eventually apply this method to our entire product catalogue.
This means making strategic choices. We turn to recycled materials, like polyester spun from discarded plastic bottles, to craft our apparel and equipment—a move that reduces our reliance on raw resources and diverts waste. We also prioritize natural and renewable materials, such as organic cotton and bio-based plastics, that are more sustainable than traditional alternatives.
Additionally, we use water-saving dyeing techniques like “dope-dyed,” in which color pigments are embedded in the fiber during production, using far less water than standard methods. The result? When you select an eco-designed item from Decathlon, you’re choosing high-quality, affordable equipment that’s also better for the planet.
Making Gear Last: Repair Instead of Replace
In a world that often favors disposability, we offer an alternative: prolonging a product’s usefulness is the most sustainable solution. A ripped tent or worn-out sneakers don’t have to be thrown away. Our pledge to durability is matched by our extensive repair offerings—which help you get more life out of the gear you love.
Many Decathlon outlets in Italy are equipped with specialized repair workshops and skilled technicians. Whether your bike needs a tune-up, your racket needs fresh strings, or your inflatable kayak has sprung a leak, our team is ready to assist. This service not only helps you avoid extra spending on new products, but also keeps waste to a minimum.
We also encourage customers to handle simple repairs themselves, providing an extensive supply of spare parts as well as online guides and videos. By making repairs simple and affordable, we promote a ‘fix-it’ mindset over a ‘throwaway’ one—an important shift toward a circular economy.
Giving Gear a Second Chance: Refurbishment and Recycling
All products eventually reach the end of their usable life. Rather than see them tossed into landfill, we’ve launched initiatives to extend their purpose. Through our “Seconda Vita” (Second Life) program, we refurbish returned goods, items with minor imperfections, and used gear that still functions well. After careful repair, these items are sold in-store at discounted prices—providing great deals to customers while preventing needless waste.
If an item can’t be repaired or resold, we make recycling easy. Customers can return old sports equipment, fabrics, and electronics to our stores—we’ll ensure they’re responsibly recycled. By working with dedicated partners, we transform these discarded materials into valuable resources, helping to close the loop on waste and encourage a more circular system.
Together Toward Sustainable Sport
At Decathlon Italy, we see ethical responsibility as non-negotiable. Through eco-focused design, quality repair services, and comprehensive recycling options, we’re taking actionable steps to safeguard the environment. We invite you to join us—by choosing greener gear, repairing what you have, and utilizing our recycling programs. Together, we can keep our natural playgrounds thriving and ensure a sustainable future for every kind of athlete.
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