Adidas back onside after agreeing to 'come clean'

Nearly one year after environmental group Greenpeace launched it's detox campaign and labeled Adidas as a “greenwasher,”

the German sportswear brand has agreed to work with the group to “clean up its act”.

On the eve of the World Cup, Adidas revealed its milestone plan to eliminate all hazardous chemicals from its products and become toxic-free by 2020. Together with Greenpeace, Adidas has developed its scheme to become phase out 99 percent of all polyflourinated chemicals (PFCs) by 2017, and 100 percent by 2020.

Adidas has also agreed to deliver “full transparency” on their global supply chain of hazardous chemicals use by releasing data to the public from 80 percent of its supply chain by mid 2016, building up to 100 percent by 2020.

PFCs are currently being used by Adidas to manufacturer shoes, swimsuits, outdoor gear as well as water repellent and stain resistant fabric. Greenpeace argues that these chemicals are polluting rivers and lakes around the world and can impact the human reproductive system.

“This is really a huge step forward for the industry,” commented Kirsten Brodde, Detox campaigner at Greenpeace Mexico. “It is also a reason to celebrate on behalf of those communities who need brands like Adidas to take urgent action and help clean up our rivers and waterways."

"With these critical milestones the brand can ensure the boots, shirts and jackets that we buy and wear are free from these dangerous, polluting substances. Together we are convincing brands to clean up our clothes and today we have taken one more step towards a toxic-free future.”