One of the largest sportswear brands in the world its getting rid of “virgin” plastic to commit to recycled plastic instead
Photo by Julian Alexander/Unsplash
Adidas has joined the fight against plastic as the global sportswear giant has vowed to start using only recycled plastic by 2024.
The company is looking to eliminate its use of “virgin” plastic—a newly manufactured plastic—in producing sportswear as well as in its offices, retail outlets, warehouses, and distribution centers.
Adidas has also pledged to reduce its production of polyester—a material made of plastic that causes ocean pollution. And with the company’s transition to recycled plastic, the shift is expected to save up to 40 tons of plastic each year.
The company has also announced that its 2019 spring and summer apparel line will cover around 41 percent recycled polyester. Currently, around 50 percent of the materials used in their products are made of polyester.
“With the company’s transition to recycled plastic, the shift is expected to save up to 40 tons of plastic each year
In 2016, Adidas had started its sustainability efforts after launching its Parley line of sportswear and shoes made of recycled plastic. The company saw success after selling a million pairs of the Ultraboost Uncaged Parley trainer. By the end of 2018, Adidas is looking to sell five million pairs and expects to reach double figures by selling 11 million pairs next year.
Adidas isn’t the first company to go green and turn away from using plastic. Starbucks and McDonald’s have also pledged to get rid of disposable plastic straws in an effort to totally eliminate plastic waste by 2042.