Adidas ocean waste project extends to performance products
07/11/2016
Two famous football clubs, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, wore adidas x Parley football jerseys during their respective matches over the weekend. They were made from up-cycled marine debris collected from the world’s oceans by Parley and used water-based environmentally friendly prints.
Adidas also announced the launch of the UltraBoost Uncaged Parley running shoes, which will be the first mass production footwear to be created as part of the project. It features an upper made from 95% recycled ocean plastic. The remaining 5% is recycled polyester and the rest of the shoe is also made from recycled materials.
There are 7,000 pairs available, which customers will be able to purchase from mid-November. Adidas has committed to releasing one million pairs by the end of 2017.
“This represents another step on the journey of adidas and Parley for the Oceans,” said Eric Liedtke, adidas Group Board member responsible for Global Brands. “We have not only managed to make footwear from recycled ocean plastic, but have also created the first jersey coming 100% out of the ocean.”
He added that the company “won’t stop there”, explaining that the “ultimate ambition is to eliminate virgin plastic from its supply chain.
Taiwanese company Far Eastern New Century (FENC) is responsible for converting the recovered plastic into polyester flakes, which are then made into recycled chips and eventually into yarn.
Look out for the next issue of WSA magazine, which will include an in-depth look at the project.
(Image credit: adidas)
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