Commits to “End Plastic Waste”

Sportswear giant Adidas announced the next step in its commitment to end the generation of plastic waste, with the introduction of more sustainable production fabrics. Acknowledging that the company has been a big contributor over time to the problem of plastic waste, the company is now promising significant action to fight the phenomenon.

Adidas is launching 2 new performance plastics, PRIMEBLUE and PRIMEGREEN, which use 100% recycled polyester. PRIMEBLUE contains Parley Ocean Plastic, which is plastic recovered from beaches and coastal communities.

Along with its efforts to end plastic waste, Adidas has set the following environmental goals:

• 2020: more than 50% of all the polyester adidas uses in products will be recycled
• 2021: adidas will work with adidas’ key US sports partners (MLS, NHL, USA Volleyball and the Power 5 NCAA football programs) to transition to more sustainable uniforms.
• 2024: adidas will use only recycled polyester in all adidas products across the business – aided by the introduction of PRIMEBLUE and PRIMEGREEN performance fabrics where 100% of the polyester used is recycled.
• 2030: adidas will reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 30 percent (as compared to 2017) as part of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
• 2050:  achieve climate neutrality. In Germany, the company already sources almost all its electricity from renewable sources.

James Carnes, VP Brand Strategy said:

“We believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, and we are dedicated to creating that change. Since 1998, we’ve been developing and introducing innovations to END PLASTIC WASTE. Our commitment to eliminate the use of virgin polyester in our products by 2024 helps us get one step closer to being a more circular company.”