4 MIN READ

12-17-2024

Sports Apparel Goes Green: Reducing Plastic in Performance Wear

Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder

The Role of Plastic Offsetting: Can Companies Truly Neutralize Their Impact?

The sportswear industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with brands continually evaluating ways to become more eco-friendly and health-conscious. Both large and small companies are reassessing their manufacturing processes, materials, and treatments to ensure their products are safer for wearers and the planet. A key question for many athletes and coaches is whether companies can still deliver high-performance gear with stretch, breathability, and moisture-wicking features if they change their production methods. The answer is a resounding yes! Not only can companies make clothing of the same caliber, but it actually is better for the environment and the overall health of the player.

One of the most impactful changes is the reduction of plastic in sports gear. As corporations continually strive to holistically improve products, consumers are seeing shifts including phasing out harmful PFAS chemicals, embracing alternatives like bio-based fabrics and recycled materials, and reevaluating more energy-efficient production methods. All of these indicate an industry shift away from plastic and PFAS — and that’s worth cheering for.

The Big Brands Set A Personal
Best

Adidas has been at the forefront of sustainability for large brands. Nine years ago, they launched a campaign to remove all virgin polyester from designs by 2025. Adidas continues to find ways to incorporate recycled plastics, and remove virgin plastics from their brand. This is achieved through the implementation of their three-loop strategy which is central to its long-term sustainability goals. As the name suggests, there are three main categories products fall into: Recycled Loop, Circular Loop, and Bionic Loop. Recycled Loop products use fabrics made from discarded plastics recovered from the ocean. Circular Loop products are designed specifically to be recycled and remade. Bionic Loop products can eventually return to nature after multiple life cycles.

PUMA is also making significant strides toward reducing plastic use in its products by 2025, aligning with its goal of achieving a net-zero impact in the fashion industry. As part of this initiative, PUMA has committed to increasing the proportion of recycled polyester to 75% in its apparel and accessories by 2025. In 2021, 55% of their apparel already incorporated recycled polyester. Additionally, nine out of ten products will be made from sustainable materials by 2025. These efforts are part of their broader collaboration with The Fashion Pact, a coalition of leading brands, NGOs, and governments aimed at decarbonizing the fashion industry and tackling plastic waste and biodiversity challenges.

Similarly, Girlfriend Collective prioritizes eco-conscious fashion by using sustainable materials like recycled PET plastic and ECONYL complemented by low-impact dyes. The brand promotes inclusivity with a range of sizes and diverse representation, while maintaining transparency about its ethical practice such as partnering with OEKO-TEX to ensure that both wearers and workers are not exposed to potentially harmful chemicals. Although it has not implemented specific strategies to cut energy use or emissions, Girlfriend Collective minimizes environmental impact by reducing chemical use and managing wastewater during production.

A distinguishing feature of the brand is its ReGirlfriend program, which allows customers to return old garments for upcycling, addressing the industry’s textile waste issue. This circular approach to sustainability - focusing on environmental, social, and functional aspects - has cultivated a loyal following among consumers who value both responsible fashion and style.

Adidas, Puma, and Girlfriend Collective are just a few companies which demonstrate that sustainable practices are compatible with high-performance demands. Their efforts highlight that environmentally friendly products can meet professional standards without compromising on design or functionality.

Small Brands Demonstrate the Versatility of Athletic Wear’s Green Future

PYNRS, a Black-owned running apparel brand, is committed to normalizing running within BIPOC communities while embracing sustainable practices. Like larger corporations, PYNRS uses discarded ocean nylon to reduce marine pollution. However, their commitment to sustainability goes beyond material choices. Their production mills operate with renewable energy, and the company recycles 99% of waste through conservation strategies, maximizing the use of energy generated during manufacturing. Key innovations include reusing rainwater and converting heat from the production process into power, which helps cut carbon emissions by 50% compared to conventional nylon manufacturing while still delivering high-performance athletic wear.

In contrast, some companies are completely removing plastic from their product and opting for more naturally occurring materials altogether. Iron Roots, a Dutch brand, avoids synthetic fabrics entirely, opting for natural fibers like hemp, eucalyptus, and beechwood. These materials offer breathability and anti-bacterial properties along with comfort that is comparable to plastic-based fabrics but with a smaller environmental footprint. 8000 Kicks focuses on hemp-based sneakers, backpacks, and accessories that combine durability with eco-conscious production. Hemp is a preferred alternative fabric for athletic wear since it uses little water, and it fertilizes the soil it grows in. BAM utilizes fast growing bamboo fibers to create stretchy, comfortable activewear, proving that natural materials can rival synthetic fabrics in performance.

These brands showcase that sustainable practices and high-quality athletic gear can coexist, inspiring a new era of eco-friendly sportswear.

Why It Matters: Sustainable Sportswear for a Better Future

The efforts by both large and small brands demonstrate that reducing plastic use in sportswear is not just about going green — it’s about creating innovative products that reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals as well as our ecological footprint on the planet. The industry is increasingly adopting circular economies, where products are designed to be recycled at the end of their life, reducing waste and resource consumption.

Brands are proving that sustainable innovation can align seamlessly with performance, setting new standards with eco-friendly materials and processes that benefit both athletes and the environment. The collaboration between large and small sportswear brands in cutting plastic waste is shaping a new era in athletic gear. With this continued mindset, athletes across the globe no longer have to decide between performance and environmental responsibility; today’s innovations show that both can thrive together. As athletic brands continue to research and test sustainable materials and circular models, the future of sportswear is looking greener than ever before.