Adidas Partnership with Parley for the Oceans

Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. To combat this issue, Adidas embarked on a transformative journey by collaborating with Parley for the Oceans in 2015. This partnership aimed to intercept plastic waste before it reached the ocean and recycle it into innovative sportswear products, specifically shoes. Through their shared vision, both Adidas and Parley sought to raise awareness about ocean pollution and inspire a global movement for change.

The Birth of the Partnership

Parley for the Oceans, founded by Cyrill Gutsch in 2012, is an environmental organization committed to safeguarding the oceans through creativity and innovation. It brings together a diverse network of individuals, from artists and designers to scientists, to drive impactful change.

Adidas' collaboration with Parley began 2015 when they showcased an innovative footwear concept at the United Nations headquarters. The Adidas x Parley concept shoe was made in only six days with the help of Sea Shepherd, the designer Alexander taylor, and chemist John Warner. The concept shoe was the world's first running shoe made from upcycled plastic waste, including discarded fishing nets recovered from the ocean. This initial product marked a turning point for both companies, initiating a journey toward a more sustainable future.

The Process: Turning Trash into Shoes

Officially announced on Earth Day, the partnership involved a rigorous process of intercepting plastic waste, particularly from coastal areas and beaches, and transforming it into materials suitable for sportswear. The plastic waste collected by Parley and its partners, including Sea Shepherd, was cleaned, dried, and processed into yarns and filaments, known as Ocean Plastic. Adidas used this innovative material to create the upper parts of their shoes, ensuring that each product in the Parley collection consisted of at least 75% recycled marine trash.

The Impact and Success

The collaboration between Adidas and Parley has been a remarkable success. Over the years, they have significantly reduced the use of virgin polyester in their products, with more than half of the polyester used in Adidas products being recycled by the end of 2020. By the same year, they had produced over 30 million pairs of shoes with Parley Ocean Plastic.

In 2019, Adidas surpassed expectations, making 11 million pairs of shoes from recycled ocean plastic, and in 2020, they set their sights on producing approximately 15 million pairs. Adidas notes the partnership has prevented over 2,800 tons of plastic from entering the oceans. This staggering growth showcased the immense potential of using recycled materials to tackle environmental challenges.

Beyond product creation, Adidas and Parley have also focused on raising awareness about ocean pollution through various events and initiatives like Parley Ocean School, 747 Warehouse St, and Run for the Oceans. These events engaged people worldwide, transcending borders, and creating a global movement to protect our oceans.

Looking to the Future

The success of the Adidas x Parley partnership has laid the foundation for even greater initiatives. Adidas aims to replace all virgin polyester with recycled polyester by 2024, signaling their long-term commitment to sustainability. They also have ambitious plans for the Futurecraft Loop, a 100% recyclable shoe set to be launched in 2021, showcasing their dedication to creating a circular economy for their products.

Conclusion

Adidas' collaboration with Parley for the Oceans exemplifies how businesses can use their influence to address environmental issues and drive meaningful change. By converting ocean plastic into sportswear products, the partnership has not only contributed to cleaner oceans but has also inspired a global movement of eco-conscious athletes and consumers. Through their continued efforts, Adidas and Parley are demonstrating that the fight against plastic waste is a collective responsibility, and they stand as beacons of hope for a more sustainable future.

References:

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/afdhelaziz/2018/10/29/the-power-of-purpose-how-adidas-will-make-1-billion-helping-solve-the-problem-of-ocean-plastic/?sh=10fb9b12d215
• https://www.adidas.com/us/blog/639412-how-we-turn-plastic-bottles-into-shoes-our-partnership-with-parley-for-the-oceans
• https://parley.tv/initiatives/adidasxparley