Adidas x Parley: Solving the plastic problem?
Plastic, once hailed as a revolutionary material, has become one of the planet's greatest environmental threats. Its durability and low cost make it indispensable for countless applications, but these very properties also cause severe harm when it is disposed of irresponsibly. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean, damaging ecosystems, harming marine life, and even entering the food chain through microplastics. As plastic continues to accumulate in our oceans, innovative solutions are needed to address this growing crisis. One such solution has emerged through the collaboration between adidas and Parley for the Oceans.
Nearly 9 million tons of plastic waste find their way into our oceans annually. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to injuries, starvation, and even death. Moreover, as plastic degrades into microplastics, it infiltrates the food chain, causing invisible yet dangerous damage to both marine life and humans. Without significant action, it’s predicted that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans.
Recognizing this urgent threat, adidas partnered with Parley for the Oceans, an environmental organization that seeks to tackle ocean plastic pollution through creative and collaborative efforts. Together, they aim to reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean while reimagining waste as a valuable resource.
At the heart of Parley's efforts is the AIR strategy: Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign. This three-pronged approach provides scalable solutions to reduce plastic waste:
Avoid: Encourage people and companies to minimize plastic usage by choosing sustainable alternatives.
Intercept: Collect plastic waste before it reaches the ocean and repurpose it.
Redesign: Innovate products and processes to eliminate reliance on virgin plastic.
Adidas has adopted this framework, incorporating intercepted plastic into their products and rethinking their design process to prioritize sustainability.
The collaboration began in 2015 with the unveiling of a concept shoe at the United Nations, featuring yarn made from recycled ocean plastic and discarded fishing nets. Since then, adidas has expanded its Parley collection, producing millions of high-performance shoes and apparel from plastic waste. In 2020 alone, adidas created 15 million Parley Ocean Plastic products. Each item is made with at least 75% recycled plastic waste, highlighting the potential of turning waste into wearable, durable clothing.
A Sustainable Future
Adidas' commitment goes beyond just product lines. The company has pledged to eliminate virgin polyester from its products by 2024, aiming for 100% recycled polyester. Additionally, through initiatives like “Run for the Oceans,” adidas raises awareness about plastic pollution, inspiring communities worldwide to take action.
By combining Parley’s creative vision and adidas' innovation, the partnership is setting new standards in eco-conscious design, proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. Together, they are not only making waves in the fight against plastic pollution but also redefining how we approach waste in fashion and beyond.
