Nike uses a material called Nike Forward, first introduced in 2022, which aims to revolutionize the way we approach sustainable fashion. Developed over five years, this material challenges traditional garment manufacturing processes by significantly reducing the carbon footprint in the fashion industry.
What is Nike Forward?
Nike Forward is made using a needle-punching process unlike conventional materials, which are typically made from woven or knitted fibers. This technique is more commonly used in industries like automotive and medical manufacturing.
Instead of spinning fibers into yarn, Nike Forward starts with recycled plastic flakes. These flakes are then processed and attached using needle-punching machines, creating thin layers of fiber that are fused into a new material.
Nike has innovated different materials as alternatives to their traditional manufacturing materials, some of these new additions include the Nike Flyknit and Flyleather, which use recycled materials in their material composition.
This method allows Nike to eliminate the traditional textile processes, including dyeing and weaving, and reduce the number of manufacturing steps driving innovation in the manufacturing industry.
The Environmental Impact
Nike claims the use of this new material reduces its carbon footprint by 75% compared to traditional fleece. This is primarily due to the elimination of several production steps, such as dyeing and trimming.
In addition, Nike Forward’s debut products are made with at least 70% recycled content by weight, largely sourced from recycled plastic bottles. Nike has already committed to expanding the types of recycled materials used in their products, including the incorporation of manufacturing waste from their factories.
Since 2020, Nike has used 100% sustainable cotton in its products, sourced from organic, recycled, or Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified farms. This cotton is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, reducing environmental impact. Additionally, Nike recycles over 680 tonnes of cotton each year, supporting sustainability and waste reduction in its supply chain.
“Nike Forward feels different because it is different. It is not a traditional knit or woven, but a completely new material that drastically reduces its carbon footprint,” - Carmen Zolman, VP Innovation Apparel Design, NIKE, Inc.
Over time, Nike Forward will likely continue to evolve, with potential uses across a broad range of Nike products. Just as Flyknit revolutionized Nike’s footwear in 2012 for example.
Nike and Sustainability
Nike has been increasing their efforts toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible brand, they are focusing on engineering new materials and using the Sustainable Development Goals as a force for their change.
Nike has set goals for 2025 that push the company into a sustainable future, some of these include: responsible production and consumption, ethical work conditions for their workers, and gender equality.
Nike Forward is more than just a material; it is part of a larger, long-term vision for sustainable fashion. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Nike plans to continue innovating in the creation of new materials, to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize carbon emissions.
In our Reflawn News section, you’ll find more information about Nike and its approach to sustainability!
All Images: Nike
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Nike Forward?
Nike Forward is a new, sustainable fabric material made using a needle-punching process. Unlike traditional materials, it doesn’t use yarn, knit, or weave. It is created from recycled plastic flakes, which are layered and entangled to form a durable, lightweight, and warm material.
How is Nike Forward sustainable?
Nike Forward reduces the carbon footprint of manufacturing by 75% compared to traditional fleece. It uses at least 70% recycled content, including recycled polyester from plastic bottles. The material also eliminates the need for dyes, water, and unnecessary trims in production, making it more eco-friendly.
Is Nike Forward good quality?
Nike Forward is incredibly lightweight, warm, and soft. The material provides the warmth-to-weight ratio necessary to meet Nike’s Therma-FIT ADV performance standards.
When did Nike Forward release?
Nike Forward was first released in September 2022 with a grey hoodie and sweatshirt collection.
