Adidas has launched eco-friendly, one-off football kits for football heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as part of its campaign to raise awareness about preserving the health of the oceans.
The kits, created in partnership with ocean protection organisation Parley for the Ocean, are said to be made entirely from recycled plastic recovered in clean-up operations in coastal areas of the Maldives.
Bayern Munich’s players already wore the new football jersey on Saturday when the Bundesliga champion hosted TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena, whereas Real Madrid will showcase their new kit on 26 November when they host Real Sporting de Gijón in Madrid.
Both kits, priced at £64.95, will feature the clubs’ logos and Adidas’ illustrious three stripes, with their respective sponsors’ logos to be embroidered more subtly to make the shirt as sustainable as possible.
Adidas and Parley also announced that the UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley – their concept sneaker made from 3D-printed recycled ocean waste – will be available for purchase in adidas stores and from the company’s website in mid-November.
Adidas said it plans to manufacture 1 million pairs of these shoes next year.
Eric Liedtke, adidas Group Executive Board member responsible for Global Brands, said the release of these environmentally-friendly kits and the mass production of the concept sneaker represent another significant milestone in their partnership with Parley for the Oceans.
“We have not only managed to make footwear from recycled ocean plastic, but have also created the first jersey coming 100% out of the ocean,” Mr Liedtke said.
“But we won’t stop there. We will make one million pairs of shoes using Parley Ocean Plastic in 2017 – and our ultimate ambition is to eliminate virgin plastic from our supply chain.”
Cyrill Gutsch, Founder, Parley for the Oceans, said the partnership with adidas evolved beyond the point of jus advocating for ocean health.
“At this point, it’s no longer just about raising awareness. It’s about taking action and implementing strategies that can end the cycle of plastic pollution for good,” Mr Gutsch added.
“Eco innovation is an open playing field. With the release of the Ocean Plastic jerseys and UltraBOOST Uncaged adidas x Parley shoes, we’re inviting every consumer, player, team and fan to own their impact under Parley A.I.R. and define their role within the movement.”
