Redefining sportswear: a case of low-impact fabrics

The sportswear industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in eco-consciousness, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental concerns. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, sportswear brands are responding by adopting eco-friendly materials, responsible manufacturing practices, and reduced carbon footprints.

The sustainability discussion hasn’t always been centered around the sportswear industry. But considering the fact that there has been a growing trend of people wearing sportswear in daily life besides sports. Sources say up to 80% of sportswear is not worn during sports but in everyday life.

The shift in sportswear fabrics

Historically, sportswear predominantly relied on synthetic materials like polyester and nylon due to their durability and moisture-wicking properties. The advent of synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, and elastane transformed the textile and athletic clothing industry in the 1930s to 1960s, offering tear resistance and elasticity ideal for sports jerseys. However, the environmental impact of these materials, characterized by their slow degradation and contribution to microplastic pollution, has spurred a reevaluation of fabric choices.

Lately, there has been a notable uptick in the adoption of sustainable fabrics within the industry, propelled by creative methods in sourcing and production. Sportswear brands are progressively integrating low-impact and regenerative materials into their fabrics.

What are low-impact fabrics?

Low-impact fabrics refer to materials that are produced and processed with significantly lower carbon emissions and environmental impacts in comparison to other conventional fabrics. For instance, the apparel and footwear industries combined accounted for more than 8% of global climate impacts — the equivalent of 3,990 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2016. This is why low-impact fabrics are designed to minimize the environmental impact associated with their entire lifecycle, from production to disposal.

For example, using fiber derived from recycled plastic significantly reduces the demand for new petroleum-based materials, thus decreasing the carbon footprint associated with the production process.

Puma’s collaboration with the Better Cotton Initiative to improve the farming of cotton globally is another example. This helps ensure that the cotton used in its sportswear is ethically grown with little or no pesticide and less water usage.

Likewise, Adidas has shown commitment to using more biobased synthetics and more sustainably grown natural materials in their products for circularity.

Challenges to the adoption of low-impact fabrics

The integration of low-impact fabrics into the sportswear industry encounters several noteworthy challenges. One of the foremost hurdles is the scalability of these materials. Ensuring a consistent and substantial supply of regenerative materials proves complex, due to limitations tied to the availability and accessibility of recycled or truly sustainable sources.

Certification and standardization also present a significant obstacle. Establishing clear and universally accepted criteria for what constitutes a regenerative or low-impact material is important to stay out of misleading claims or "greenwashing."

These hurdles can be overcome by platforms such as tocco. With more than 1000 suppliers of low-impact and regenerative materials - with whom we work closely, we ensure a steady supply for our brands. At the same time, we collaborate with industry leaders and environmental experts to check certifications and claims from our suppliers, making sure that there are no misleading claims or “greenwashing”.

Last but not least, we are building the MatterMind, an educational material bank where brands and consumers can learn about the criteria and benefits of certified low-impact and regenerative materials. This collaborative hub is where these stakeholders can come together to share knowledge, best practices, and challenges, fostering a community working towards a regenerative economy.

Final thoughts

As we navigate the challenges of adopting low-impact materials in the sportswear industry, it's essential for both consumers and sportswear brands to remain steadfast in their commitment. Consumers can wield their influence by making conscious choices, supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials, and demanding transparency in sourcing and production practices.

Simultaneously, brands can demonstrate leadership by investing in research, adopting new technologies, and collaborating with experts and innovative suppliers to overcome hurdles in material development and implementation.

The journey toward incorporating low-carbon and regenerative materials may be complex, but it represents a vital stride toward an environmentally conscious and responsible future for sportswear.

References

• adidas - More Sustainable Materials and Circular Services. (n.d.). https://www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability/environmental-impacts/more-sustainable-materials-and-circular-services/
• Assoune, A. (2023, March 9). Sustainable Sportswear Market Growth Analysis. Panaprium. https://www.panaprium.com/blogs/i/sustainable-sportswear-market-growth-analysis
• Research on sportswear buying behavior of university students. (n.d.). https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20162601113
• Degradation of synthetic and wood-based cellulose fabrics in the marine environment: Comparative assessment of field, aquarium, and bioreactor experiments (2021) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721031314#s0045
• Environmental Impact of the Global Apparel and Footwear Industries Study. Quantis https://quantis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/measuringfashion_globalimpactstudy_full-report_quantis_cwf_2018a.pdf
• The Jersey through time https://www.owayo.com/magazine/jersey-throughout-time-history-of-sports-jerseys-us.htm#:~