Every day, an unfathomable amount of plastic—bottles, containers and the like—end up in recycling, or significantly worse, are found clogging our waterways. Given this reality, companies like adidas, Nike and others are increasingly finding ways to integrate recycled plastic into their apparel. Making a more environmentally-conscious approach to your apparel is more possible than ever.
“Our goal is to use only recycled polyester in adidas apparel within four years,” Lesley Hawkins, who leads adidas’ golf operations in Canada said at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando earlier this year. “I think it’ll set a standard others will follow.”
By 2024, adidas intends to use only recycled polyester in 100% of all products across the athletic giant. The company has two programs—one called PrimeBlue that was announced earlier this year, and one called PrimeGreen—that are intended to help adidas with its commitment to end plastic waste.
Constructed using recycled plastics that were cleaned from waterways before entering our oceans, Primeblue golf apparel leaves its mark beyond the course. Utilizing the latest technical fabrics, Primeblue apparel, which ranges from shorts to polos, and includes the men’s and women’s CODECHAOS Primeblue Spikeless Shoes, offers a versatile aesthetic that looks great away from the fairways.
The CODECHAOS Primeblue golf shoes are packed with the latest technologies, such as Fitfoam cushioning, a spikeless Traxion outsole, and a Boost midsole for improved energy return, these shoes combine optimal comfort with endless performance capabilities. But perhaps the greatest technology is the use of recycled plastic in their creation.
adidas isn’t alone. Since 2018, 75% of Nike shoes and apparel contained some recycled material, while PUMA says between 50 and 90% of its cotton, polyester, leather and down, as well as paper and cardboard, should come from sustainable sources.
Nike’s Victory Collection uses recycled polyester fabric and yarn. Several key items from the line—the Dri-Fit Victory golf shirt, for example—are made with 100% recycled polyester fabric diverted from landfills. Nike says it has repurposed more than 6-billion plastic bottles since starting the program a decade ago. Nike’s Victory Blade Collar and Women’s Short Sleeve Polo and Skirt, are also created using recycled plastic.
While recycled plastic is found in golf shoes, it is also now being found in other areas as well. Sun Mountain’s Eco-Lite golf bag uses approximately 25 20-ounce platic bottles. While the environmental theme is key, the bag still offers all the leading features of a light carry bag—carry straps designed for comfort, six velour-lined pockets and weighs under four pounds.
