Plastic pollution is one of the most deleterious forms of environmental degradation globally, causing damage to the land and oceans of the world. The accumulation of plastic products in the environment is persistently creating problems for the wildlife, natural habitats and human beings. Floating plastic waste has accumulated across 40% of the world’s oceans. Within this context, it is imperative the efforts be taken to prevent dumping of plastic because it is not biodegradable and chokes landscapes and waterways.
Since 2015, Adidas, one of the largest sportswear manufacturers in the world, has been making concerted efforts to recycle plastic waste from beaches into shoes. This has been in collaboration with an environmental group called “Parley for the Oceans.” In this mode of production, the upcycled plastic waste from beaches and coastal communities is converted into a type of yarn, which is a key component of the Adidas footwear. The company has also used recycled materials to make football jerseys. In 2016, the stores stopped using plastic bags.
Adidas is committed to improving its environmental performance during its manufacturing processes, in the form of usage of sustainable materials, waste prevention and reduction of carbon emissions. It is also striving to use recycled polyester only for every product and application by 2024. Adidas is the founding member of Better Cotton Initiative and hence, sources cotton that is sustainably produced only.
With the success of producing more than five million pairs of recycled shoes in 2018, Adidas plans to produce at least 11 million shoes in 2019, incorporating the plastic waste. These shoes have been made using the plastic waste intercepted from beaches, like Maldives, before it reaches the oceans. In 2018, by adopting sustainable solutions, Adidas has saved 40 tonnes of plastic waste across its offices, warehouses, retail stores and distribution stores worldwide.
In December 2018, the Climate Protection Charter for the Fashion Industry was launched during the UN Climate Change Conference held at Katowice, Poland, to envision the achievement of net-zero emission by 2050, by the clothing, textile and fashion industry, in a holistic commitment towards climate action. Adidas has signed the Charter with a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% before 2030.
Unless stakeholders across the spectrum come together to innovatively resolve the developmental issues that the world is facing, no change can be widespread and effective. By preventing plastic from entering the oceans and transforming it into high performance footwear, Adidas has set a laudable example globally of using eco-innovation around products and materials. This initiative is also an embodiment of cross-sectoral collaboration, geared towards environmental sustainability.
India Outbound
March 26, 2019
source https://indiaoutbound.org/ameliorating-plastic-pollution/
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