adidas will use 60 per cent recycled polyester in all its products globally this year to completely eliminate the use of virgin polyester by 2024. The sports giant has collaborated with environmental organization Parley to produce 17 million pairs of shoes with recycled plastic waste collected from beaches and coastal regions in 2021.

In 2020 alone, adidas and Parley collected almost 7,000 tons of plastic waste, corresponding to around 350 million plastic bottles.

In addition to the Parley products, adidas is increasing the recycled materials used in its overall product range. Its Primeblue and Primegreen labels distinguish articles made with recycled materials while offering full functionality and durability.

The prototype Ultraboost DNA Loop shoe, showcased in October 2020, is made from one single material from sole to laces and is welded without glue. Once the shoe reaches the end of its life cycle, it can be shredded to pieces and reused. This Spring, adidas will launch a large volume successor to the Ultraboost DNA Loop.

adidas also launched the €6.7 million EU-funded New Cotton Project, based on the regenerated cellulose developed by Infinited of Finland. Twelve major industry players ar involved in this pre-competitive project.