adidas X Parley: From Threat into Thread
adidas and Parley continue the journey with the first Parley Ocean Plastic® performance products
On November 4, 2016, we announced the next step in the adidas x Parley journey and unveiled the first performance products made from Parley’s Ocean Plastic®, in the form of new kits for world-leading clubs Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, as well as the first UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley running shoe. Both products are made from upcycled marine plastic waste recovered via Parley interception and cleanup operations in coastal areas of the Maldives, with the aim of driving global awareness and comprehensive solutions to the threat of marine plastic waste.
World-renowned football clubs Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, along with star athletes from around the world, announced their support for the oceans cause and joined the movement to help end plastic pollution. On November 5, Bayern Munich faced TSG 1899 Hoffenheim wearing their adidas Parley kit made from Ocean Plastic®. Real Madrid brought theirs on pitch for the November 26 match against Real Sporting de Gijón.
To learn more about the products and drop dates, sign up at adidas.com/parley.
“Nobody can save the oceans alone. Each of us can play a role in the solution. It’s in the hands of the creative industries to reinvent faulty materials, products, and business models. The consumer can boost the demand for change. But it’s up to eco innovation leaders, like adidas, to make change a reality. With this shoe we demonstrate what’s possible. It’s even more than a shoe. It’s a flag, an invitation to join our movement.”
CYRILL GUTSCH, FOUNDER, PARLEY FOR THE OCEANS
The UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley was made available November 15, with 7,000 pairs in the first drop and a target to produce one million pairs by the end of 2017. Reaching the 2017 target of one million pairs will mean that at least eleven million bottles retrieved from coastal areas by the Parley Global Cleanup Network will be recycled and given new life. This forms part of a our larger, collaborative commitment to make eco innovation the new industry standard through implementation of the Parley A.I.R. Strategy (avoid, intercept, redesign), which aims to end the cycle of marine plastic pollution long-term.
“This represents another step on the journey of adidas and 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. But we won’t stop there. We will make one million pairs of shoes using Parley’s Ocean Plastic® in 2017 – and our ultimate ambition is to eliminate virgin plastic from our supply chain.”
ERIC LIEDTKE, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER, GLOBAL BRANDS, ADIDAS
We can't stop at building awareness. Real change demands action—concrete steps and comprehensive solutions—across all levels. In this process, eco innovation is an open playing field. With the release of the Ocean Plastic® football kits and UltraBOOST Uncaged adidas x Parley shoes, we invite every consumer, player, team and fan to own their impact under Parley AIR and define their role within the movement.
AVOID plastic wherever possible
INTERCEPT plastic waste
REDESIGN the plastic economy
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