Recycled plastic products

Case Study: Making recycled plastic a part of the global supply chain
Category: Sustainably Sourced Products
1
Challenge
In Australia, knowledge and concern about plastic waste is increasing, as is the desire to use recycled and recyclable plastic.
2
Solution
Two of the world's largest shoe retailers have made steps to permanently add bio and recycled lines to their product offerings
3
Results
Being ahead of the curve on environmental impacts allows companies to reap the benefits of changing consumer values.

Changing consumer culture increases the value of eco friendly products

Key Themes

Recycled plastic products

Sustainable sourced products

Alternatives to plastic in manufacturing


How Reebok and Adidas work to a greener future

As knowledge and concern about plastic waste is becoming increasingly widespread the desire to replace plastic or to effectively recycle it has grown. As shown by the rise in reusable products that are creating their own markets, such as the locally designed, award winning Stay Tray by our partners at hone.pd.

Adidas and Reebok, two of the world's largest shoe retailers have now made steps to permanently add bio and recycled lines to their product offerings. The changing priorities of large multinationals toward the environment is clearly a reflection of changing consumer culture which increases the value of products that minimise environmental harm.

In 2015 Adidas launched the parley for the ocean line which uses 100% recycled textiles and filament sourced from ocean waste. The parley for the ocean line has since grown and recycled plastic has been added across the range with adidas committing to use 100% recycled plastic in all products by 2024.

Reebok has gone in a different sustainability direction by launching their cotton and corn range which is the first ever 75% USDA certified biobased shoe. The shoe uses a corn based bioplastic for the sole as opposed to traditional petroleum based rubbers, the insole is made from a castor oil derived plastic. Reebok has struggled to keep the line stocked near constantly selling out, unfortunately there seems to be little effort on the part of Reebok to use this line as much other than a stunt.

Both Reebok and Adidas have been making waves as they work to a greener future for apparel manufacturing. They haven’t been alone, or even the best but they have been some of the loudest about changing product lines to be more sustainable. Being ahead of the curve on environmental impacts will allow both companies to reap the benefits of changing consumer bases.

To discuss the supply of sustainable products for your business, get in touch with us today.

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