As the world wakes up to climate change and the human-driven impact on the planet, sustainability has become a key concept that is attempting to redraw the lines on what is acceptable within a consumer society. More than ever before, shoppers are looking at the products they purchase and the practices of the companies they buy from, demanding greater sustainability, fairer working conditions, transparent supply chains, and greater accountability.
In the world of fast fashion, an industry that is responsible for a shocking 10% of global emissions, shining a light on the previously opaque practices of some of the world’s biggest brands has made headlines over the past decade and more. Nike is just one of them, and as consumers demand more from their favorite brands, the fashion and sportswear giant has stepped up its game.
As a company committed to American made workwear that upholds high levels of quality and fair labor practice, today we’re turning our attention to how Nike has committed to sustainable operations and the manufacture of eco-friendly fashion options. Read on to learn more. And explore our range of workwear, from sports to office wear now.
Nike’s Evolution Toward Sustainable Sportswear
As a leader within the fashion industry, Nike produces millions of products each year, offering everything from sneakers to swimwear, through specialist sports gear to trendsetting threads and custom Nike corporate apparel. However, since its inception in 1964, some of its operations have been called out as less than fair or sustainable. Beginning with Jeff Balingers 1991 report on Indonesian sweatshops, moving through its rejection of the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), to accusations of greenwashing, Nike’s past has been subject to close scrutiny.
The good news, however, is that Nike is trying to become more transparent and sustainable, and there are numerous plus points to talk about. Below, we cover some of those in more detail.
Behind the Green Threads: Eco-Friendly Materials and Innovations
From recycled textile waste to lower-impact manufacturing, Nike is leading the way across a range of different approaches to sustainable sportswear and circular fashion. Some its most visible actions include:
Recycled Fabrics
Recycled fabrics, derived from post-consumer waste or industrial by-products, are fast becoming a staple of Nike’s product lines. Materials such as recycled polyester and nylon that use plastic bottle waste, fishnets and even old carpet are now used in a variety of product lines, reducing carbon emission by up to 50%.
Additionally, Nike has invested in research and development to explore alternative materials sourced from renewable sources, such as plant-based fibers and biodegradable polymers, as well as using organic cotton that is sustainable, recycled, or Better Cotton sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).
Low-Impact Manufacturing Processes
Materials such as Nike’s ReactX foam tested over the course of five years reduces its carbon footprint by “at least 43 percent due to reduced energy in the manufacturing process”. Other materials such as its lightweight Flyknit fabric creates, on average, 60% less waste than traditional footwear upper manufacturing processes.
In addition, the company has made commitments to reach 100% renewable energy use, to reduce freshwater usage by 25%, and produce half a million tons less greenhouse emissions by 2025.
Circular Fashion
Circularity is a key concept in the sustainability movement, ensuring materials and products are kept in the loop for as long as possible. Nike is currently working towards zero waste to landfill by utilizing an “end-to-end” approach that eliminates waste at every point of a product’s lifecycle. This means introduced closed-loop recycling that attempts to keep more materials in the loop, requiring factories to sort, bag, tag, weigh, and carefully store manufacturing waste materials, and reducing packaging material within all products.
These measures are supported by a Recycling and Donation department that allows consumers to send back used Nike products for cleaning and donation or recycling, as well as the Nike Refurbished store that resells like-new or slightly imperfect Nike footwear.
The Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Teamwear
Sustainability in fashion poses numerous challenges, and Nike is not alone when facing up to these issues. Below we cover some of these in more detail.
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges
Sustainable supply chains, particularly when considering a global company such as Nike, are a challenge to manage and maintain. Sourcing sustainable materials and ensuring ethical labor practices across a global network of suppliers and manufacturers requires high-level coordination, as well as regular audits and inspections of third-party companies.
Setting New Industry Standards
Nike is aiming to become a market leader within the sustainable fashion sector, setting new industry standards for a broad range of eco-conscious practices. Specifically, Nike Grind is “helping to protect the future of sport” by pioneering sustainable innovations, while Nike Air soles made at facilities in Oregon use 25% recycled manufacturing waste, with 100% renewable wind energy used to power the plant.
However, Nike sees a future where its practices go beyond its own factories and supply chains, with science-based targets feeding back into the industry to set new standards that improve fashion sustainability everywhere.
Educating Consumers and Changing Mindsets
Shifting consumer behavior towards sustainable teamwear presents a significant challenge for the whole industry, and despite growing awareness of environmental issues, many consumers prioritize price, style, and brand reputation over sustainability factors.
This means Nike must invest in consumer education and awareness campaigns to highlight the environmental and social benefits of choosing sustainable teamwear, including communicating transparently about the company’s sustainability initiatives, product innovations, and the positive impact of responsible consumption.
A Greener Tomorrow: Nike’s Sustainable Vision and Actions
Nike’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its daily operations, and it is actively engaging with stakeholders, including consumers, NGOs, and government agencies, to drive systemic change. By advocating for policy reforms and industry-wide initiatives, Nike aims to create a conducive environment for sustainable innovation and adoption. Furthermore, Nike leverages its brand influence to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable lifestyles among consumers. Through partnerships with environmental organizations and grassroots movements, Nike reinforces its commitment to building a greener future.
Pushing Boundaries: The Future of Nike’s Sustainable Teamwear
Looking to the future, Nike continues to push the boundaries of sustainable teamwear, championing research and development that aims to create new materials and technologies that boost sustainability standards. By integrating principles of circularity, durability, and inclusivity, Nike aims to redefine the paradigm of teamwear design and manufacturing. Collaborative initiatives with athletes, designers, and sustainability experts enable Nike to stay at the forefront of innovation and inspire industry-wide transformation.
Wrapping Up: The Continuous Stride Towards Greener Pastures
While Nike may have a controversial past when it comes to sustainability and ethics, its Move to Zero plan hopes to address many of those issues, helping the company reduce its environmental footprint and position it as a truly sustainable brand. Explore the Nike website for more information on how it is using recycled materials to lower its greenhouse gas emissions, as well as learn more about its reuse and donation programs.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.