Adidas o Monday Announced that it has committed to using only recycled plastic by 2024. The Financial Times reported the pledge to eliminate the use of virgin plastic. This includes Polyester, used in everything from t-shirts to sports bras, the reason why it is popular in sportswear is it dries quickly and weighs little. Adidas also reported it will not be using virgin plastic in its offices, retail outlets, warehouses and distribution centers. This move can save an estimated 40 tons of plastic per year starting from 2018.
Before Adidas, many global companies have pledged to reduce plastic use. Starbucks also announced to remove plastic straws from its stores and McDonald’s is testing a similar program in the UK and Ireland. Ikea is phasing out single-use plastic from its stores and restaurants. Adidas also said its apparel line for the spring and summer 2019 will contain about 41 percent of reused polyester. The company is also expecting a large sale of its Prley shoes which are made with plastic waste that has been intercepted before it reaches the ocean. Adidas expects purchases to jump to 5 million pairs this year compared to 1 million in 2017.
Global use of plastic has increased 20 fold over the past 50 years and is expected to double again in the next 20 years. Research shows that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish by weight in the world’s ocean. The material is cheap and versatile. But now, Governments and consumers have been aware of its worth against the environmental costs. On a global level. only 14 percent of plastic is collected for reuse. The recycling rate is terrible as compared to other materials.
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