In Germany, Adidas is committing to using only recycled plastic by 2024 in all its sportswear, eliminating any use of “virgin” plastic including polyester. Adidas also announced it would not use any more virgin plastic in its offices, retail outlets, warehouses and distribution centers, a move that would save an estimated 40 tons of plastic per year, starting in 2018, according to CNN Money.
Adidas said its apparel line for the spring and summer of 2019 will contain around 41% recycled polyester. The German company is also expecting a sharp increase in sales of its Parley shoes, which are made with plastic waste that has been intercepted before it reaches the ocean. While still a small share of its global sales, Adidas expects purchases to jump to 5 million pairs this year compared to 1 million in 2017.