Sustainability & CSR
News, reports, and analysis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices across the sporting goods value chain – covering climate strategies, materials innovation, human rights, regulatory compliance, and commercial implications for brands, suppliers, retailers, and investors.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
eBay expands circular fashion grants to more startups
eBay is accepting applications until March 8 for $50,000 grants plus mentorship. Eight businesses will be selected, with one eligible for $300,000.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Melissa Kaar: 'Regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability – there is a place for everyone in sport'
Managing director Melissa Kaar discusses the adidas Foundation’s evolution from startup phase to independent entity, detailing challenges from bank accounts to building trust with grassroots partners using sport for social change.
WHITESPACE partners with eVent for PFAS-free pants
This choice reinforces the brand’s commitment to sustainable technical materials in premium snowboarding apparel.
Sebastian Vettel receives conservation award
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel will receive The Perfect World Foundation Award 2026 for environmental activism.
Sorona maker sells unit to fund spandex shift
CovationBio divests manufacturing stake to Primient, redirecting capital toward corn-based spandex alternative for athletic apparel markets.
BOSS debuts recycled yarn at Australian Open
BOSS debuts NovaPoly recycled yarn at the 2026 Australian Open. Worn by Taylor Fritz & Matteo Berrettini, the biodegradable textile is now available.
Exhibition on clean sportswear opens in London Jan. 26
London exhibition showcases 38 innovators redefining performance wear through bio-based materials, circular systems and toxin-free manufacturing.
Japan mandates 25% textile waste cut by 2030
Japan’s Environment Ministry action plan forces sporting goods brands to redesign for circularity as 510,000 tons of textiles go to incinerators annually.
Startup SuperCircle raises $24m for AI waste platform
SuperCircle’s AI-powered platform sorts complex athletic materials, enabling sporting goods brands to build take-back programs and meet circularity goals.
MIQI expands GOTS-certified yoga wear production
Chinese manufacturer MIQI Apparel announces expansion of GOTS-certified sustainable yoga wear production capabilities for global market.
Design for tomorrow: Circular Economy RE:THINKING Business Special
Best practices, success stories, circular models: re:sale, re:pair, re:cycle, re:design, re:invest, re:think.
>> Explore the specialCSR: RE:THINKING Business Special
How the Sporting Goods Industry redefines corporate social responsibility amid political pressure, regulation and consumer fatigue. Stories, voices, facts and data.
>> Explore the specialThe Impact of Sports – Why the industry must act now
Physical inactivity is rising rapidly. Explore the data, initiatives and action plans as the sporting goods community transforms a societal challenge into an opportunity.
>> Explore the specialCircular economy
From take-back programs to resale platforms, from technologies to startups: tracking circular economy developments across sporting goods.
Circular economy
eBay expands circular fashion grants to more startups
eBay is accepting applications until March 8 for $50,000 grants plus mentorship. Eight businesses will be selected, with one eligible for $300,000.
Lenzing, OceanSafe pioneer circular fiber
Lenzing and OceanSafe have teamed up to develop biodegradable performance fibers, setting new sustainability standards for global sportswear.
Lenzing earns fifth EcoVadis Platinum rating
Lenzing secures EcoVadis Platinum status for the fifth year and ranks first in Canopy’s Hot Button Report, reaffirming its position as a sustainability leader in the global fiber industry.
European textile coalition demands mandatory circular economy policies
A 12-company alliance has launched a manifesto calling for binding EU policies to transform Europe’s textile waste into resources.
Gore‑Tex launches kids’ jacket subscription
The outerwear materials brand introduces a circular subscription service for children’s waterproof jackets in Europe.
Xpore e2cycle: A new pathway for polyester recycling
From screen to seam. Xpore e2cycle transforms LCD e-waste into award-winning performance textiles. A new, sustainable pathway for polyester recycling.
Circular economy: Survey suggests disruption
”The Tipping Point: Building trust in the circular economy” identifies key drivers for a change to circularity.
India considers scaling up circular-fiber production
India’s agricultural and textile waste is being transformed into next-generation fiber on a large scale, thanks to plans spearheaded by the Canada-based sustainability nonprofit Canopy.
EU Green Claims Directive is dead, for now
The Commission’s laconic announcement came on June 20 from spokesman Maciej Berestecki, who said: “In the current context, indeed the Commission intends to withdraw the Green claims proposal.”
Sellpy grew 35% in 2024 but is unprofitable
The Swedish online company increased its turnover to €160 million in 2024, but at the same time, the company’s losses increased.
Zalando has joined Fair Wear as a member
The membership involves Zalando’s private labels.
Asics and Adidas stop using kangaroo leather, but what’s next?
After Puma, Nike and New Balance stopped using kangaroo leather, Adidas and Asics have now communicated that 2025 will be the final year the material will be used in the production of football cleats.
Intelligence, analysis and advice for the global sporting goods industry.
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