The Rise of Sustainable Football kits
This blog reviews key themes about sustainable football kits, and explore findings from three sources examining the environmental impact of the sustainable football kits and potential solutions for improvement
By embracing the principles of the circular economy we first extend than offer ways to reuse ensuring that football apparel is part of a sustainable process.
Keeping items from landfill for as long as possible. This benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.
Key Factors Driving Football kit Sustainability
Significant environmental impact:
Washing and wearing football apparel contribute to water and energy consumption, as well as microfibre pollution, harming marine ecosystems. “Every time these garments are washed and worn, they quietly impact our planet.
Wasteful fast fashion cycle:
Frequent replacement of kits and merchandise creates a troubling cycle of waste, with UEFA reporting that “up to 60% of team kits are discarded annually.” Estimated that 3-4 million items of sports kit is destroyed annually.
Circular design as a solution:
The source advocates for a circular design approach prioritising reuse, sustainable materials, and on-demand production. “Reuse—extending the life of these garments for their original purpose—must be the first step in achieving true sustainability.”
Digital Product Passports (DPPs):
The implementation of DPPs will provide transparency about a product’s environmental impact, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Football apparel, primarily made from synthetic materials like polyester, has a significant environmental footprint. The production of just one polyester shirt releases approximately 5.5kg of CO2 into the atmosphere.
This isn’t just a number—it’s a reminder of the impact our clothing choices have on the planet.
As we continue to embrace the circular economy, every effort to, reuse, and recycle becomes a crucial step toward a more sustainable future for the sport and the world.
Extending the Lifespan of kits
Reuse directly extends the lifespan of apparel, maximising the value of resources and energy already invested in their production. This helps to slow down the rate at which garments are discarded, reducing the overall volume of textile waste entering landfills or incineration.
Reuse is a powerful way for clubs and national associations to lead the charge toward a circular economy. These organisations have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change by championing the reuse of apparel within their own operations. showing that sustainability and passion for the game can go hand in hand.
Recommendations Sport Stakeholders
collaborative actions across Sport, suppliers, manufacturers, and National Governing Bodies to promote sustainable apparel procurement and most importantly kit reuse. Key recommendations include data transparency, loan schemes for infrequent use kits, and designing apparel for multiple uses.
Rise of Sustainable Football Apparel Practices
Upcoming environmental changes imposed upon football apparel organizations by EU regulations will drive key elements of sustainability in the coming years.
Numerous reports emphasizes the need to address the often overlooked environmental impacts of clothing and apparel in sports. Manufacturing, transportation, and end-of-life processes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the “Triple Bottom Line” (TBL) approach
The TBL framework considers the social, environmental, and economic impacts of a business. Applying this to football apparel means:
- Social: Ensuring fair labor practices, promoting fan engagement in sustainability, and considering the impact on communities.
- Environmental: Minimising the ecological footprint through sustainable material choices, waste reduction, and reduced emissions.
- Economic: Balancing profitability with ethical and sustainable practices, encouraging long-term value creation.
How Football Clubs Can Inspire Fans to Support Environmental Initiatives
Clubs can implement various initiatives to promote fan engagement…
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating fans about the environmental impact of football apparel and encouraging sustainable choices.
- Reusing Programs: Providing collection points for unwanted kits and merchandise, partnering with kits for the world’s reuse revolution program.
- Sustainable Merchandise: Offering eco-friendly merchandise options, promoting responsible production methods.
- Community Initiatives: Engaging in local environmental projects, promoting sustainable transportation options to matches, and advocating for broader sustainability goals.
Benefits of Promoting Sustainable Football kit Practices
The benefits extend to all stakeholders:
- Environmental Protection: The reuse of kits reduces resource consumption, waste generation, pollution, and carbon emissions mitigates the industry’s environmental impact.
- Enhanced Brand Reputation: Demonstrating commitment to sustainability improves brand image, attracting environmentally conscious consumers and sponsors.
- Fan Loyalty and Engagement: Engaging fans in meaningful initiatives strengthens their connection with the club and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
- Cost Savings: Efficient resource use, reduced waste, and optimised production processes can lead to long-term cost reductions.
- Compliance with Regulations: Implementing sustainable practices prepares businesses for evolving regulations and avoids potential penalties.
Innovative Solutions to Reduce Football kit Environmental Impact
- Partnering with Sustainable Suppliers: Collaborating with manufacturers who prioritise ethical and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
- Join Kits for the World Network Sponsor Program: We connect projects that use football as a tool for development and positive change in underserved communities. By donating football kits to our charity, you extend their lifespan through our kit lending library. Qualifying donations, such as sponsorships or CSR expenses, are tax-deductible.
Technological Advancements
- Develop Comprehensive Data Collection Systems: Implement robust data collection for apparel procurement, encompassing material composition, country of origin, and end-of-life management.
- KPI for Reuse Life Extension: Using an MCI, Kits for the World can estimate the extended life impact contributed by the kit in projects actively participating in the use and collection of kit items.
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS REUSE
In the context of the circular economy, Kits for the world define “reuse” is defined as the process of using a product, component, or material again for its original purpose , extending its life cycle
Reuse aims to keep products and materials in circulation for as long as possible, contributing to resource efficiency and waste reduction.
Reuse is preferred over recycling as it requires less energy and processing, which aligns with circular economy goals to maintain resource value, while reducing environmental impacts.
DO FANS REALLY CARE
Fan Engagement:
A survey by Carbon Responsible highlights a significant shift in the attitudes of soccer fans in the UK, particularly among the younger generation, which is driving increased pressure on soccer organisations to reduce their environmental impact.
The survey reveals a stark generational divide in attitudes toward clubs’ performance on sustainability. While 64% of fans over 55 indicated they would not change their behaviour even if their club lagged on sustainability, only 12% of Gen Z supporters and 15% of Millennials expressed similar indifference.
-
Younger fans are more likely to take action if their clubs do not meet sustainability standards, such as attending fewer matches, reducing football-related spending, or joining online campaigns to pressure clubs for environmental improvement
-
Approximately 65% of fans believe soccer clubs could facilitate sustainable behaviour among supporters, and 66% think football needs to do more to improve its sustainability practices.
Sign of the Times
The next generation of environmentally conscious fans is growing rapidly and will soon make up a significant part of the fanbase. Over the next decade, their voices will become louder, their choices more impactful, and their purchasing power stronger. These are the fans who value sustainability and expect the brands they support to share their commitment to a circular economy.
The Drivers Of The Football Kit Market
The football apparel market is set to grow by billions, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.58% from 2023 to 2028. This surge is fuelled by the immense influence of professional athletes and the passionate fan culture they inspire. Fans are increasingly drawn to jerseys and merchandise associated with their favourite players, while celebrity endorsements and strategic promotions continue to dominate the marketing playbook for apparel brands.
growth comes at a cost…
However, this growth comes at a cost. The environmental toll of synthetic materials and textile waste is raising alarms, pushing both brands and consumers to rethink the way football apparel is made and consumed. Encouragingly, a shift toward more sustainable practices is emerging, with an emphasis on natural materials and circular solutions. The future of football apparel is not just about celebrating the game—it’s about protecting the planet that sustains it.
The upcoming EU legislation is poised to reshape the way we design, produce, sell, and manage football apparel and fashion.
This change is more than policy—it’s a call to action for everyone who believes in a circular economy. Together, we can reimagine an industry that prioritises sustainability and innovation, transforming challenges into opportunities for a greener future
Ban on Destruction of Unsold Products
A major aspect of the new legislation is the ban on the destruction of unsold textiles, clothing, and footwear. This ban will come into effect two years after the regulation’s entry into force, with large companies affected immediately, and medium-sized companies given a six-year exemption.
In July 2024, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) came into force, marking a significant step forward for environmental sustainability in the EU. This regulation sets the bar for how products are made, focusing on the principles of durability, reusability, upgradability, and recyclability.
Under the ESPR, products must be crafted to last longer, consume less energy, and incorporate parts that are easy to disassemble and reuse. The aim? To ensure that every product sold in the EU supports a circular economy by reducing waste and promoting the use of recycled materials.
By prioritising a lower carbon and environmental footprint, the ESPR challenges manufacturers to rethink their designs and invites consumers to invest in products that align with a more sustainable future. This isn’t just about regulations—it’s about reshaping how we create and use the things we rely on every day.
new regulation
The new regulation is paving the way for a more sustainable future with the introduction of Digital Product Passports (DPPs). These passports will reveal key details about a product’s environmental impact, performance, and compliance, empowering consumers to make choices that align with their values.
Accessible through a public web portal, this initiative offers transparency and accountability like never before. By 2030, every textile item sold in the EU will proudly display a DPP, marking a significant step toward a circular economy and more responsible consumption.
Path to Sustainability through Transparency
Companies will soon need to come clean about the fate of their unsold goods.
They’ll be required to share annual data on how much is destroyed and why it’s happening.
By pulling back the curtain, this bold step aims to tackle waste head-on and drive us closer to a more sustainable, circular future.
Components of Circular Fashion
Protecting people and the planet is at the heart of circular fashion. That’s why strict laws like the REACH Regulation are in place, limiting harmful chemicals in apparel.
From Azo dyes to flame retardants, these measures ensure clothing is safer for consumers and kinder to the environment.
It’s a critical step toward creating a sustainable future where fashion doesn’t come at the cost of health or our planet.
EPR and Sustainable Practices
The new regulations embrace the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), holding manufacturers accountable for the environmental footprint of their products from start to finish.
This means taking active responsibility for ensuring garments are recycled, repurposed, and given new life, fostering a more sustainable and circular economy for all
Achieving a Sustainable Economy
The EU is taking a bold step towards a more sustainable future by introducing mandatory Green Public Procurement criteria.
This move will not only increase the demand for eco-friendly products but also inspire more companies to adopt sustainable practices.
By aligning public procurement with environmental goals, we can create a ripple effect that drives broader adoption of circular economy principles, helping to build a greener, more resilient economy for all
Due Diligence Directive
Goes beyond the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESPR) by holding large companies accountable for the environmental and human rights impacts caused by their activities and those of their business partners throughout the supply chain.
It requires companies to actively monitor, address, and prevent any negative effects they may contribute to, ensuring they take responsibility for their impact.
This directive applies to both EU-based and non-EU companies operating within the EU, urging a shift towards more sustainable and ethical business practices in the global marketplace.
