Our oceans are getting adversely affected by marine pollution so much that it is predicted in 30 years, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. Acting on these warnings, multinational corporation Adidas decided to do their best to reduce the plastic pollution in oceans.

Microplastics are consumed by small fishes which in turn are eaten by bigger fishes that are consumed by humans. They are harmful to both humans and marine life. Adidas has partnered with environmental organization Parley to turn marine pollution into sportswear and they have met with huge success.

Before the plastic reaches the oceans, Parley and its partners collect trash from the coastal areas like the Maldives. The waste is sorted and segregated and the plastic thus recovered is sent to the Adidas processing plant. Here, the plastic is crushed, washed and dehydrated to form plastic flakes. The flakes are heated, dried and cooled to form pellets which are then melted to form filaments that are spun into what they call ocean plastic, a form of polyester yarn.

The recycled plastic uses less water and fewer chemicals than normal polyester and helps prevent plastic pollution. It is used by Adidas to form upper parts of shoes and clothing like jerseys. They easily conform to the performance and comfort standards of Adidas’ other shoes.

At present, 40 per cent of apparels of Adidas are made out of recycled plastic. It is made with such intricacy and design that one fails to notice it. Adidas is also in the process of making 100 per cent recyclable shoe called Futurecraft Loop which is expected to hit the markets in 2021.

By using the already available materials to produce its commodities and reducing ocean plastic waste, Adidas has taken a major step towards a sustainable environment.