The University of Miami football team will debut new “environmentally-conscious” uniforms featuring repurposed and “upcycled” materials during the team’s opening game against Louisiana State University next month.
The Miami Hurricanes’ new alternate uniforms, manufactured by Adidas, are “the first-ever football uniforms featuring repurposed and upcycled materials,” according to a release from the team and Adidas.
Upcycling is defined as the process of taking unwanted products and reforming them into new products. It differs from recycling in that the original product is not destroyed or broken down first.
Adidas partnered with Parley, a group dedicated to reducing ocean pollution, for the project.
{mosads}“Our players and staff are excited to wear the new adidas Parley jerseys and gear for our season opener. We’re also excited that adidas and Parley are teaming up with UM to help promote sustainability around the world,” coach Mark Richt said.
“Community service has always been an integral part of our football program, and this partnership with adidas and Parley helps us continue those efforts,” he added.
Uniforms worn by players during the Sept. 2 opener with LSU will be made of 70 percent ECONYL yarn, a material made from repurposed fishing nets. Funds from an auction where some of the uniforms will be sold later this month are set to help the university launch a fund for educational research.
Adidas is competing with sportswear rival Nike in the use of sustainable materials to manufacture clothing.
Since 2012, Nike has advertised its use of sustainable materials including recycled plastic in its manufacturing. Seventy-five percent of all Nike products contain recycled materials, according to a May press release.