Nike World Cup Uniforms Made of Recycled Textiles Won’t Solve Fashion Waste
Nike has introduced World Cup uniforms made from recycled textiles, claiming to use advanced chemical recycling techniques. However, experts caution that this method is not a viable solution to the fashion industry's waste problem. The reality of scaling up such recycling practices remains uncertain, and the industry continues to face significant sustainability challenges.
- ▪Nike's World Cup uniforms are made from recycled fabric, including scraps and old clothes.
- ▪Experts doubt the scalability of chemical recycling technology for consumer clothing.
- ▪The fashion industry produces over 100 billion articles of clothing annually, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
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Joseph WintersScienceMay 30, 2026 4:30 AMThe Problem With Nike’s World Cup Uniforms Made of TrashThe activewear giant has used chemical recycling to make jersey for 16 teams competing in the tournament. But the technique is unlikely to help solve fashion’s waste issue.Courtesy of NikeCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyIn June, athletes from 16 countries will kick off the World Cup wearing other people’s used clothing.Well, maybe. They’ll be sporting uniforms made from recycled fabric, potentially including a mix of scraps and old clothes. It’s the latest initiative from Nike, one of the world’s largest apparel companies, to incorporate more recycled material into the attire it makes.
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