Fashion
May 31, 2022
by Mariana Martínez Barba
Nike Expands Zero Waste Efforts With LA-Inspired Re-Creation Program
by Mariana Martínez Barba
May 31, 2022

There’s nothing we love more than a second-hand piece while digging through vintage racks. Not only do we come across great pieces, but the practice is a sustainable way of finding new clothes. Nike has tapped into this ethos by furthering its cause for Zero Waste. With the Nike Re-Creation program, the brand takes local garments and uses them to create new and locally designed releases.

Nike Re-Creation serves as another chapter in Nike’s journey towards a zero-carbon, zero-waste future. As John Hoke, Chief Design Officer at NIKE, Inc. shared, “Nike Re-Creation highlights an exciting moment of experimentation and progression. The program exemplifies Nike’s collaborative spirit, bringing together experts in design, retail, supply chain and sustainability to strategize and learn.”

Moreover, this latest endeavor continues a legacy of sustainable practices for the brand. Nike has also previously pursued similar programs, like the Nike Grind in 1992, Nike Refurbished and Nike Recycling & Donation Initiatives. This is all to say that the brand has built a consistent effort toward creating more eco-conscious manufacturing solutions. Reimagining waste into something new, Nike has found value in the reuse of second-hand materials and products.

Tackling its first local destination, Nike Re-Creation draws from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. The sustainable release features three exclusive fleece hoodies and crew sweaters inspired by the city’s sport culture found only at Nike’s The Grove store. Coming in limited quantities, each piece is uniquely restored through a manual process of cleaning, dyeing, stichting, and patching. The result? Unique garments that embrace Nike’s heritage and LA-inspired graphics.

Even more compelling, Nike has teamed up with global research & sustainable curation project Transnomadica for these Angeleno fits. As founder Maurizio Donadi added in a statement on social media, “Cooperating and servicing Nike on this initiative has been an extraordinary experiment. My team at Transnomadica and myself are honored to be part of this journey.”

With a commitment to sustainability and ability to connect with local culture, Nike continues to project a dynamic vision towards a circular future. The Nike Re-Creation chapter launched May 26 and is now available at The Grove in Los Angeles.