Footwear
Mar 08, 2022
by James Roberts
Nike Is Scaling up Sustainability With Its Latest Seasonal Collections
by James Roberts
Mar 08, 2022

In a time when our planet is facing multiple climate crises, we need big companies to make big changes. As the world’s largest supplier of athletic goods, Nike shoulders some of this burden. In its latest Spring/Summer collections, the brand makes a start with more sustainable-minded designs under its Move to Zero initiative.

The collections, released across a number of Nike’s sub-brands, demonstrate how it’s looking to scale sustainable materials and processes to meet its 2025 sustainability targets: reducing greenhouse emissions by half a million tons and diverting 100% of waste from its extended supply chain away from landfill.

The latest Nike Sportswear capsule collection is focused on repurposing manufacturing textile waste into new products, based on its iconic styles. Each item in this collection is made from at least 50% recycled and/or organic materials. The Nike Windrunner jacket, for example, is made with at least 75% recycled TPU.

In the Nike Tech Pack collection, you’ll also find that each piece is made from at least 50% recycled and/or organic materials. The amount of recycled materials does fluctuate between items. The Thermore EcoDown marble insulation used in the vest is made from 100% recycled polyester fibers whereas the women’s parka is made with at least 75% recycled polyester.

As Nike is a huge brand, its sub brands are also huge. In a press release, Nike Air has stated that if it was a “standalone athletic company, it would be the third-largest in the world, based on revenue.” That means that the choices it makes impacts the planet greatly. As such, the Air Max 90, 95 and 97 now uses 100% recycled polyester and at least 25% recycled synthetic leather in its uppers.

Other releases this Summer include the Nike Waffle One Crater Next Nature, Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Next Nature and Nike Dunk Low Next Nature which all use at least 20% recycled content. Plus, the Nike Sun Club Pack with silhouettes like Nike Air Max Pre-Day, Nike Blazer Low ’77 NN, Nike Air Force 1 LV8 NN and Nike Court Vision Lo NN.

There’s a lot going on here. But that’s good. It demonstrates that Nike is thinking about how every part of its business can be more Earth-friendly.

We’ll continue reporting on these as and when we know more. In the meantime, take a look at the recent Air Max Spring pack.