By Femi Akinola
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, Nigeria’s national football team jerseys, proudly worn by the Super Eagles and Super Falcons, are now crafted from recycled plastic bottles, according to a NatureNews investigation.
These eco-friendly jerseys are the creation of Nike, a leading United States sportswear manufacturer, utilizing 100% polyester fibers derived from recycled materials.
Nike’s innovative process begins with sourcing recyclable materials from manufacturing companies and collecting used plastic waste from landfill sites, construction debris, and discarded office products.
Through meticulous conversion, plastic water bottles undergo three stages: thorough cleaning and cutting into small flakes, melting and molding into pellets, and finally, spinning these pellets into high-quality yarn before weaving them into fabric.
NatureNews discovered that this eco-conscious approach allows for the creation of clothing using certain recycled plastics, with the primary method being the transformation of used plastic water bottles into recycled polyester—materializing in Nigeria’s national teams’ jerseys.
Remarkably, a standard T-shirt can be produced from as few as 6 to 10 used water bottles, as noted by Toad & Co, a recycling giant in the industry.
For perspective, a Nike-produced recycled polyester T-shirt requires approximately nine used water bottles.
As the renowned supplier of athletic shoes and jerseys globally, Nike takes pride in pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices.
Matthew Nurse, Nike’s Senior Director at the Explore Team Sport Research Lab, emphasized the corporation’s commitment to scientific innovation spanning over 30 years.
The lab, housing over 40 researchers with diverse expertise in disciplines such as physiology, physics, math, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, kinesiology, and mechanical engineering, aims to provide knowledge and insights that contribute to athletes’ enhanced performance.
In embracing these eco-friendly jerseys, Nike not only showcases its dedication to sustainable fashion but also reinforces its position as a trailblazer in sports innovation, setting a commendable example for the industry at large.