adidas Terrex: a new sustainable hiking collection
adidas has introduced a new outdoor range for FW21, designed to support its ambition to help end plastic waste.
The collection, which features two hero products, combines the bold style and aesthetic of adidas MyShelter with an industry-first collaboration with Parley for the Oceans and synthetic insulation provider, PrimaLoft, to create a range that is fully functional for the outdoors. The new collection offers consumers high performance insulation, composed from 100% recycled fibre, and uses no-dye technology.
adidas Terrex MyShelter Parley Anorak and adidas Terrex MyShelter PrimaLoft Hooded Jacket both feature a woven shell made in part with recycled material, featuring PrimaLoft insulation x Parley Ocean Plastic to develop high performance insulation from plastic waste, intercepted from coastal communities and shorelines before it reaches the oceans. The insulation is composed of 100% recycled fibre with key features such as fast drying, lightweight, durability, thermal efficiency and breathability. Additional design features such as two-hand zip pockets and an elastic hood ensure that the wearer benefits from optimum comfort, style and practicality. The Anorak also features a handwarmer cuff to provide extra warmth in the coldest conditions.
The wider range also includes a Non-Hooded Jacket and Pants, which like the hero products are made using no-dye technology, which works with the material’s natural colour to cut out the water thirsty part of the process, the pre-treatment phase of conventional dye techniques. The naturally coloured fabric does require a post-treatment step to achieve the same performance qualities, yet still achieves an average 60% saving on water and energy.
In addition to having seen the collection presented in preview, we were able to ask a few questions to Birgit Freundorfer, adidas Design Director, Anne Nebendahl, adidas Design Director – Color, Materials, Graphics, David Quass, adidas Global Director Brand Sustainability Strategy, and last but not least, Mike Joyce, President & CEO of PrimaLoft.
What has been the inspiration behind this this new collection? For which type of user are the jacket and the anorak recommended?
Birgit Freundorfer: With this collection, we have set out to create a range of products that combine sustainability with performance. These products are aimed at those consumers that love to get out and explore the outdoors, but who also care about the world around them. Not only does the collection look great, but they are also fully functional for the outdoors, combining the expertise of PrimaLoft and made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic to help us take another step towards our overall ambition to help end plastic waste.
Have the new products been tested in the field by a team of athletes? Did you have to make any adjustments after you got their feedback?
Birgit Freundorfer: We always have a very intense testing routine, we test the products ourselves first then test them in the field with athletes and end consumers. We value all the feedback we receive and make adjustments along the way. It’s the consumer who counts and really needs to love the product.
What are the challenges, even from a designing point of view, in realizing a product that is at the same time performing and sustainable?
Anne Nebendahl: We’re on a constant journey, the challenge is to make the best possible product that we can make at this point but still be true to our performance requirements. So we always try to realize a true performing hiking product, the one consumers are expecting, but without forgetting about the environment, that’s why we work in close collaboration with partners such as PrimaLoft and Parley for the Ocean.
Mike Joyce: In addition, adidas has very high performance standards on all their products. The majority of the recycled contents that PrimaLoft use to produce textiles are normally sourced through water bottles. When you’re collecting waste plastic from coastline environments you have a large variation of quality of that plastic so here in PrimaLoft to be able to take that and turn into a high performing insulation at the standards adidas needs is a very tough but stimulating challenge.
What still can be done to help reduce even more our impact on the environment?
David Quass: There are many positive pieces along the way to get us to that final goal of becoming sustainable in all aspects. Plastic waste is the problem, but innovation is the solution. We are super happy to be on that journey. At adidas TERREX, we continually look at ways in which we can innovate in performance and help reduce our impact on the environment, without compromise on style, something the modern and conscious adventurer is demanding. Progressive partnerships like the ones we have with Parley for the Oceans and PrimaLoft have enabled us to push the boundaries of what is possible. Partnering with like-minded brands and organizations enables the creation of innovative performance solutions that make an impact on helping to end plastic waste. This offers more choice for the consumer and drives towards a shared vision for a more sustainable future, for product, people and the planet.
