The global sports company, PUMA has scaled up its textile-to-textile recycling innovation Re:Fibre to create millions of replica football jerseys with a minimum of 75% recycled textile waste and other waste material.
The level of upscaling builds on the 46,000 Re:Fibre jerseys PUMA produced in 2023 and seeks not only to reduce textile waste but create less reliance on plastic bottles to produce polyester products.
PUMA has reached such a level of success with the initiative that for the first time in footballing history, all PUMA football replica jerseys (spanning a total of 35 Clubs) – including those for the Euro and Copa America tournaments, will be made from the brand’s Re:Fibre technology.
To make this upscaling possible, PUMA has started exploring diversified ways to recycle polyester including thermos-mechanical and chemical recycling techniques, enabling the brand to significantly increase its capacity to recycle textile waste.
“Re:Fibre gives football fans a tangible example of how PUMA is working towards creating a Forever Better,” said Anne-Laure Descours, chief sourcing officer at PUMA. “Our wish is to have 100% of our polyester products created from textile waste. Rethinking how we produce and moving towards a more circular business model is important and Re:Fibre is central to that.”
PUMA will be celebrating the milestone moment with a weekend of activities held at its New York flagship store. Timed to coincide with the launch of the AC Milan and Manchester City home replica kits and ahead of the two PUMA football teams playing in New York City, fans will be welcome to celebrate PUMA’s Re:Fibre journey in store.
One hundred limited edition badges – upcycled from match worn jerseys by Jack Grealish and Christian Pulisic – will be up for grabs in the flagship store. These badges have been designed by the US upcycler and PUMA Voice of a Re:Generation, Andrew Burgess specifically to commemorate the expansion of PUMA Re:Fibre.
Andrew will also host three upcycling workshops to educate customers on the techniques for customising and upcycling clothing to extend their lifespan.
