Nike’s innovative ‘Nike Forward’ line is the brand’s newest sustainability-focused apparel collection. The brand’s previous ranges incorporate DRI-Fit, Tech Fleece, and FlyKnit technology, while the ‘Nike Forward’ range showcases Nike’s commitment to delivering sustainable athletic apparel that significantly decreases the company’s carbon footprint.
The collection features unisex gray pullover hoodies and crewnecks that have been produced with 70% recycled content by weight. Instead of the brand’s signature multi-stage production cycle, the ‘Nike Forward’ range uses fiber to textile methods through a needle punch.
"As part of our commitment to serve the athletes* by offering more sustainable options and meeting our bold, science-based impact targets, we’re introducing a material innovation that can be adapted to different lifestyle and performance purposes," commented Snikeana Hannah, VP of Sustainable Innovation at Nike.
The ‘Nike Forward’ hoodies and crewnecks will debut globally on Sep 8, 2022.
Sustainable Gray Sports Apparel
Nike Launches its Innovative 'Nike Forward' Apparel Range
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Athletic Apparel - Nike's 'Nike Forward' line showcases their commitment to delivering sustainable athletic apparel, a trend that is likely to be replicated by other sportswear brands.
2. Recycled Content - The use of recycled content in sportswear is becoming a popular trend, providing opportunities for startups to create innovative recycling technologies.
3. Fiber-to-textile Methods - Fiber-to-textile methods, such as needle punch, offer an alternative production cycle for sustainable athletic apparel, presenting a disruptive innovation opportunity for textile manufacturers.
Industry Implications
1. Sportswear - Sportswear brands can follow Nike's lead in incorporating sustainable materials in their products.
2. Recycling - The increasing demand for sustainable sportswear creates opportunities for companies specializing in textile recycling.
3. Textile Manufacturing - Adopting fiber-to-textile methods, such as needle punch, can disrupt traditional textile manufacturing and provide a more sustainable alternative.