The Adidas x Alexander Taylor collaboration is a pioneering partnership aimed at creating sustainable footwear using innovative design and recycled materials. The collaboration was established in 2015 with the mission to transform ocean plastic waste into high-performance sports shoes. Alexander Taylor, a renowned industrial designer, worked with Adidas and Parley for the Oceans to develop the first shoe made from Parley Ocean Plastic™. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility, with a purpose to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution and promote eco-friendly practices in the footwear industry.
Location
Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany (Adidas HQ).
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Global supply chain with a focus on sustainable practices.
Note: Leverages Adidas's global network and Alexander Taylor's design expertise to optimize sourcing, distribution, and collaboration.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of the Adidas x Parley trainers, which incorporate a special weaving technique called "tailored fibre placement" to use recycled ocean plastic. The shoes feature yarns and filaments made from plastic salvaged from the ocean, including illegal deep-sea gillnets.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using recycled ocean plastic and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Adidas x Parley trainers, including the Ultra Boost prototype.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable athletic footwear that prioritizes performance, style, and environmental responsibility. The Adidas x Parley shoes are known for their innovative design, use of recycled materials, and ability to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, optimizing production processes, and developing new applications for recycled ocean plastics in footwear design.
Ambitious goals: To lead the footwear industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to athletic wear design and production.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through Adidas and select partners.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles).
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with a focus on sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material information available, with a focus on recycled ocean plastics.
Designed for Disassembly: Some products designed for recyclability, with ongoing efforts to improve this aspect.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and production methods. The collaboration aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of footwear manufacturing.
Key Takeaway
The Adidas x Alexander Taylor collaboration transforms the footwear industry through innovative, sustainable solutions, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility in athletic footwear design.
Explore Further
Adidas x Alexander Taylor: website
The Adidas x Alexander Taylor collaboration is a pioneering partnership aimed at creating sustainable footwear using innovative design and recycled materials. The collaboration was established in 2015 with the mission to transform ocean plastic waste into high-performance sports shoes. Alexander Taylor, a renowned industrial designer, worked with Adidas and Parley for the Oceans to develop the first shoe made from Parley Ocean Plastic™. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility, with a purpose to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution and promote eco-friendly practices in the footwear industry.
Location
Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany (Adidas HQ).
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Global supply chain with a focus on sustainable practices.
Note: Leverages Adidas's global network and Alexander Taylor's design expertise to optimize sourcing, distribution, and collaboration.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of the Adidas x Parley trainers, which incorporate a special weaving technique called "tailored fibre placement" to use recycled ocean plastic. The shoes feature yarns and filaments made from plastic salvaged from the ocean, including illegal deep-sea gillnets.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using recycled ocean plastic and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Adidas x Parley trainers, including the Ultra Boost prototype.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable athletic footwear that prioritizes performance, style, and environmental responsibility. The Adidas x Parley shoes are known for their innovative design, use of recycled materials, and ability to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, optimizing production processes, and developing new applications for recycled ocean plastics in footwear design.
Ambitious goals: To lead the footwear industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to athletic wear design and production.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through Adidas and select partners.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles).
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with a focus on sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material information available, with a focus on recycled ocean plastics.
Designed for Disassembly: Some products designed for recyclability, with ongoing efforts to improve this aspect.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and production methods. The collaboration aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of footwear manufacturing.
Key Takeaway
The Adidas x Alexander Taylor collaboration transforms the footwear industry through innovative, sustainable solutions, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility in athletic footwear design.
Explore Further
Adidas x Alexander Taylor: website
