Adidas

Introduction

ADIDAS is a globally recognized sportswear brand that was founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, a German shoemaker. With a strong commitment to innovation and performance, the brand emerged from the earlier family business run by Dassler and his brother. After a split, Adolf set out to create a company that emphasized high-quality athletic footwear, and it wasn't long before the three-stripe logo became synonymous with sports and performance. This logo is derived from Dassler's focus on creating shoes that not only delivered functionality but also style.

The philosophy of ADIDAS revolves around the idea of "impossible is nothing," which speaks to the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries and encouraging individuals to challenge their limits. This mantra is reflected in their support for various athletes and sponsorships across a wide range of sports, reinforcing their belief in athleticism and dedication. ADIDAS aims to create products that inspire, enabling athletes to be the best versions of themselves while promoting a lifestyle that celebrates sport, creativity, and self-expression.

What sets ADIDAS apart from other sportswear brands is its blend of performance and lifestyle elements. The brand has successfully integrated high-tech advancements in sports engineering with street fashion trends, making it a favorite among various demographics. With collaborations with designers, musicians, and influencers, ADIDAS continuously evolves while maintaining its heritage. This dual approach of serving both athletes and fashion enthusiasts makes the brand versatile and appealing, affirming its status in the competitive landscape of sportswear.

Signature Products

ADIDAS products are designed to embody the spirit of performance, innovation, and style that defines the brand. Their diverse range of offerings caters to athletes and casual wearers alike, delivering functionality without compromising on aesthetics.

• Ultraboost : A high-performance running shoe featuring Boost cushioning for optimal energy return and comfort.
• NMD : A lifestyle sneaker that combines elements of running shoes with urban aesthetics, equipped with Boost technology for enhanced comfort.
• Stan Smith : An iconic tennis shoe known for its clean silhouette and versatility, making it a staple in both sport and fashion.
• Yeezy Boost : A collaboration with Kanye West that showcases a blend of street style and performance, elevating sneaker culture.
• Adizero : A range of lightweight shoes designed for speed, offering advanced materials and technologies for competitive athletes.

Materials and Ingredients Used by ADIDAS

• Polyester : Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based products. It's commonly used in athletic apparel and footwear by Adidas due to its durability, moisture-wicking properties, and resistance to shrinking and stretching, making it ideal for performance wear.
• Recycled Polyester : Recycled polyester is produced from post-consumer plastic bottles or other plastic waste. Adidas incorporates this material in its products to promote sustainability while still benefiting from the properties of traditional polyester, such as lightweight, durability, and quick-drying characteristics.
• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate : Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a soft and flexible material widely used for the cushioning in soles of athletic shoes. Adidas uses EVA to provide comfort and shock absorption for athletes, enhancing overall performance during physical activities.
• Elastane : Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a highly stretchable synthetic fabric that provides exceptional elasticity. Adidas employs elastane in its products to allow for a greater range of motion and improve fit, especially in fitted workout apparel.
• Nylon : Nylon is a synthetic polymer known for its strength and resistance to abrasion. Adidas utilizes nylon in its gear and footwear to create durable products that can withstand rigorous use, contributing to the longevity and performance of their offerings.
• Polyamide : Polyamide is a versatile synthetic fabric, often known as nylon. In Adidas products, polyamide is used for its lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying features, which are essential for athletic performance and comfort.
• Recycled Polyamide : Recycled polyamide is derived from post-industrial and post-consumer waste. Adidas uses this ingredient to reduce environmental impact while still offering the performance characteristics of regular polyamide, such as strength and durability, in their products.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From ADIDAS

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration for a more sustainable and responsible production cycle.

High Energy Consumption:

Production of synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon requires a significant amount of energy. The manufacturing processes often rely heavily on fossil fuels, leading to high carbon emissions. For example, creating a kilogram of polyester requires about 108 MJ of primary energy, equating to approximately 3.8 kg of CO2 emissions. This not only accelerates climate change but also contributes to air pollution. To mitigate this, some companies are investing in renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency during manufacturing.

Microplastic Pollution:

Polyester, one of the most common synthetic fibers, contributes to microplastic pollution. These tiny plastic fragments are released into waterways during the washing of polyester garments. Studies have shown that a single polyester garment can release up to 1900 fibers per wash. These microplastics are ingested by marine organisms, entering the food chain and potentially harming animal and human health.

Non-Biodegradability:

Synthetic materials like polyester, elastane, nylon, and polyamide are non-biodegradable, meaning they persist in the environment for hundreds of years. This creates significant waste management issues, as discarded apparel contributes to landfill overflow. The non-biodegradability of these materials makes recycling initiatives essential, although current recycling rates are relatively low.

Energy-Intensive Recycling Process:

Recycling materials like polyester and polyamide is beneficial but also energy-intensive. The recycling process often requires decontamination and re-melting, consuming a lot of energy. This can negate some of the environmental benefits of using recycled materials. Continuous innovation is needed to develop more energy-efficient recycling methods.

Potential Contamination:

Recycled materials may contain contaminants that could compromise quality or safety. For instance, trace chemicals from previous uses can be present in recycled polyester, posing potential health risks or affecting material performance. Rigorous testing and purification processes are essential to ensure the safety and quality of these materials.

VOC Emissions:

The production of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), often used in shoe soles, releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems. Minimizing VOC emissions is crucial, possibly through better production technologies or by using alternative, less harmful materials.

Chemical Usage in Production:

Producing materials like elastane and TPU involves various chemicals, some of which may be harmful to workers, consumers, and the environment. The manufacturing process generates hazardous waste, and exposure to these chemicals can cause health issues such as skin and respiratory problems. Improved safety measures and searching for greener chemical alternatives can help mitigate these risks.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Materials like nylon and leather production lead to substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For example, the synthesis of nylon generates nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas that is approximately 300 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2. Additionally, the livestock industry, which leather relies on, contributes significantly to methane emissions, a concerning reality in our fight against climate change.

Water Consumption:

Natural fibers such as cotton require a considerable amount of water for cultivation. It takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt. Overuse of water resources for cotton farming has led to the depletion of freshwater sources, particularly in arid regions. Adopting more water-efficient agricultural practices can help alleviate this pressure.

Pesticide Usage:

Cotton farming often involves extensive use of pesticides, which pose environmental and health risks. Pesticides can contaminate water supplies and cause harm to aquatic life. For farming communities, prolonged exposure to pesticides can lead to chronic health issues. Organic cotton is an alternative that minimizes or eliminates pesticide use and supports healthier ecosystems.

Land Degradation:

Wool production and cotton farming contribute to land degradation. Overgrazing by sheep can lead to soil erosion, while intensive cotton farming can deplete soil nutrients. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and controlled grazing, can help maintain soil health and productivity.

Methane Emissions from Sheep:

Wool production involves methane emissions from sheep, a significant greenhouse gas. Methane has a higher global warming potential than CO2. Improving feed quality and breeding for low-methane-emitting sheep are potential strategies for reducing emissions from wool production.

Water Pollution (from Tanning Process):

Leather production involves tanning processes that are notorious for water pollution. Tanning uses heavy metals like chromium, which can contaminate water sources, harming local ecosystems and communities. Developing cleaner tanning techniques or using alternative materials can reduce the environmental impact of leather products.

Animal Welfare Issues:

Leather production raises animal welfare concerns associated with the livestock industry. Issues include overcrowding, poor living conditions, and inhumane treatment during slaughter. Ethical sourcing of leather and increasing the use of alternative materials can help address these animal welfare issues.