Adidas launches “Choose to Give Back” program to help end plastic waste

09 / 10 / 2021

By Marwa Nassar - -

Adidas launched “Choose to Give Back” program within the framework of continued efforts to help end plastic waste. The program is meant to help extend the lifecycle of sports performance and lifestyle apparel and footwear.

Leveraging thredUP’s Resale-as-a-Service® (RaaS®) platform and expertise, the program will invite consumers to send used product from any brand back to us via the adidas Creator’s Club app to be reused or resold.

The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. An estimated 36B clothing items are thrown away in the US each year, 95% of which can be reused.

The textiles industry relies mostly on non-renewable resources – and with low usage rates and low levels of recycling, this linear system creates a massive footprint and applies pressure on the world’s resources.

“Adidas believes that great performance shouldn’t come at the cost of the environment. That’s why the company is committed to establishing a circular future for sportswear, and with the Choose to Give Back program, it is helping people to see new possibilities to give old gear new life,” said Katja Schreiber, adidas SVP of Sustainability.

By giving used clothes and shoes the opportunity to be resold or reused, we hope to create a circular product lifecycle.

“Adidas has a reputation for driving innovative, sustainable solutions globally, and thredUP is thrilled to support their latest initiative to encourage more circular habits among consumers. By enabling resale at scale with customizable solutions for leading brands and retailers, we’re keeping high-quality clothes in use longer and fighting fashion waste,” said Pooja Sethi, thredUP Senior VP and GM of Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS).

Initially launched within the adidas Creators Club app to members on October 7, the program is rolling out more widely online and in stores in early 2022. To participate, consumers can generate a Clean Out Kit prepaid shipping label through the app and use it to send apparel and accessories across any brand or category, including their used sports gear in – from running shoes to soccer jerseys or other performance apparel. If an item is not in a condition to be resold it will go through thredUP’s select network of textile reuse partners. In exchange for sending in their old gear Creator Club members will earn rewards.

Choose to Give Back is the latest of adidas’ many sustainability initiatives – including a low-carbon shoe collaboration with Allbirds, Stan Smith Mylo: made with mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms and Made to be Remade shoes – expanding the limits of human possibilities, including and uniting people in sport and helping to create a more sustainable world.

The company is also working towards a goal of Carbon Neutrality across all North America facilities by 2025, including retail stores, distribution centers, and employee offices.

“The end of one thing is the beginning of the next. This is the beginning of a more responsible future by keeping gear in play to help end plastic waste,” said Katja Schreiber.