SUSTAINABILITY
For Nike’ s 2026 kits, this virginequivalent yarn is what allows it to use highly complex, stitch-specific computational knitting for its Aero-FIT technology.
From waste to brand new Instead of buying bales of discarded PET bottles, Nike has sourced end-oflife garments and factory floor textile scraps. These are then sorted, shredded into smaller pieces and stripped of nonpolyester components like zippers and buttons. The shredded waste is then introduced into a reactor with specific chemical catalysts.
While in this liquid state, impurities like colorants and chemical finishes can be filtered out and intertwined materials are separated and removed. Pure monomers are then combined and synthesised back into polymer chains, and turned into yarn. Nike says it is“ setting a new standard for national team kit design: merging pinnacle cooling innovation with time-honoured tradition and bold visions for the future”.
Janett adds:“ We’ re incredibly proud that our jerseys worn this summer will feel light, unrestrictive and comfortable for an entire match. That’ s the kind of comfort that helps an athlete stay completely focused on the competition for 90-plus minutes.”
Venkatesh Alagirisamy, Nike EVP and COO, says:“ This is breakthrough innovation in service of athletes, proving that high performance and circularity can move forward together without compromise.
“ Nike exists to mak athletes better and breakthrough Aero technology deliver future of our indu defining apparel innovation”
Janett Nichol VP, Apparel & Advanced Digital Creation Studio Innovation NIKE
88 May 2026