You may remember that in 2019, we shifted production of our retail ranges to be made with recycled plastic bottles. We were also the UK’s first custom sportswear brand to develop 100% recycled polyester options for our clients.
A new logo, a new identity and a new philosophy. 2019 was a year of embedding and introducing change across our business to adapt to the serious needs of our planet.
The development of a recycled polyester option for our custom sportswear clients presented running/cycling clubs, charities and mass participation events with an option to choose a wholly sustainable, recycled option for the first time.
We can’t forget about our retail revolution. This included our established Funky Sportswear ranges, as well as the introduction of our brand new Elite range of running t-shirts, running vests & cycling jerseys.
All of the above retail products are now actually made with 100% recycled polyester, with up to six plastic bottle contents per product.
But why are we talking about this now? Well, we believe 2020 is going to be the year of huge global growth in the use of sustainable sportswear.
Bringing recycled sportswear to our markets in 2019 was an important step for us, and inevitably for you.
We knew that 2020 would be the year where sustainable options for custom and retail products would become a serious step rather than a gimmick.
We want to lead the UK’s charge as a sportswear brand with a sustainable revolution.
Our recycled polyester weave is indistinguishable from our standard polyester. They contain the same wicking properties, and are sublimation printed for a vibrant finish. Okay, the durability of the product may be (at the most) 5% weaker due to the process of reusing and recycling the fabric.
Won’t recycled polyester be dirty, though? We hear this rumour a lot, with the answer of course being no! Our recycled polyester is thoroughly treated and cleaned to restore original properties.
The only true difference between standard polyester & our recycled option is the impact is has on the planet. With that in mind, why use new polyester when we can use recycled option that offers all of the same benefits?
Ask yourself that as you step into the sports shop this spring and pick up your next running t-shirt. By 2021, we expect recycled polyester to be our primary option for custom sportswear.
We are already seeing interest in our recycled apparel, with the likes of Women’s Running, Runner’s World & Time Out magazine showing significant interest.
When it comes to the sourcing of sustainable sportswear (for custom or retail products), remember Scimitar. Want to find out more?
- Elite Sportswear by Scimitar. Premium running, cycling & fitness apparel made with recycled polyester.
- Funky Sportswear by Scimitar. Vibrant running vests, t-shirts & cycling jerseys with designs including Um Bongo, Mr Men & Swizzels.
- Custom Sportswear by Scimitar. 100% recycled custom sportswear designed for running/cycling clubs, charities and mass participation events.
Want to ask some questions? Visit our stand at the National Running Show, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on the 25th-26th January. Alternatively, email the team at sales@scimitarsports.com, and let’s talk sustainable sportswear.
