Zero waste – this is the motto for March 30th International Day of Zero Waste, which is also noticeable in golf. Back in 2017, a report by the Boston Consulting Group pointed out that textiles equivalent to 200 full soccer stadiums end up in the trash every year worldwide. The textile industry is responsible for almost 10% of global CO2 emissions and 92 million tons of waste every year.
5THREAD Charter as a strategic approach
On Zero Waste Day, the British company 5Thread is launching the Sustainable Sports Apparel Charter, a framework for sports associations to combat overproduction and waste in sport. Over the past 18 months, Joanna Czutkowna, an expert in sustainable fashion, has worked intensively with various sports associations to develop the charter.
A report for the UK shows just how big the problem is in the sports industry: 88,000 items of clothing are produced by high-performance sports organisations every year, resulting in up to 30% surplus. Reduction is therefore essential: produce less, reuse, recycle – such circular models are the future in the fashion segment.
British Triathlon, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and ParalympicsGB have already signed the charter. Kate Fortnam, Sustainability Manager of the RYA, emphasizes: ” “We’re proud to strengthen our commitment to reducing clothing waste by joining the Sustainable Sports Apparel Charter. It has also been a privilege to collaborate with colleagues from other leading sporting organisations and NGBs and we recognise that there is still much more to learn. We look forward to continuing this journey and to sharing our insights with the wider boating community”.
Key objectives and measures
The charter focuses on seven areas with 15 practical commitments: Waste reduction, product life extension, sustainability in tenders, knowledge sharing, and collaboration take centre stage. However, the reusability of sports equipment with the aim of greater inclusion is also an important area, as studies have shown that many families are unable to finance their children’s equipment.” For Joanna Czutkowna, the charter is applicable to most sports: ” In reality a lot of the issues faced by sport are similar, overproduction, short lifespans etc. There are differences between professional sports apparel for athletes and merchandise for fans due to the commercial agreements, but a lot of the issues are the same. The Charter has been developed with this in mind.”
Overproduction in golf
Fast fashion and overproduction are also issues in golf. At sponsor tournaments, for example, particularly inexpensive polo shirts are often used as tee gifts, where the print quickly peels off, the fit is off, or they don’t hold up to washing. Club teams sometimes change their entire kit every year when sponsors or colours change. However, it is not common practice in children’s and youth sports to pass on clothing if it is still in good condition.
Participation in the charter
Associations or clubs interested in participating in the charter – free of charge – can obtain more information at: 5thread.com/charter or contact charter@5thread.com.
