Global sportswear brands are accelerating efforts to adopt circular economy models, using recycled materials, repair services and closed-loop production systems to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product performance.
Companies including Kathmandu, Rab, and Forest Green Rovers are emerging as early adopters of circular approaches, reflecting a broader shift across the textile and apparel industry toward sustainability.
New Zealand-based Kathmandu has partnered with LanzaTech to convert industrial carbon emissions into ethanol, which is then processed into polyester yarn. Its “Seeker” apparel range contains more than 60% recycled polyester and incorporates additional materials such as nylon derived from end-of-life car tyres, aiming to reduce reliance on virgin fossil-based inputs.
Industry analysts say such innovations signal a growing trend of transforming waste streams into usable textile inputs, helping brands cut greenhouse gas emissions and diversify raw material sourcing.
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Meanwhile, British outdoor brand Rab is focusing on extending product lifecycles through repair and maintenance services. The company opened a dedicated service centre in Cheshire, England, in 2025, capable of repairing over 13,500 garments annually and washing more than 8,000 items, including products from other brands.
The initiative reflects a shift from traditional “take-make-dispose” models toward service-based systems designed to reduce textile waste and encourage longer product use.
At the same time, sustainability is being integrated at a systemic level. Forest Green Rovers, widely recognized for its environmental initiatives, has introduced a fully recyclable, vegan football kit made from mono-fibre recycled materials and dyed using plant-based inks. The kit is designed for mechanical recycling after use and will be worn across two seasons to limit consumption.
Experts note that sportswear presents unique challenges for circularity due to performance requirements such as durability, breathability and moisture management. However, recent developments suggest that sustainability and functionality are increasingly compatible.
The shift comes as the global textile sector faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions and waste, with circular economy models gaining traction as a viable pathway to long-term sustainability.
As brands experiment with material innovation, repair infrastructure and recyclable product design, circular sportswear is moving from niche initiatives to scalable business strategies, reshaping the future of the performance apparel market.
