Adidas links with ThredUp for circular fashion initiative

By

Robin Driver

Published
Oct 8, 2021

Sportswear brand Adidas has joined forces with digital-first resale platform ThredUp to launch its Choose to Give Back program, allowing consumers to send in used apparel and accessories for reuse or resale in exchange for rewards.

 
Implemented via ThredUp’s Reseale-as-a-Service platform, the program seeks to help reduce waste in the fashion industry, particularly that related to sports performance and lifestyle apparel and footwear, while also supporting the creation of a circular product lifecycle.
 
The program initially launches on October 7 via the Adidas Creators Club app, where users can generate a Clean Out Kit prepaid shipping label. This can then be used to send apparel and accessories from any brand or category, including sports gear, to the program.

Pieces that are found to be in a suitable condition will be processed for resale, while donations that cannot be sold again will be passed on to ThredUp’s network of textile reuse partners. According to Adidas, Creators Club members who send in their old apparel and accessories will earn rewards.
 
The sportswear company also said that the Choose to Give Back program will be rolled out more widely, both online and in stores, at the start of next year.
 
“We believe that great performance shouldn't come at the cost of the environment. That's why we're committed to establishing a circular future for sportswear, and with the Choose to Give Back program are helping people to see new possibilities to give old gear new life," said Adidas SVP of sustainability Katja Schreiber in a release.
 
The program ties in with Adidas’ other sustainability efforts, which have included a collaboration with Allbirds on low-carbon footwear, and the launch of a mushroom-based version of its classic Stan Smith shoe model. Adidas has also committed to achieving carbon neutrality across all of its North American facilities – from stores, to distribution centers, to corporate offices – by 2025.
 
The brand will be in good company on the client list of ThredUp’s Resale-as-a-Service platform. Other users of the service include Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Madewell, Rent the Runway and Fabletics.