Adidas is developing plant-based leather made from fungus and has pledged to expand its vegan range.
The move is part of the sportswear giant’s sustainability initiative, which commits to using more than 60 percent recycled polyester in its products in 2021.
Adidas has also ‘renounced’ animal fur and aims to achieve global climate neutrality by 2050.
Vegan Range
Earlier this year, Adidas launched vegan versions of several classics such as the Stan Smith, the Continental, and the Samba – which quickly became bestsellers.
“Together with partners, Adidas is developing a new material, a purely biological leather alternative made from mycelium, and will use it for the very first time in the creation of footwear,” the brand wrote in a recent press release.
“In addition, Adidas has committed to ‘Vier Pfoten’, an animal protection organization, to completely ban furs from the manufacturing of its products.”
‘Invest in sustainability initiatives’
“Sustainability is an integral part of the Adidas business philosophy,” said CEO Kasper Rorsted.
“We have continued to invest in sustainability initiatives during the coronavirus pandemic and we will significantly expand our range of sustainable products in 2021.
“To this end, for example, we have worked with our suppliers to create the structures that make it possible to process recycled materials on a large scale. Not only does our commitment make Adidas more sustainable, but it also drives the development of the whole industry.”