Global Forum for Sports and Environment
Nike's High Performance, Low Impact Running ShirtCommitted to developing the latest cutting edge technology in sports equipment design, but at minimum impact to the environment, Nike has continued to take sports in new directions. One such innovation is the Stand -Off Distance Singlet - a high performance running shirt made from recycled drink bottles that debuted at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. NIKE Corporation has been working since the early 1990s towards the adoption of sustainable business practices that ensure quality of life, restore the environment and increase value to customers, shareholders and business partners. In 1993 the Nike Environmental Action Team (NEAT) was formed to focus on recycling and education, introducing the Re-use-a-Shoe program in 1994 and culminating in Nike's Corporate Environmental Policy in 1998. Today Nike is working to achieve not just 100% sustainability in its design and manufacturing process, but in all aspects of its business operation. The distance running shirt was designed by Eddy Harber. His idea was to create a fabric that would keep a long distance runner cooler in warm temperatures using a design that worked with the same cooling mechanisms used by the body: evaporation, convection and radiant heat reduction Basically, nodes on the back side of the fabric allow air to flow freely over the body, enhancing both convection and evaporation. Mesh holes are sized to allow for maximum air entry and exit from the fabric. The fabric absorbs very little moisture, which means that perspiration can evaporate directly from the skin. This reduces the weight of the garment during an event. What is more, the fiber is made from 75% recycled polyester - most of it derived from returned plastic drink bottles. The product only comes in white as white reflects heat and white is the fiber's natural color and so does not undergo a dying and finishing process, which is the most toxic and wasteful process in standard fabric manufacturing. Nike is the World's leading sports and fitness company, operating in over 100 countries worldwide.
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