adidas creates sustainable sporting field using 1.8 million plastic bottles

Global sportswear giant adidas has built a sustainable synthetic sports field using 1.8 million plastic bottles.

Partnering with Miami Edison High School in the US-state of Florida, sited just a short distance from the stadium where this week’s NFL Super Bowl as staged, adidas used the bottles as infill for the field, which is being used for gridiron football.

The bottles were collected from nature - at remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines - in order to prevent them from ending up permanently in the eco-system and were then washed and treated before being converted and used as infill for the synthetic 3G pitch.

According to James Carnes, Vice President of Brand Strategy at adidas, the project is part of the company's commitment to becoming climate neutral by 2050 - as well as using manufacturing methods which will prevent plastics from polluting the ocean.

Carnes explained “we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, and we are dedicated to creating that change.

"Since 1998, we’ve been developing and introducing innovations to end plastic waste. Our commitment to eliminate the use of virgin polyester in our products by 2024 helps us get one step closer to being a more circular company.

"We're not just focused on changing how we do business – we're dedicated to changing how our industry does business."

Cameron Collins, the North America Director of Football at Adidas, added “we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, and this field is a demonstration of our taking action on that belief. More than a place for these young athletes to play, it’s a reminder of our collective responsibility to end plastic waste.”

The field’s recent unveiling was followed by a 7-on-7 tournament featuring local male and female athletes.

Images show the completed field at the Miami Edison High School in the US-state of Florida, and the plastic bottle infill. Courtesy of adidas.