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08 February 2022 Sustainable textiles in professional sports: A Feasibility Study Examines the Purchasing Practices of Top Clubs

Solar systems on the stadium roof, less garbage with reusable dishes, the bratwurst from the organic farmer around the corner - in recent years, the commitment of professional sports to more sustainability has increased sharply. However, measures on purchasing practices and in particular on sustainable textile procurement have so far been rare.

Against this background, the study addresses the question of whether and how sustainable procurement of merchandising and team sportswear is feasible in professional sports. It analyses whether textiles are already purchased from a social and ecological point of view and records the challenges faced by clubs and associations. With a few exceptions, clubs of the respective first leagues as well as the top and league associations from football, handball, basketball and ice hockey were considered.

In all the sports examined, there are positive examples of the implementation of sustainable textile procurement. For example, clubs offer certified merchandising in their fan shops. However, the conversion is often limited to a small part of the product range. In addition, buyers pay particular attention to sustainability when it comes to fibres and focus in particular on ecological requirements. Compliance with labour and human rights as well as the implementation of due diligence obligations by providers are often less present. Purchasing team sportswear is the biggest challenge. Textile purchasing is made more difficult due to the lack of sustainability of sportswear manufacturers.

Although the professional clubs considered differ significantly in their turnover and membership numbers, they report similar challenges. In addition to the lack of time and human resources, these include, for example, the concern about higher prices for sustainable products. Lack of knowledge about sustainability standards and the unsustainable supply of sportswear manufacturers are also problems.

Many of the professional clubs interviewed have developed a constructive approach to these challenges and found solutions. All the associations and associations surveyed consider more exchange among themselves to be expedient. In addition, the implementation of pilot projects (such as a first certified collection), the setting of minimum requirements for purchasing as well as a stronger dialogue with suppliers, athletes and fans are helpful.

The feasibility study on sustainable textile procurement in professional sports was carried out by FEMNET on behalf of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.