Nike Innovation: Moving to Zero and Beyond.
Influenced by their own ‘Bloom or Doom’ mentality when it comes to sustainable resourcing, Nike’s Move to Zero project has continued to evolve since its official unveiling in 2019. Focusing on moving forward rather than retrofitting pre-existing Nike technology, Nike’s design ethos remains focused on advancement at its core, with their recently announced Nike Forward initiative welcoming a futuristic new material to the sustainable material game.
Introducing Dri-FIT tech in 1991, and with all Nike Air soles since 2008 crafted from at least 50% recycled manufacturing waste, eco-conscious design isn’t something new for Nike. Over the past 30 years, Nike’s innovative manufacturing ethos has continued to inspire the industry. With their grassroot Nike Grind campaign, that turns used footwear and factory fabric waste into usable material, now a mainstay across both apparel and footwear.
Announced in September 2022, the brand revealed its Nike Forward fleece fabric made with an average of 75% less carbon when compared to traditional knitted fabrics. Re-imagining the production of Nike fleeces and fleeced fabrics, Nike Forward exceeds the benchmark originally set by Therma-FIT ADV to unlock a new material class, self-described as neither knit or woven. Similarities can be drawn to the brand’s high-strength Flyknit fabric that debuted in 2012 and features across styles such as the Nike Air Max Flyknit Racer and their all-new ISPA Sense Flyknit profile that features a unique lacing system, bootie-like upper and zonal fabric padding inspired by the tranquillity associated with Zen gardens.
The first to admit that there is still much more to be done when it comes to protective and adaptive design, Nike remains focused on producing zero carbon and zero waste all whilst protecting the future of sport. Archived favourites also now return in more conscious constructions, with the Nike Air Max Terrascape Plus and Nike Air Max Terrascape 90 both crafted from 20% recycled content by weight. Merging classic Tinker Hatfield references with an appreciation for modern invention, the Air Max Terrascape collection ultimately draws inspiration from nature and the great outdoors. Styled as a homage to Bill Bowerman and early track-and-field runners, the Nike Waffle One Crater introduces the brand’s Crater foam and Nike Grind technology to an undeniable favourite.
Shop all Nike at Always in Colour.
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