Nike Forward, Nike’s apparel innovation, has responded to climate change concern by re-setting the way industry thinks about fleece.
Moving away from traditional knit and woven processes, Nike Forward is said to revolutionise apparel creation by using punch-needle machines for the purpose of making premium, sustainability-minded product.
“Nike Forward feels different because it is different. It is not a traditional knit or woven, but a completely new material that drastically reduces its carbon footprint,” commented Carmen Zolman, VP Innovation Apparel Design, Nike, Inc.
According to the company, over five years of research went into the development of Nike Forward. The innovation, shifting from knit or woven, simplifies the process of material fabrication by reducing steps.
The company says, rather than following a multistage (spin yarn, knit, cut, sew and more) creation cycle, Nike Forward turns fibre directly to textile through needlepunch. Fewer steps means less energy consumption, contributing to an average of 75 per cent reduction in the carbon footprint for this first generation material compared to traditional knit fleece.
Nike Forward material also has a lighter density than traditional knit fleece, which is crucial to reaching 75 per cent carbon reduction, and the finished product comprises 70 per cent recycled content by weight.
“It’s game-changing platforms, like Nike Forward, that accelerate a culture of innovation at Nike to help protect the planet and the future of sport,” mentioned Janett Nichol, VP Apparel Innovation, Nike, Inc.
“As part of our commitment to serve athletes by offering more sustainable options and meeting our bold, science-based impact targets, we’re introducing a material innovation that can be adapted to different lifestyle and performance purposes,” averred Seana Hannah, VP Sustainable Innovation, Nike, Inc.
