Sustainability is one of the most widely used terms today. It’s not only extremely important, but also a “buzzword” – which sometimes makes it difficult to separate the genuine efforts from the greenwashing.
Obviously, the most sustainable solution for the environment would be not to produce anything at all – but that’s not a realistic scenario. So what can we do instead?
What does sustainable sportswear mean?
The way we see it, sustainability in sportswear is about several things:
-
Production methods
-
Production materials
-
Production site
-
Production quality
-
Consumer responsibility
These are the obvious areas to consider, but there’s one factor that might be even more important: the consumer. As mentioned above, there’s no way to be 100% sustainable while still producing new products. This is why we have a strong focus on the functionality of the clothes we design. If we succeed in creating gear that athletes truly enjoy using, there’s less risk of people buying new items all the time.
One product, multiple functions
A clear example is our Pika Trail Running Tights. We designed them not only to perform as high-quality running tights, but also to function as a running belt. That means runners don’t need two separate products. If we succeed, this approach will both enhance the running experience and reduce the overall carbon footprint.
In other words: as sportswear brands, we must assume that consumers will continue to consume until they feel satisfied with the products they own. To reduce our impact, we have to make durability, function, and quality the very core of our design process.
Production methods and location
At Pika Wear, we do our utmost to find the most sustainable production methods. As a Danish sportswear brand, we prioritize European production whenever possible. That said, some items are still produced outside of Europe – either because no suitable facilities exist locally, or because more sustainable production methods are available elsewhere. For us, sustainability always comes first. If a better option exists outside Europe, we’ll use it until we can find an equally strong solution closer to home.
Materials and quality matter
As stated earlier, consumers will keep consuming until they are satisfied with their product. This means it doesn’t help if a garment is made from recycled materials if the quality is poor and it wears out quickly.
Fortunately, innovation in the sportswear industry is moving fast, and many products can now be produced with recycled fabrics without compromising on durability. We will always choose recycled materials if the quality is equal – and we go to great lengths to find them.
Sourcing sustainable, innovative fabrics is one of the most time-consuming parts of our journey as an emerging sportswear brand – but also one of the most rewarding. Materials shape the final product, and the constant search for better fabrics, improved functions, and higher sustainability standards is what makes our products stand out and perform at their best. All for the joy of the run!
Do you think there are ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in any way? We are always open to suggestions – feel free to reach out and share your thoughts with us!