World Cup uniforms from Recycled materials

TAIPEI (June 15, 2010) – As the quadrennial FIFA World Cup tournament kicked off in South Africa on June 11, nine of the competing teams are donning uniforms made of recycled materials 100-percent made in Taiwan at the premier soccer event

According to the Taiwan’s Committee for the Promotion of Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction, plastic bottles are broken down and drawn into strands to create the fibers and materials used in these shirts. On average, eight plastic bottles can be recycled into one jersey. Over 13 million polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were used to produce the 2010 World Cup jerseys for the teams and for retailers.

To make the soccer shirts, the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) said, recycled PET bottles have to be reprocessed and extruded into polyester fiber, which then is turned into thread or yarn before being spun into fabric. Dyeing techniques are also crucial as coloring standards for FIFA soccer

jerseys are quite strict. To make jerseys that meet Global Green Standards, the environmentally friendly fabric has to be dyed properly.

After years of vigorous efforts by the TTRI in research and development as well as technology transfer, Taiwan has innovated and made steady breakthroughs in textile-fiber-production technology and dyeing techniques. For this reason, Taiwanese textiles have become a favorite choice of renowned international sports brands. According to the TTRI, nine national teams—from Brazil, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United States, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Serbia and Slovenia – that are participating in the 2010 World Cup soccer championship are wearing uniforms made by Taiwanese manufacturers.

The TTRI pointed out that making these high-quality jerseys from recycled plastic bottles is in line with “green” environmental concepts. These jerseys, made of recycled polyester, weigh 13 percent less than their traditionally made counterparts. Fashioned of 144-thread-count fibers, shirts remain dry and light as they cause sweat to evaporate quickly.

The organization also stated that Taiwanese fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles are 10 percent more stretchy than ordinary fabrics. Cut to fit, these jerseys provide athletes with unmatched airflow and pliability. They speak to Taiwan’s achievements in textile-manufacturing technology.