Sustainability Spotlight: Champion
We are all familiar with the Champion brand—and for good reason. The company has been responsible for significant contributions to the sportswear industry since it was established in 1919. Champion created the hoodie! They gave birth to collegiate apparel in 1934 when they introduced sweatshirts and tees with the University of Michigan insignia. They also designed a reverse weave sweatshirt to prevent shrinkage and they designed the nylon mesh jersey to combat heat exhaustion. Marking the brand’s strong cultural impact, in 2018 the Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie became part of the permanent collection in MoMA.
Along with those impressive innovations, Champion is also made a commitment to sustainable practices. They are the only apparel company selected as an 11-time energy star partner of the year. Since 2007, they’ve reduced the water used in their manufacturing processes by 30%. In 2019 alone, they saved 1,575 Olympic sized swimming pools of water.
Champion Made—the brand’s sustainability moniker—has mission to create a better world and pave the way for champions of tomorrow. In just four more years, they have a plan to reach the following goals:
- Use 100% recycled polyester and 100% sustainable cotton in their apparel.
- Achieve zero waste across operations and support key suppliers to do the same.
- Reduce the absolute weight of packaging materials used for their products by 25%.
With their track record of design improvements, Champion is in a great position to make positive sustainable changes that will lead the sportswear and apparel industry into a more sustainable future.
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