Nike, after five years of gruelling research, has launched the Nike Forward innovation by using punch-needle machines and moving away from traditional knit and woven processes.
The first range of Nike Forward products have been made without zippers, aglets or extra trims, making it easier for the garments to be recycled.
The innovation:
- The innovation, shifting from knit or woven, simplifies the process of material fabrication by reducing steps.
- Rather than follow a multistage (spin yarn, knit, cut, sew and more) creation cycle, Nike Forward turns fibre directly to textile through needle-punch.
- Fewer steps means less energy consumption, contributing to an average of 75% 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% carbon reduction, and the finished product is composed of 70% recycled content by weight.
- Nike Forward can be made with a diverse range of layers, including industrial and post-consumer waste, and can be precisely tuned for athlete needs.
Product range:
- Nike Forward is debuting in a popular silhouette—the grey hoodie. The hoodie forgoes embellishments and dyes, favouring raw cut pockets and zero water usage.
- Nike Forward will release globally on 15 September.
- Nike Forward is the latest advancement in over 30 years of innovations, joining the ranks of Nike Air, Flyknit, Flyleather, Space Hippie and Next Nature.
What they said:
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.
— Carmen Zolman
Vice-President Innovation Apparel Design
Nike, Inc
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.
— Janett Nichol
Vice-President, 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.
— Seana Hannah
Vice-President, Sustainable Innovation
Nike, Inc
