Ralph Lauren prioritize sustainability in Olympic closing ceremony uniforms

Ralph Lauren intends to highlight some of the most recent environmental developments and acquisitions in his 2020 Summer Olympics clothing collection. The Closing Ceremony uniforms and footwear set for the 2020 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams were revealed this week by the official outfitter of Team USA since 2008.

Ralph Lauren’s Color on Demand platform, which was only revealed last month, will be used on select cotton products in the clothing range. The initiative, which was established in collaboration with Dow, is currently optimizing an innovative pre-treatment approach that “significantly reduces” the volume of water, additives, and resources used.

In comparison to conventional cotton dyeing methods, the solution allows for the use of up to 40% less water, 85% fewer additives, 90% less oil, and a 60% reduction in carbon footprint when used with current dyeing equipment, according to Ralph Lauren. Ralph says the platform’s goal is to create the world’s first scalable, zero-wastewater cotton dyeing device.

Last year, Ralph Lauren joined companies like Allbirds in investing in Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), a material science startup. The firm intended to help scale NFW’s recycled fiber material Clarus as part of its investment. Mirum, an alternative leather substitute made from plant-based fabrics and agricultural byproducts, will be used in the Olympic range, which is another of NFW’s inventions.

A graphic white drawstring jacket and striped belt made from Repreve’s plastic bottle-based recycled polyester; a traditional white polo shirt and mask made from checked U.S.-grown cotton; and a slim white denim pant with a Mirum back patch make up Team USA’s sporty Closing Ceremony Uniform. “Every item is proudly made in the United States,” Ralph Lauren said.

Ralph Lauren’s 2020 Team USA range was made available for purchase on the fashion house’s website from April 14. In June, items will be available at select Ralph Lauren convenience outlets, select United States department stores, and Team USA’s online store.

Chief innovation and branding officer and vice chairman of the board, David Lauren said that this summer’s Games are a true testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and the universal force of sport to energize and unite the world, after a year marked by alienation and bloodshed. They must accept their duty to protect the world we all call home as they come together to rejoice and compete. As part of this, they are proud to continue to invest in and scale environmental advancements, such as outfitting the country’s finest and brightest athletes in timeless apparel that has been thoughtfully designed.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been raising questions about the manufacturing of its jerseys, while Ralph Lauren is touting the sustainability of Team USA’s footwear.

The cotton used in the manufacture of the Olympic uniforms would not come from Xinjiang, according to the IOC. Hengyuanxiang Group, which has an associated factory in Xinjiang, brands various items containing Xinjiang cotton in many listings on e-commerce sites such as JD.com and Taobao.