NHL All-Star Game Jerseys Will Be Made Of Repurposed Marine Plastics

By Aaron Brophy 1/21/19 | www.samaritanmag.com

Toronto Maple Leafs 2019 All-Star jerseys — image provided
This year's National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star game won't just be a showcase for superstar talents like Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, Toronto Maple Leafs' Austin Matthews and Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid. It'll also be a showcase for the league's bold, new environmentally-friendly player jerseys.

In partnership with eco-innovators Parley for the Oceans, the NHL and official league outfitters adidas will be introducing hockey jerseys made from repurposed and upcycled materials.

The special edition adidas ADIZERO Authentic Pro x Parley jerseys will be wrapped around players' shoulders during the 2019 SAP NHL All-Star Skills competition on Friday, Jan. 25 and during the 2019 Honda NHL All-Star Game taking place Saturday, Jan. 26, with both events taking place at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., home of the San Jose Sharks.

Parley Ocean Plastic create the jerseys using upcycled marine plastic debris, taking plastic bottles and other plastic waste intercepted in marine environments and converts it into polyester for use in the sweaters.

Founded in 2013, Parley For The Oceans is a "global network where creators, thinkers and leaders from the creative industries, brands, governments and environmental groups come together to raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans and collaborate on projects that can end their destruction." The organization works with businesses to create more environmentally-friendly, less ocean-damaging solutions. Celebrating things like Corona switching away from plastic rings for their beer six-packs is an example of innovations Parley supports.

"The NHL is a recognized leader in addressing major environmental challenges and preserving the roots of our game," said Brian Jennings, NHL Chief Branding Officer and Executive Vice President, in a statement. "adidas has been an incredible partner in our efforts and shares our commitment to promoting sustainable business practices. Each year, the NHL All-Star Weekend serves as an opportunity to showcase innovations across all aspects of our game. This year’s NHL All-Star Game in San Jose is the perfect setting for adidas to introduce environmentally-conscious jerseys that complement our focus on environmental stewardship."

adidas says it's committed to increasing the use of eco-innovative materials in its products as a replacement for virgin plastic and a symbol and catalyst for longer-term change.

The special edition adidas ADIZERO Authentic Pro NHL All-Star x Parley jerseys will be available for $200 USD / $220 CAD each via various official retailers.

Watch video of Parley converting a swimming pool into a tennis court

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