In 2018, adidas created a global movement with Run For The Oceans, uniting nearly one million runners from around the world and raising 1 million US Dollars for long-term partner Parley for the Oceans. To date, the money raised has helped directly educate and empower 100 000 youth and their families who are living in coastal areas affected by plastic pollution to take action as part of the Parley Ocean School Program. The partnership saw five million pairs of shoes created using recycled ocean plastic in 2018 alone.
 
In 2019, adidas is upping the pace of change. The introduction of the 2019 Parley range will see the company produce a landmark 11 million pairs of shoes using upcycled marine plastic waste. The campaign this year will also unite more runners in more locations than ever before to lace up and Run For The Oceans in order to reach its increased goal of 1.5 million US dollars. For every kilometer completed between June 8 and 16, adidas will contribute 1 US dollars to Parley Ocean School programs, with every dollar going towards the next phase of the partnership with the development and launch of the Parley youth activist platform.
 
With the aim of engaging more young people than ever before and inspiring long-term behavior change, the platform will host a digital curriculum which equips schoolchildren with the skills, tools and knowledge required to protect the planet’s oceans. It will also act as a digital space where young people can come together, share ideas and gain access to events, mentors, and tools. Sign-ups open for the Parley youth activist platform on World Ocean Day (8th of June), with the goal of bringing the Parley Ocean School Program to a global level.
 
Alberto Uncini Manganelli, General Manager Running, adidas, commented: “The marine plastic crisis we’re facing has become critically urgent. We effect it daily through the plastics we use and throw away. Every minute, the equivalent of a dump truck of plastic waste enters our oceans and by 2050, this could mean there may be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans. We know the stats and we’re aware of the issue. Now we need action. adidas x Parley has helped spread awareness of the crisis facing our oceans but also contributed to finding solutions (...) As a business we have committed ourselves to use only 100% recycled polyester by 2024. We are challenging our business and those around us to think about the decisions they make and how they impact the future, of not just our industry but our planet.”
 
Cyrill Gutsch, Founder and CEO, Parley for the Oceans , said: “ Run for the Oceans is an opportunity to celebrate the oceans, a place where runners unite to dedicate their time and energy and generate investment towards saving our oceans – this year, for our new activist platform, a global stage for the next generation of creators, leaders and thinkers.”
 
Through their partnership, adidas and Parley have intercepted vast amounts of plastic waste from marine environments and coastal communities, turning Ocean Plastic into sportswear since 2015. Timed to coincide with Run For The Oceans 2019, adidas introduces its Alphabounce + Parley and a full range of new sports apparel, ambitiously driving towards its 2024 goal of eliminating the use of virgin polyester from all products.  The range is crafted from upcycled plastic waste delivering eco-innovation and style without compromising on performance.