Sustainability in the Sportswear Sector: Problems, Progress, and Potential Improvements
Seoul International School, 15 Seongnam-daero 1518 beon-gil, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13113, South Korea
Abstract
As one of the biggest consumers of the world’s water and producers of emissions, the textiles industry has come under fire for sustainability issues in recent years. Sportswear firms stand out from their peers as big users of synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon produced from crude oil which can shed harmful microfibers into local waterways. They also have found themselves under fire for poor working conditions at supplying factories and their use of chemicals to achieve various desirable characteristics of sporting clothes and footwear has also been found to have negative consequences for wider society. While firms have sought to address their issues and many have committed to lowering emissions and improving practices in the coming years, much remains to be done to achieve their goals. Clearly, economic factors affect what firms can do to improve sustainability in a competitive market when consumers are sensitive to price differences between the likes of Nike and Adidas. Nevertheless, this essay argues that more could be done even in the face of cost constraints. Given that young shoppers tend to be more mindful of sustainability issues and sportswear will be marketed to these shoppers in the years to come, firms would do well to listen to them.
Keywords
Keywords: Sustainability in the sportswear sector; Sustainability issues; Sportswear manufacturer; Textile industry
Introduction
Sportswear brands are tied to images of health and performance, but synthetic fibers, chemical treatments, and outsourced factories have drawn criticism for environmental and labor harm. This essay asks what firms can still change when price competition limits their options.
Conclusion
Commitments to lower emissions are not enough while cost pressure remains. Because younger buyers are more attentive to sustainability, sportswear firms have reason to go further than the minimum that competition currently rewards.
How to Cite
Lee, Benjamin W.. Sustainability in the Sportswear Sector: Problems, Progress, and Potential Improvements. Journal of Youth Impact. September 2026; 1(Issue 3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.66245/jyi.v1.i3.008