- Textiles threaten biodiversity: microplastics, pesticides and deforestation pollute ecosystems
- Sports clubs have a duty: sustainable purchasing is increasingly becoming a core task
- Web seminar on 7.10.25: Practical impulses for sustainable textile purchasing
Sportswear as a threat to biodiversity
Bonn, September 24, 2025; – Jerseys, shorts and training jackets are rarely suspected of posing a risk to the environment. But experts warn: sports textiles contribute significantly to the loss of biodiversity – through microplastics from synthetic fibers, high pesticide and water consumption in cotton cultivation and the clearing of species-rich forests for viscose.
With the EU strategy for sustainable textiles and new guidelines on producer responsibility, the pressure is now also growing on sports clubs. They should pay more attention to ecological criteria when making purchases. Previous initiatives by the German Olympic Sports Confederation and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation have focused primarily on sports facilities rather than the clothing itself.
“Sports clubs have a responsibility here that has often been overlooked,” says Bettina Faust from the Global Nature Fund. “Conscious purchasing decisions can stabilize supply chains and protect biodiversity at the same time.”
The Global Nature Fund and the women’s rights organization Femnet are hosting an online seminar on 7 October to provide information about the risks and options for action. Under the title “Securing biodiversity, strengthening supply chains”, Louisa Lösing will provide insights into the ecological consequences of textile production and highlight strategies for more sustainable procurement. Participation is free of charge and registration is possible online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88043807048?pwd=WACzbIrOaux1dmW2s9Gv7XXgn1lbYb.1
The project partners:
The Global Nature Fund is an international foundation for environmental and nature conservation. Through projects like Fair Wear Works, the GNF advocates for sustainable economic practices and fair working conditions. www.globalnature.org/fair-wear-works/
The “Fair Wear Works” project is supported by ENGAGEMENT GLOBAL gGmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German Postcode Lottery and Fairtrade Germany. Thanks to the funding, a fairness campaign and this ideas competition were implemented as part of the project at the International German Gymnastics Festival 2025.
FEMNET e.V. is a women’s rights organization that has been campaigning for better working conditions in the global garment industry for over 15 years through political commitment, educational and advisory work and projects abroad.
More information about the project: www.globalnature.org/fair-wear-works
About the Global Nature Fund (GNF)
The Global Nature Fund (GNF) is an international foundation registered in Germany with many years of experience in the implementation of water projects. The GNF is committed to sustainable global development within planetary boundaries through worldwide nature and environmental protection projects. The aim is to promote a healthy planet and intact biological diversity as the basis of life for people and nature.
The GNF focuses on nature conservation, climate protection, water protection and business & sustainability. With projects such as Fair Wear Works, the GNF is committed to promoting sustainable business practices and fair working conditions.
www.globalnature.org
