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In cohesion with NBA Green Week last week, Portland announced an exclusive partnership with New Era Cap and REPREVE recycled fiber on a hat made up entirely of four plastic bottles.
The Portland Trail Blazers have been known as an industry leader in the area of sustainability for many years. The Moda Center, the arena in which they call home, was the world’s first professional sports venue to receive LEED Gold status in 2010, and they doubled up on that honor by being re-certified in 2015.
In other words, when a new trend in sustainability rolls around, it is more likely than not that the Trail Blazers are going to be involved.
In cohesion with NBA Green Week last week, Portland announced an exclusive partnership with New Era Cap and REPREVE recycled fiber on a hat made up entirely of four plastic bottles. REPREVE is the leader in recycled fiber made from plastic bottles — quite a specific category if you ask me — sculpted by the textile manufacturer Unifi, Inc.
Due to their reputation in sustainability, the Trail Blazers were an obvious target for both New Era and REPREVE, and the hats were on sale for $30 a pop at the Moda Center during home games staged on April 6th and April 8th.
“The Trail Blazers commitment to sustainability is long-standing; and among the leaders in all of professional sports raging from food recovery and energy efficiency, to composting and balancing our water use,” said Christa Stout, Trail Blazers Vice President of Social Responsibility in a press release.
“Key to that success are committed partners in all our initiatives who support our focus on impacting kids and families where they live, learn and play. We’re thrilled to join with New Era and REPREVE in this cool and authentic partnership.”
New Era elected to release the hat under the 9FIFTY classic snapback style rather than their popular fitted models, a decision likely influenced under the premise of reaching a broad base of people. The snapback fits are adjustable and fall under the “one size fits all” mantra, while the fitted caps are sized specifically and take some time to break in.
“The synergy between REPREVE and New Era Cap represents one of incredible quality and performance, along with a commitment to eco-friendliness,” said Mark Maidment, Vice President, Creative for New Era Cap in a release.
“Not only does New Era Cap value environmental consciousness, but consumers are also increasingly looking for products with a transparent sustainability story. Through its U TRUST program, Unifi helps us deliver a trustworthy, environmentally responsible cap.”
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