The Forest Green Rovers have made headlines with their new kit for the 2025/26 season, which has received certification from The Vegan Society. This makes it the world's inaugural football kit to be entirely vegan-certified. This milestone underscores the club's unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, extending their green philosophy to every facet of their operations.
Designed in partnership with Reflo, a leader in sustainable activewear, the new kit features both home and away versions, distinguished by a striking leopard print inspired by natural patterns. Beyond aesthetics, the kit's true innovation lies in its composition: it is crafted entirely from recycled monofibre materials. Reflo's proprietary 'Reloop' technology ensures that these shirts can be recycled again at the end of their lifecycle, fostering a circular economy and significantly mitigating textile waste within the sports industry.
In a move that further demonstrates their commitment to sustainability, Forest Green Rovers plans to utilize the home kit for two seasons. This strategic decision aims to curtail consumption and alleviate the pressure on fans to purchase new kits annually, promoting both ecological responsibility and financial accessibility for their supporters.
Club chairman Dale Vince emphasized that even the smallest elements, such as plant-based dyes, were integral to the rigorous certification process. While previous kits have incorporated materials like bamboo and coffee grounds, this latest iteration establishes a new benchmark for sustainable practices in sports apparel. Vince articulated the club's philosophy, stating that the choice of materials is paramount to their environmental objectives.
Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, hailed the collaboration as a pivotal moment, perfectly aligning with Reflo's mission to challenge existing limits in sustainable performancewear. This partnership exemplifies how innovative approaches and shared values can lead to groundbreaking developments in eco-friendly product design.
This initiative by Forest Green Rovers is a triumph not only for the sport but also for animal welfare and the planet. It serves as an inspiration for other teams to adopt more environmentally friendly practices, moving away from plastic-heavy and wasteful kits. The club champions vegan-friendly, circular fashion in sports, underscoring that sustainability is a critical component of every aspect of our lives, not just a side note.