After debuting its first carbon-neutral store concept on Shanghai’s Wukang Road in April, Chinese sportswear brand Anta brought the space to life earlier this month with a showcase that fused sustainability and fashion. On December 22, Anta introduced its AntaZero Upcycle collection at the Wukang store, featuring designs repurposed from surplus inventory for activities such as skiing, cycling, and daily urban life.

The interior of the AntaZero store on Shanghai’s Wukang Road, launched by Anta in April 2024 to showcase its sustainability initiatives. Photo and header photo courtesy of Anta.

The collection, co-conceived with sustainability platform canU and four Chinese designers, highlighted diverse approaches to upcycling. Some designs transformed surplus down materials, while others utilized spray-painting techniques and intricate craftsmanship to rejuvenate unused inventory. One designer explored fully recycled garments, demonstrating the potential of sustainable fashion.

Xu Yang, CEO of Anta, stated during the event that green principles should function as engines for growth. The collection minimizes energy-intensive production processes, such as weaving and dyeing, while delivering market-ready designs that balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility. The initiative aligns with Anta’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reflects its commitment to increasing the share of sustainable products in its portfolio.

The launch places Anta alongside global sportswear brands that are prioritizing sustainability. Adidas, for instance, collaborated with Parley for the Oceans for nearly a decade, creating products made from recycled ocean plastics as an alternative to virgin polyester. Similarly, Nike’s “Move to Zero” initiative integrates recycled materials into its product lines while focusing on reducing waste.

Until recently, Adidas had been collaborating with Parley for the Oceans to create products made from recycled ocean plastics. In 2015, the partnership debuted an Ultra Boost prototype featuring an upper crafted from yarns and filaments reclaimed from ocean waste and discarded gillnets. Photo courtesy of Adidas and Parley for the Oceans.

Closer to home, Li-Ning has quietly embraced local production practices and culturally inspired design elements that emphasize quality and responsibility. Earlier this year, the company collaborated with BASF to develop fully recyclable concept shoes using a proprietary thermoplastic polyurethane, adhering to cradle-to-cradle principles while maintaining high performance.