‍Adidas has launched a new resale program called Choose to Give Back. Aimed at helping to extend the lifecycle of sports performance and lifestyle apparel and footwear, the program utilizes thredUP's Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform —  consumers will be able to send used product from any brand back to adidas via the adidas Creator's Club app to be reused or resold.

Noting that the fashion industry is one of the world's biggest polluters, Katja Schreiber, adidas SVP of Sustainability, says, "We believe that great performance shouldn't come at the cost of the environment. That's why we're committed to establishing a circular future for sportswear, and with the Choose to Give Back program are helping people to see new possibilities to give old gear new life.”

By giving used clothes and shoes the opportunity to be reused or repurposed on a larger scale, adidas and thredUP hope to encourage more circular habits among consumers, says Pooja Sethi, SVP and GM of Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS) at thredUP. "By enabling resale at scale with customizable solutions for leading brands and retailers, we're keeping high-quality clothes in use longer and fighting fashion waste," says Sethi.

Initially launched within the adidas Creators Club app to members on October 7, the program will roll out more widely online and in stores in early 2022. To participate, consumers can generate a Clean Out Kit prepaid shipping label through the app and use it to send apparel and accessories from any brand or category, including items such as running shoes, soccer jerseys or other performance apparel. If an item is not in a condition to be resold it will go through thredUP's select network of textile reuse partners. In exchange for sending in their old gear Creator Club members will earn rewards.