Nike’s environmental tool

The importance of sustainability has been underlined by Nike which released its Environmental Apparel Design Tool shortly before Christmas.

Based on Nike’s Considered Design Index, the release of the tool aims to accelerate collaboration between companies, fast-track sustainable innovation and decrease the use of natural resources like oil and water.

Designed and built by Nike over seven years with a six million US dollar outdoor-pr-nikeinvestment, the software-based Environmental Apparel Design Tool helps designers to make real time choices that decrease the environmental impacts of their work.

Recognising the decline of natural resources and the need to move to a low-carbon economy, the tool is a practical way to rate how apparel designs score in reducing waste and increasing the use of environmentally preferred materials while allowing the designers to make real time adjustments.

Mike Barry, head of sustainability for the UK’s retailer, Marks & Spencer, who has worked closely with Nike for several years on sustainability issues, said: “As a company committed to developing a sustainable business, we welcome this type of industry collaboration. The Nike tool will help apparel companies and retailers design more sustainable product. We firmly believe that sharing knowledge like this helps us all move towards a more sustainable future faster.”

In addition to the Environmental Apparel Design Tool, Nike will also be releasing its Footwear Design Tool, Material Assessment Tool and Water Assessment Tool in 2011. To register for upcoming webinars on the Environmental Apparel Design Tool click here.

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