A new collaboration between Newcastle United and Northumbria University is demonstrating how surplus sportswear can be diverted from landfill through innovative remanufacturing techniques.

The project forms part of the IMPACT+ network's research into reducing environmental impact across the fashion and textile supply chain and highlights the complex challenges facing the sports apparel sector when it comes to end-of-life solutions for performance materials.

With no standardised recycling route for technical sportswear – which typically combines synthetic fabrics, printed graphics and performance finishes – significant volumes of product end up in landfill despite being in otherwise good condition.

Newcastle United approached Northumbria's School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries after accumulating quantities of kit that could no longer be sold through conventional retail channels. This included items returned to the club shop, and strips bearing the numbers of departed players.

Researchers from the IMPACT+ network saw an opportunity to create a real-world case study examining how sportswear can be remanufactured at end-of-life, while also engaging consumers in the sustainability narrative.

The project was led by Dr Alana James, Associate Professor at Northumbria and Principal Investigator for IMPACT+, alongside Assistant Professor Sophie Wetherell, whose doctoral research focuses specifically on sportswear remanufacturing, and Senior Researcher Suzanne Nicolson.
The team developed a range of proof-of-concept products including a bomber jacket, dress and jogging trousers, demonstrating multiple potential pathways for extending product life.

Suzanne Nicolson said: "This collaboration exemplifies the kind of cross-sector partnership that IMPACT+ was established to facilitate. We're bringing together academic research, professional sport and the wider textile industry to address a shared challenge.

"The lack of standardised end-of-life solutions for performance sportswear is an industry-wide issue. By working with Newcastle United, we've been able to develop and test remanufacturing approaches using real-world materials and supply chain conditions, generating insights that can inform broader practice."

The collaboration also involves Adidas, which manufactures Newcastle United's official kit. The sportswear brand is already working with Northumbria through the Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation project – a comprehensive study examining microfibre shedding across 24 different fabric types, conducted at the University's Fibre-fragmentation and Environment Research Hub (FibER Hub).

The FibER Hub, established in 2025 through a partnership between Northumbria and The Microfibre Consortium (TMC), brings together expertise in forensic science, environmental research and textile technology to understand and address fibre fragment pollution. The Behind the Break project has attracted participation from major brands including Adidas, Levi's, Under Armour, C&A, Kering, Inditex and Norrøna.

Helen Hughes, Sustainability Manager at Newcastle United, commented: “We are committed to exploring innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint, and collaboration with Northumbria University is a fantastic example of creative sustainability in action.

“Rather than viewing surplus kit as waste, we saw an opportunity to transform it into something special for our fans by giving the fabric a second life. We are proud that the items will be showcased in the city centre and excited to offer supporters the chance to own truly one‑of‑a‑kind pieces of club memorabilia - all while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

The remanufactured products are currently on public display at Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle until 2 February, where they are available to purchase through a bidding process, with proceeds supporting Newcastle United Foundation. A bomber jacket created through the project has already raised £200 for the Foundation after being auctioned at a recent charity dinner.

To place a bid for one of the items, and to find out more about the work of the Newcastle United Foundation, please visit https://uk.emma-live.com/NUF-EldonSqaure/list-silent-lots