The 2024 Paris Olympics, held from July 26 to August 11, has not only attracted global attention to sports achievements but also sparked a wave of green industry trends, attracting consumers to the fervor of Olympic sportswear consumption. Taiwan’s textile industry has excelled in cross-domain and cross-border collaborations, gaining global attention in sports fashion.
According to the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Industrial Development Bureau, the Paris Olympics has been a focal point for global media attention since the opening ceremony. France aims to create the “most environmentally friendly Olympics” in history, actively echoing the carbon reduction goals of the Paris Agreement and contributing to sustainable development.
For Taiwan, the textile industry is a representative sector. Taiwan has made strides in the global market with eco-friendly recycled yarn made from PET bottles, and now Taiwan has combined its design culture with local customs, humanities, and artists to showcase Taiwan’s textile industry’s strength in sustainable development on the international stage.
The attention towards Taiwan’s environmentally sustainable textiles at this Olympics is prominently highlighted by the attire of the Chinese Taipei team. Leading the charge in design is designer Zhou Yu-ying from JUST IN XX Design Company, incorporating Taiwanese cultural elements into the team’s Olympic uniforms, showcasing Taiwan’s textile industry’s commitment to green and sustainable textile development.
The Taiwanese team’s attire includes suit jackets and sports polos made from fabrics provided by Hsiung Rong Group and Far Eastern New Century. By utilizing global innovation such as “carbon capture” technology, these fabrics are made from recycled carbon dioxide emissions and exhibit features like UV resistance, moisture wicking, and quick-drying properties, enhancing both the designer’s vision and the athletes’ comfort.
Another significant feature is the polo shirts embedded with germanium elements which release negative ions to neutralize positive charges in the body, promoting circulation and reducing fatigue. The Chinese Taipei Olympic emblem and arm patches are provided by Jen Mei Trademark Company, using sustainable wood fiber and recycled oyster shell yarn to create eco-friendly woven labels, also serving as designated suppliers for international brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and New Balance.
The Taiwanese team’s shoes are co-designed by designer Zhou Yu-ying and the Foundation of Footwear Technology Center. The shoes are produced in collaboration with companies participating in the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ low-carbon and net zero program, showcasing a new era of sustainable shoe design.
This wave of green sports trends at the 2024 Paris Olympics extends beyond the Chinese Taipei team’s uniforms. Taiwanese textile manufacturers also provide functional fabrics for other national teams, such as Far Eastern New Century’s recycled textiles used by teams from the United States, France, and Canada, among others.
Taiwan’s textile and footwear industries have consistently leveraged product value to participate in major international events, portraying functional textiles as another shining example of Taiwan’s excellence.
In line with global environmental initiatives and Taiwan’s commitment to achieve net-zero transformation, the Ministry of Economic Affairs continues to encourage and promote sustainable development in Taiwan’s industries. With the help of post-pandemic special budgets, expert guidance, and resource subsidies, the ministry has guided 532 textile and footwear companies to implement energy-saving and carbon reduction measures, leading to the development of more sustainable and eco-friendly textile products.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Industrial Development Bureau states that Taiwan’s textile industry will further strengthen cross-domain and cross-border collaborations, aiming to bring more competitive and sustainable eco-friendly products to the international stage. This not only enhances Taiwan’s industrial prominence but also aligns with the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.