If you like our site, mark us as a preferred source on Google — so you’ll see our articles more often in search!
★Mark us as a preferred sourceWith the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Taiwan-based ECI Elastic has officially confirmed that, for the first time in its history, it is supplying warp knit tapes made of 100% recycled polyester for the jerseys of the tournament’s participants. The environmentally conscious technology is featured on the kits of the Hungarian national team, among others, proving that sustainable material usage can now meet the maximum performance demands of elite athletes without compromise.
Recycled Materials at the Highest Level
According to the latest report from Changhua County-based ECI Elastic, the company is exclusively providing tapes made of 100% recycled polyester to its partners as part of the 2026 World Cup jersey program. The innovative accessories are placed in the most heavily used areas of the sportswear, specifically the hems and collars. The Taiwanese manufacturer’s technology is worn by six national teams—Spain, Germany, Japan, Ukraine, Hungary, and Italy.
Paul Shen, ECI Elastic’s Senior Sales and Marketing Director, highlighted the significance of the development: “Providing a 100% recycled tape for a demanding stage like the World Cup proves that recycled materials are no longer a compromise. They are the standard.”
Technology and Function: The ECI 72231-37R Model
The technological foundation of the 2026 jersey program is provided by ECI’s warp knit tape designated with the code 72231-37R. The product is made from 100% GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer PET bottles.
These tapes fulfill a critical functional role on the pitch. Applied to the bottom hem of the jerseys, they provide structural support to the fabric: they effectively prevent the garment from rolling up and wrinkling during sliding tackles, aerial duels, and high-speed sprints. Meanwhile, the tape moves flexibly with the athlete’s body and immediately regains its original shape after movement.
Circular Economy and Complete Recyclability
One of the most important ecological indicators of the 72231-37R technology is that the tape is a single-fiber product. Since the material contains absolutely no elastane or other blended yarns, it can be processed through standard polyester recycling systems at the end of the garment’s life cycle—without costly and complex fiber separation procedures. This characteristic is essential for modern sports brands, which are extending their sustainability commitments regarding the circular economy not only to shell fabrics but to every single small component of the garments.
Evolution from 2014 to 2026: From Weight to Sustainability
The close cooperation between ECI Elastic and the World Cup jersey programs began at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. That year, the company’s knitted elastic tapes debuted in the kits of 9 national teams—including the tournament winner, Germany. The 2014 models were considered the lightest football jerseys ever produced at the time, making weight minimization the primary developmental challenge.
In contrast, the 2026 program reflects an entirely new industry priority. The goal now is to integrate recycled and recyclable materials without compromising the physical metrics expected by elite athletes. This evolutionary arc is most accurately summarized by Paul Shen’s words: “In 2014, the question was how light we could make the jersey. In 2026, the question is how responsibly we can make it, without giving up anything on performance.”
Reference to the source:
Original English press release (EIN Presswire, June 24, 2026): ECI Elastic Supplies Its First 100% Recycled Tapes for 2026 FIFA World Cup Jerseys