Sporting legends back landmark partnership to clean up the ocean

There's little doubt that plastic waste is our oceans is one of the most threatening issues of our time.

A global partnership between sports retailer Adidas and ocean innovator Parley aims to curb the problem, with several Aussie sporting heroes lending their support to the campaign.

Adidas and Parley have partnered up to create a new product line for Adidas, one made from recycled plastics and backed by the likes of Brisbane Broncos stars Andrew McCullough and Nathan Cleary, as well as former Jillaroos playmaker Allana Ferguson.

Swimming legend Ian Thorpe (pictured), brand ambassador for Adidas, is also spearheading the partnership which promises to prevent more than 50 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean next year alone.

"The oceans are of huge significance to me personally, so I am incredibly passionate to be joining the Adidas x Parley for the Ocean movement," he said.

Brisbane Broncos team members with former Jillaroos player Allana Ferguson

At the Adidas x Parley product showcase event held at Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, Thorpe reflected fondly on his relationship with swimming and said the ocean is of paramount importance to not only his life, but to the lives of everyone.

"When you talk about swimming, it means diff things to diff people because of how you grow up," said Thorpe.

"For some people swimming is about that holiday they remember when they went to the beach, or the first time they jumped in a pool, for others its being in a backyard and seeing who could hold their breath the longest.

"I also have those memories but I think when it comes to everything, I want to be able to continue to enjoy the water and what it offers to us."

Shannon Morgan, brand director for Adidas Pacific, said the two organisations are now following the 'AIR' principle when it comes to plastics: 'Avoid' using them, 'Intercept' existing waste and 'Redesign' the waste into new innovations and products.

In 2017 alone, Morgan said Adidas sold 1 million shoes which are made using Parley's recycled plastics.

Ian Thorpe at the Adidas x Parley partnership event

Each shoe is made using approximately 11 plastic bottles, equating to 11 million plastic bottles saved from entering the oceans last year.

"Adidas Australia and New Zealand are really looking to ramp up this effort," said Morgan.

"We feel that globally we can play an important role. We know that the ocean is important to our consumers."

Following its initial line of Parley-made shoes, Adidas is now working on integrating the Parley plastic into different product types including singlets and materials for use in football, swimming and outdoor sportswear.