Decathlon and UK’s UCA Pioneer World-First Circular Cricket Gear

The crack of leather on willow echoes across India’s dusty maidans and gleaming stadiums, but the environmental toll of cricket equipment rarely enters the conversation. Now, a groundbreaking partnership between global sports giant Decathlon and the UK’s Centre for Sustainable Design (CfSD) at the University for the Creative Arts aims to rewrite the playbook. Announced on July 25, 2025, their Circular Cricket Gear Partnership (CCGP) will develop the world’s first mass-produced sustainable cricket gear designed specifically for India—starting with gloves and leg guards set for 2026 prototypes.

Decathlon’s Sustainable Cricket Gear Initiative

This collaboration merges CfSD’s circular economy research with Decathlon’s manufacturing expertise to tackle two urgent challenges: cricket’s environmental footprint and equipment accessibility. In India—where an estimated 600+ million fans follow the sport—gear often ends up in landfills due to non-recyclable materials like synthetic leather and plastic foams. The CCGP will embed circularity into product DNA, prioritizing durability, repairability, and end-of-life recycling.

Key innovations include modular designs for easy part replacement, plant-based or recycled materials, and business models like buy-back schemes. For example, worn-out pads could be returned for refurbishment or material recovery, slashing waste while lowering costs for young players. As Rob Davies, Decathlon’s Cricket Sport Director, states, “This evolution in manufacturing lets future generations enjoy cricket without compromising the planet.”

India’s Role in Sporting Sustainability

India isn’t just a market—it’s the innovation lab. Decathlon’s Bengaluru R&D hub, operational since 2011, will lead prototyping using local insights. With cricket participation surging post-COVID, the timing aligns with India’s push toward a $5 trillion green economy. Annie George, Decathlon India’s Sustainability Leader, emphasizes: “Transitioning to circular systems is strategic for a sport so central to our culture.”

The project’s scalability is intentional. Lessons from cricket gear could extend to tennis, football, or hockey. Professor Martin Charter, CfSD Director, notes India’s influence: “Innovating here creates a template for global sports—combining environmental responsibility with real-world impact.”

The Roadmap to Circular Play

Phase one focuses on gloves and leg guards due to high replacement rates. By 2026, prototypes will undergo testing with Indian academies. Phase two explores scaling via:

• Refurbishment hubs at Decathlon’s 100+ Indian stores
• Material passports tracking product lifecycle
• Open-source designs inviting industry collaboration

Decathlon has already reduced packaging waste by 32% in India since 2020 (Sustainability Report, 2024). The CCGP accelerates this mission, linking to global frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

This partnership isn’t just about better gear—it’s about reimagining sport’s relationship with the planet. By making sustainable cricket gear affordable and recyclable, Decathlon and CfSD are batting for a future where every cover drive honors both tradition and the Earth. Follow their progress at Decathlon.in and join the revolution.

---

Must Know

Q: What makes cricket gear “circular”?
A: Circular gear uses renewable/recycled materials, lasts longer via repairable designs, and recovers >90% of materials at end-of-life. Unlike linear “take-make-waste” models, it mimics natural cycles.

Q: How will this make cricket more accessible in India?
A: Refurbishment programs and buy-back schemes could lower costs by 30-50%, helping families afford quality equipment. Decathlon targets 20% price reductions by 2027.

Q: Are other sports adopting circular models?
A: Yes! Adidas’s Futurecraft tennis shoes and SailGP’s recycled sails prove circularity works. Cricket’s scale in India makes it a high-impact testing ground.

Q: When can players buy this sustainable cricket gear?
A: Prototypes debut in 2026. Mass production is slated for late 2027, pending player trials. Sign up for Decathlon India’s newsletter for launch alerts.

Q: How does this reduce environmental harm?
A: Traditional cricket pads generate ~1.2kg of waste per set. Circular designs could cut this by 75% and reduce carbon emissions by 50% (CfSD, 2024).