Taiwan manufactures over half of World Cupteam jerseys

台灣製造超過一半世足賽球衣

England, Brazil, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, sponsored by Nike, all sport Taiwan-made jerseys at World Cup


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Even though the Taiwan national football team is absent from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the country still shows up inevery stadium and continues to catch the world’s eye.

According to Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), 16of the 32 national teams attending this year’s World Cupare wearing uniforms made in Taiwan or made with fabric manufactured on the island.

The World Cup national team jerseys are mainly sponsored byAdidas and Nike, both of which usefabric made from recycled plastic bottlefibers manufactured by Taiwanese textiles companies. In addition, fouruniforms sponsored by Nike aremade in Taiwan, including those ofEngland, Brazil, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia.

In other words, star footballerssuch as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymarall wore uniforms made in Taiwan or whosefabricwas manufactured in Taiwanon the field.

The “Taiwan team”has made its way to the semi-finalsfollowing the victories of Belgium and England this week. The former is sponsored byAdidas while the latter’s uniformsare providedby Nike.


Marouane Fellaini,Belgium's national team (Source: AP)

Lee Shou-chein (李守謙), an EPA official, told Apple Daily that Taiwanese textiles companies have manufactured recycled plastic bottle fiber to outfit dozens of big sports brands.

On averageoneWorld Cup team jersey requires the fabric made from eight to 13 plastic bottles, according to Lee. Plastic bottles are first smashed into particles, then turned into yarn, and later fabric. Jerseys made from recycled plastic bottle fiberprovidegreat comfort and breathability, and therefore have gaineda growingshare in the global sportswear market in recent years.