A NEW apparel partnership with a Victorian-based company will see Geelong United Basketball become the first basketball organisation in Australia to take to the hardwood in an environmentally sustainable uniform.
The deal for on and off-court apparel will see Geelong United’s Big V and VJBL teams, as well as the Geelong Supercats NBL1 rosters, carrying the KonQa brand.
CEO Mark Neeld said Geelong United Basketball was “extremely pleased” to partner with KonQa
“We view this as a long-term partnership and look forward to working with KonQa,” Mr Neeld said.
“Geelong United Basketball is also extremely proud to be the first basketball organisation in Australia to move to apparel that is environmentally sustainable, being made from recycled material.”
KonQa’s apparel features up to 70 per cent recycled material.
“KonQa’s product range and service are both very impressive, and the values of both organisations closely align,” Mr Neeld said.
“Having up to 70 per cent of both on and off-court apparel made from recycled material is wonderful for our environment and our community.”
KonQa director Jon Vonk said his company carried out “vigorous research” before heading down the path of using recycled materials, ensuring the fabric has similar properties to material traditionally used in sporting uniform apparel.
“At this stage, the playing singlets, reversible training singlet, long sleeve warm-up top, polo and shorts will be made from recycled fabric,” Mr Vonk said.
“And when recycled fabrics become available for items such as the hoodies and track pants, these items will be supplied in that fabric.
“For playing singlets, polo shirts and shorts, approximately eight 700ml water bottles are recycled to produce these items.
“A reversible singlet and long-sleeved training shirt will consist of nine or ten bottles.”
“As someone who has a house in Anglesea, the amount of plastic pollution I see on the beach daily is shocking.
“Anything that KonQa and its partners can do to offset this, no matter how small initially, has to be worthwhile and worth pursuing.”
Mr Neeld confirmed a “transition period” between uniforms made by Geelong United’s previous supplier for VJBL players.
“Which means if families purchased new uniforms last season, they will not need to buy new ones until they need to,” he said.
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Tom King
Editor krockfootball.com.au