From match flag to backpack: how upcycling works in practice

The World Cup is also very much alive within Vadobag. Last night, the Netherlands secured a 3–1 victory over Tunisia, finishing top of their group. But while the entire country is watching, we also see something else: thousands of kilos of sports textiles that, due to their seasonal nature, fall out of circulation after a short lifecycle. This issue is not limited to the World Cup; it plays a role in many large-scale events. And it is precisely here that an opportunity arises to give these materials a second life.

FC88 gives sports textiles a second life

FC88 is a Dutch organization dedicated to giving sports textiles a second life. The question of how these materials can be repurposed is becoming increasingly relevant. From this perspective, FC88 was founded: an organization fully focused on upcycling sportswear and materials. Through collaborations with partners such as the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association), used materials are reintroduced into the supply chain. Training jackets and match flags, for example, are transformed into backpacks and bucket hats.

Building a circular sports industry together

To scale these circular initiatives, FC88 collaborates with Vadobag. As a production partner, we manufacture the final bags and accessories in our facility in North Macedonia. Together, we ensure that upcycling goes beyond being a concept and results in tangible, high-quality products that are ready for everyday use.

The collaboration between FC88 and Vadobag highlights the importance of partnerships within the circular economy. By combining vision, design, and production expertise, we create a scalable approach to reusing sports textiles. Materials that would typically be discarded after use are given a new purpose without losing their story.

A sustainable product with a story

The World Cup clearly demonstrates the scale and impact of the sports industry. Football connects, inspires, and reaches millions of people, but it also generates large volumes of textiles. By reusing these materials, a new opportunity emerges, one that goes beyond sustainability alone. It results in products that deliver on sustainability rather than merely claim it: made from materials with a traceable origin and a story that resonates with conscious parents, schools, and anyone looking to make sustainability a tangible part of their assortment.

We are proud to be part of this circular approach as FC88’s production partner. Together, we demonstrate that seasonal textiles can have a longer lifecycle - and that collaboration is key to achieving real impact.