Real Betis, known for its commitment to social and environmental causes, took a bold and innovative step toward sustainability by debuting an eco-friendly kit during their match against Real Sociedad. The new jersey is made from seaweed fibers, recycled plastic collected from the oceans, and wood pulp, solidifying the club as an example of environmental responsibility in European football. The kit’s debut was marked by a symbolic victory and the promotion of the “Without Blue, There Is No Green” campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the growing threats to marine ecosystems.
The new Real Betis kit goes far beyond sports aesthetics. It represents a milestone in the fight for ocean preservation and serves as a tangible reminder of human impact on the environment. Developed in collaboration with sportswear provider Hummel, the NGO “Parley For the Oceans,” and Pyratex, a company specializing in sustainable fabrics, the project was designed to merge sports fashion, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility.
The fibers used to create the kit come from the invasive Asian seaweed Rugulopteryx Okamurae, which has severely impacted marine ecosystems along Spain’s southern coast. In addition to seaweed, the fabric incorporates recycled plastic collected directly from the oceans and wood pulp sourced from responsible providers. According to the club, over 40,000 tons of this invasive seaweed were removed in Tarifa—located 207 km from Seville—highlighting the severity of the environmental issue.
The “Without Blue, There Is No Green” initiative was officially launched during a promotional event held along the coast of Tarifa, one of the regions most affected by the invasion of Rugulopteryx Okamurae. The campaign’s primary goal is to draw attention to the devastating impact the proliferation of this seaweed is having on the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas. The ecological imbalance caused by this invasion jeopardizes marine biodiversity, affecting not only local ecosystems but also communities that depend directly on the sea for their livelihoods.
The slogan “Without Blue, There Is No Green” symbolizes the interdependence between the oceans and the terrestrial environment. Without healthy seas, it is impossible to maintain the planet’s ecological balance. The campaign seeks to mobilize fans, local communities, and authorities to engage in concrete environmental preservation actions.
On the day of the match against Real Sociedad, Real Betis extended its environmental initiative beyond the field. The club organized various activities around the Benito Villamarín stadium, encouraging active participation from fans. Among the actions was a community clean-up effort around the stadium, where hundreds of volunteers collected trash and waste, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.
There were also educational booths presenting information on the seaweed invasion, the impact of plastic waste in the oceans, and sustainable solutions that can be adopted in daily life. Interactive workshops taught both children and adults about the importance of recycling and environmental preservation, turning the event into a true celebration of ecological awareness.
Real Betis’ involvement in environmental issues goes far beyond the creation of an eco-friendly kit. The club has adopted sustainable practices in its daily operations, from implementing recycling systems and energy-saving measures at its facilities to promoting awareness campaigns throughout the season.
The partnership with “Parley For the Oceans,” globally recognized for its marine pollution prevention initiatives, strengthens Betis’ commitment to actively participating in global ocean preservation projects. The collaboration with Pyratex also emphasizes the search for innovative solutions in the textile industry, encouraging the use of alternative and sustainable materials in sportswear.
On the field, the new kit seems to have brought luck to Real Betis, as they defeated Real Sociedad and moved up to eighth place in La Liga, now with 32 points. The victory not only boosted the team’s morale but also gave more visibility to the environmental campaign, amplifying the sustainability message.
The team’s next challenge will be to face Gent from Belgium in the playoffs for the Conference League round of 16 next Thursday (20). The expectation is that the team will maintain its strong performance and continue using its international visibility to promote important causes.
Real Betis’ initiative demonstrates that football can be a powerful tool for social and environmental transformation. In a scenario where millions of fans follow their teams passionately, campaigns like “Without Blue, There Is No Green” have the potential to reach and impact a vast and diverse audience.
By combining sports, fashion, and sustainability, Real Betis not only introduced an innovative kit but also launched an awareness movement that goes beyond the field. This initiative highlights the crucial role that sports clubs can play in global environmental issues, inspiring other teams and institutions to follow suit.
The success of this campaign could open doors for new collaborations and encourage other teams to adopt sustainable practices in their operations. Real Betis, with its new eco-friendly kit and engaged approach, positions itself as a true leader in the sports world when it comes to environmental responsibility and commitment to the planet’s future.
The debut of Real Betis’ sustainable kit represents more than just a milestone in European football — it is an inspiring example of how sports can be used as a platform to promote meaningful changes for the environment. The “Without Blue, There Is No Green” campaign highlights the urgency of caring for our seas and oceans, reinforcing the idea that small actions can have a significant impact when driven by large-scale institutions.
Betis has proven that a passion for football can go hand in hand with environmental commitment. By joining forces with organizations and brands engaged in the ecological cause, the Spanish club has shown that it is possible to innovate, educate, and entertain, while actively contributing to a more sustainable future. It is hoped that other teams and sports entities will follow this example, solidifying sports as a true agent of global transformation.
