Chinese company collaborates with British Premier League next season

The agreement will see Avery Dennison, which also employs 650 people at its offices in Hong Kong, use state-of-the-art developments in printing and robotics technology to increase efficiency and sustainability through reduced waste, using water-based inks and creating a “closed loop” configuration whereby plastics used in application of the product are collected and re-enter the supply chain.

Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, left, duels for the ball with Everton's Andre Gomes during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. [Photo: AP/Tim Ireland]

The products will be embedded with smart digital technology, enabling fans to scan the number on their jerseys with their mobile phones to receive a bespoke Premier League experience.

Avery Dennison’s production sites in China will also play a lead role in the delivery of the Premier League partnership.

Over 15 million Premier League names, numbers and sleeve badges will be produced each year, at a specialist low-carbon facility in western Norway. This factory uses laser cuts to reduce waste before the products are packed by unique automated systems and shipped to club shops and other retailers.

Richard Masters, Premier League Managing Director, said, “Avery Dennison is clearly a company with a track record in innovation. We were impressed with their plans both in the UK and globally and are looking forward to working with them from next season.”

Their products include player names, numbers, crests, woven labels, brand protection and specialty trims, establishing it as a leading provider across professional sports leagues, teams, clubs and federations.

Nikita Jayasuriya, Global Director and Head of Team Sport at Avery Dennison, said, “The Premier League shares our commitment to sustainability and we are working together to combat single-use plastics throughout the supply chain.”

“The Premier League is one of the biggest sporting competitions on the planet. It will be incredibly exciting and humbling to see our products displayed on the back of Premier League stars' shirts on the field every week.”