Real Betis Balompié: Leading the Charge in Football Sustainability with an Orange-Inspired Kit

A Groundbreaking Initiative in Seville

In a remarkable fusion of sports and sustainability, Real Betis Balompié is set to unveil a pioneering football kit made from oranges. This innovative jersey, designed to raise awareness about urban green spaces, will be worn during LaLiga matchday 25 against Rayo Vallecano. The initiative aims to highlight the crucial role that metropolitan nature plays in combating climate change, emphasizing how urban greenery can lead to cooler city temperatures and improved quality of life.

Scratch-and-Sniff Technology: A Sensory Experience

The new limited-edition kit features a unique twist: perforated shirt numbers inspired by orange peel, incorporating scratch-and-sniff technology. When fans scratch the numbers, they release the delightful scent of orange blossom, a fragrant emblem of Seville. This sensory experience not only makes the message about urban sustainability more engaging but also showcases the innovative use of 100% chemical-free sustainable ink. The technology was developed in collaboration with STAHLS TPT, which also produced the player names and sponsor logos.

“Green Living Starts in the Neighbourhood”

This initiative is part of a broader campaign titled “Green living starts in the neighbourhood,” developed in partnership with the agency Officer & Gentleman. The campaign underscores the importance of trees, particularly orange trees, in urban settings. These trees provide essential benefits such as shade, heat mitigation, cultural identity, and efficient rainwater management, all of which contribute to healthier urban environments.

A Symbolic Presentation at Plaza de Doña Elvira

The unveiling of the jersey took place at the picturesque Plaza de Doña Elvira, one of Seville’s most iconic squares. Club legend Joaquín Sánchez, along with Rafael Gordillo, president of the Real Betis Balompié Foundation, presented the shirt to a child from the Betis School. The child retrieved the jersey from the branches of a traditional orange tree, symbolizing the club’s commitment to intertwining youth education with urban sustainability.

Rafa Muela, manager of the Real Betis Foundation, articulated the club’s philosophy: “Our learning process transcends sport to instil values of respect, commitment, and collective responsibility, drawing a parallel with the health of cities. Protecting the neighbourhood is the first step towards protecting the planet.”

Eco-Friendly Materials for a High-Tech Jersey

The retro-inspired kit combines the iconic Betis green with darker tones reminiscent of orange leaves and albero, a traditional hue of Seville. The fabric is a technical blend that eliminates virgin plastics, creating a soft, breathable, and durable material suitable for high-performance football. This sustainable mix not only enhances the jersey’s functionality but also aligns with the club’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Expert Endorsement for Urban Sustainability

The launch event featured insights from academic experts who emphasized the importance of urban trees. Eugenio Domínguez Vilches, a Professor of Botany at the University of Córdoba, referred to urban trees as “invisible health infrastructure,” highlighting their role in improving air quality and overall well-being. Miguel Ángel Campano, a researcher at TEP130 and professor at the University of Seville, elaborated on how urban trees regulate temperature, provide shade, and manage rainwater, making city streets more livable.

Forever Green: Real Betis’ Commitment to Sustainability

Since 2020, Real Betis has been at the forefront of climate action through its “Forever Green” initiative, which leverages football’s global reach to promote environmental awareness. Each LaLiga season, the club dedicates a match to a specific environmental cause:

• 2022 vs Athletic Club: Kit made from 100% recycled polyester.
• 2023 vs RCD Espanyol: Focus on the “3 Rs” of ecology: reduce, reuse, recycle.
• 2024 vs UD Almería: Emphasis on water management and drought.
• 2025 vs Real Sociedad: Addressing invasive algae on the Andalusian coast.

The upcoming Forever Green match against Rayo Vallecano will mark the fifth milestone, emphasizing the significance of urban trees as climate infrastructure essential for mitigating the heat island effect and enhancing city life.

Engaging Communities in Urban Climate Action

According to the United Nations, over 56% of the global population now resides in cities, a figure projected to reach nearly 70% by 2050. Initiatives like Betis’ orange-based kit serve as a creative and engaging way to involve fans and communities in urban climate action. By raising awareness about the importance of green spaces, Real Betis is not only promoting sustainability but also fostering a sense of community responsibility.

Real Betis: A Leader in Sustainable Football

Real Betis Balompié’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility has garnered international recognition. Brand Finance ranks the club as LaLiga’s most sustainable team and second in Europe for environmental leadership. This accolade cements the club’s position at the forefront of sports-driven sustainability.

By intertwining sport, culture, and environmental advocacy, Real Betis Balompié exemplifies how football can serve as a powerful catalyst for shaping greener, healthier cities, inspiring fans both locally and globally.