Passback

Passback, with its slogan "Where Sports Meets Sustainability: Upcycling soccer gear, so every kid can play," aims to create a circular economy for sports gear. The global sports sector's significant contribution to environmental degradation has caught the attention of the United Nations, noting its emissions are equivalent to that of a medium-sized country. The company addresses this issue by upcycling soccer gear, recognizing that large industry players have set goals for climate neutrality by 2050, but progress is slow. This delay particularly affects underserved communities lacking access to quality sports gear. The startup offers benefits for sports clubs and retailers, providing savings and easing the process of offloading surplus gear. Moreover, it distributes high-quality products to underserved communities for free and operates a re-commerce store where items are sold at a fraction of the retail price, with proceeds reinvested in furthering the mission. The circular economy model not only prolongs plastic resources but also maximizes the life cycle of each item. Founded in 2023 and based in the United States, Passback recently received its Pre Seed Round investment on August 9, 2023, from Holekamp Seed Fund and the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Emphasizing community-led and impact-focused practices, the Passback team utilizes a network of interconnected digital tools to streamline and expedite the reverse logistics process. Additionally, they facilitate comprehensive tracking aligned with ESD goal #12, promoting responsible consumption and production.