Seville, Spain – Real Betis Balompié is breaking new ground in football sustainability with a pioneering kit made from oranges, designed to raise awareness about urban green spaces and their vital role in combating climate change. The green-and-white club will wear the eco-conscious Hummel jersey during LaLiga matchday 25 against Rayo Vallecano, highlighting the connection between metropolitan nature, cooler city temperatures, and quality of life.
Scratch-and-Sniff Innovation Brings Seville’s Iconic Orange Blossoms to Life
The new limited-edition kit features perforated shirt numbers inspired by orange peel, incorporating a unique scratch-and-sniff technology using 100% chemical-free sustainable ink. When scratched, the numbers release the scent of orange blossom, a fragrant symbol of Seville, making the message about urban sustainability both visible and tangible. This innovation was created in partnership with STAHLS TPT, which also produced the player names and sponsor logos.
The initiative is part of the campaign “Green living starts in the neighbourhood”, developed with the agency Officer & Gentleman. It underscores the importance of trees, especially orange trees, in urban environments for shade, heat mitigation, cultural identity, and efficient rainwater management.
A Symbolic Presentation at Plaza de Doña Elvira
The jersey was unveiled at Plaza de Doña Elvira, one of Seville’s most iconic squares. Club legend and current director Joaquín Sánchez, alongside Rafael Gordillo, president of the Real Betis Balompié Foundation, handed the shirt to a child from the Betis School, who retrieved it from the branches of a traditional orange tree.
The event emphasized the club’s philosophy of “growing green”, linking youth education with urban sustainability. Rafa Muela, manager of the Real Betis Foundation, explained: “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 Betis green with darker tones drawn from orange leaves and albero, a traditional Seville hue. The technical blend includes:
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16.2% organic fibre from orange peels
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37.8% Lyocell (regenerated natural fibres from wood cellulose)
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46% recycled polyester
This sustainable mix eliminates virgin plastics while creating a soft, breathable, and durable fabric suitable for high-performance football.
Expert Endorsement for Urban Sustainability
The launch also featured insights from academic experts:
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Eugenio Domínguez Vilches, Professor of Botany at the University of Córdoba, highlighted urban trees as “invisible health infrastructure”, improving air quality and overall wellbeing.
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Miguel Ángel Campano, researcher at TEP130 and professor at the University of Seville, explained how urban trees regulate temperature, provide shade, and manage rainwater, making streets more livable.
Forever Green: Real Betis’ Commitment to Sustainability
Since 2020, Forever Green has used football’s global reach to drive climate action. Each LaLiga season, Real Betis dedicates a match to a key environmental cause:
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2022 vs Athletic Club – kit made from 100% recycled polyester
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2023 vs RCD Espanyol – tribute to the “3 Rs” of ecology: reduce, reuse, recycle
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2024 vs UD Almería – focus on water management and drought
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2025 vs Real Sociedad – addressing invasive algae on the Andalusian coast
The upcoming Forever Green match against Rayo Vallecano marks the fifth milestone, emphasizing urban trees as climate infrastructure critical to mitigating the heat island effect and enhancing city life.
According to the United Nations, over 56% of the global population now lives in cities, projected to reach nearly 70% by 2050. Initiatives like Betis’ orange-based kit are a creative way to engage fans and communities in urban climate action.
Real Betis: A Leader in Sustainable Football
The green-and-white club’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility has earned international recognition. Brand Finance ranks Real Betis as LaLiga’s most sustainable club and second in Europe for environmental leadership, cementing the team’s position at the forefront of sports-driven sustainability.
By combining sport, culture, and environmental advocacy, Real Betis Balompié demonstrates that football can be a powerful tool in shaping greener, healthier cities, inspiring fans both locally and globally.
