Protecting biodiversity through sustainable equipment guidance 

Background 

In May 2025, during the World Table Tennis Championships in Doha, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) took a major step forward by launching the Sustainable Equipment Pledge.  

Developed with the support of the FIT Sustainability Working Group, the pledge sets a common understanding for environmentally responsible equipment manufacturing in table tennis, addressing the biodiversity and pollution challenges linked to the production of table tennis gear. 

Challenge 

Table tennis, like many indoor sport may not appear to have a direct link to nature or a relatively low environmental footprint, but the production of its equipment tells a different story. The rubber, wood, foam, plastics used in rackets, tables and packaging can contribute to deforestation, water contamination and long-term ecosystem degradation.  

The use of unsustainable timber for blade production puts pressure on forest habitats, while certain adhesives and rubbers contain chemicals that are hazardous to freshwater systems and soil health. Although efforts had been made to improve sustainability across operations, the ITTF recognised that a focused, coordinated approach to equipment supply chains was needed to meaningfully contribute to nature protection. 

Approach 

The ITTF’s response was to create the Sustainable Equipment Pledge, a voluntary commitment that invites manufacturers of approved equipment to embed environmental and ethical considerations into every stage of the production process.  

At the heart of the pledge is a call to action for manufacturers to reduce negative impacts on biodiversity and the environment by sourcing materials responsibly, phasing out harmful chemicals and minimising waste. The pledge encourages actions such as using FSC-certified wood to protect forests, eliminating hazardous substances that could pollute water systems, and designing packaging that erradicates single-use,can be recycled or reused more easily. 

The ITTF has provided technical guidance to accompany the pledge. The first outlines priority environmental actions that manufacturers are expected to implement, such as sustainable timber sourcing and chemical safety measures. The second sets out guidelines to prevent greenwashing and support transparent communication with customers and athletes.  

By signing the pledge, manufacturers commit to taking concreate steps on defined actions in the pledge and publicly reporting on their progress and working continuously to reduce their environmental impact, particularly in ways that benefit nature. 

Results and impact 

Within weeks of launch, several leading equipment brands signed on, signalling broad support from within the sport. This collective commitment has begun to shift industry practices, particularly in the areas of wood sourcing, plastic, rubber, waste management and chemical use. 

By requiring suppliers to meet certification standards like FSC, the pledge directly contributes to forest conservation, helping to preserve habitats that are home to thousands of species. At the same time, cleaner chemical processes reduce the risk of pollution entering rivers and wetlands, which are vital ecosystems for biodiversity. Packaging redesigns and material recovery efforts are also helping to prevent plastic waste from reaching natural environments. 

The ITTF is now using the pledge as a platform to strengthen dialogue between manufacturers, scientists and sustainability advocates. This collaborative approach ensures that progress continues and that lessons learned can be shared across the wider sports community. By combining governance with accountability, the pledge reinforces the ITTF’s broader sustainability strategy and contributes to global conservation goals. 

Lessons learned 

The ITTF’s experience shows that international federations can influence cross boarder environmental outcomes and standards well beyond the field of play. By bringing manufacturers to the table and providing clear expectations, the pledge is helping to reshape supply chains in ways that support nature. 

Key to its effectiveness is the focus on specific environmental risks, such as deforestation and pollution. Rather than relying on broad statements, the pledge provides technical clarity and encourages continual improvement. 

This initiative also highlights the value of sport-specific leadership in biodiversity protection. While table tennis may not traditionally take place in natural environments, the choices made in equipment design and sourcing have real consequences for forests, rivers and wildlife. The ITTF’s approach offers a model for how other sports can embed nature protection into their core systems.