FUZHOU, CHINA – April 20, 2025 — The global sports industry is experiencing a tectonic shift as sustainability and innovation take center stage. Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in North America and beyond, is not immune to this transformation. In 2025, the rise of eco-conscious materials in the manufacturing of pickleball paddles is reshaping the way products are designed, produced, and perceived.
Dore Sports, a leading manufacturer of pickleball paddles based in China, is spearheading this movement by embracing cutting-edge sustainable materials and processes. With growing environmental awareness among consumers and increasing regulations around carbon emissions and plastic waste, brands across the globe are under pressure to rethink their product lifecycles — from raw materials to end-of-use.
The Push Towards Eco-Friendly Innovation
Recognizing these shifts early, Dore Sports began investing in sustainable research and development as early as 2023. In 2025, their latest series of eco-paddles features cores made from recycled polymer composites and plant-based resins, replacing traditional carbon-heavy and non-recyclable materials.
Additionally, Dore Sports has adopted bio-based fiber reinforcements such as flax and basalt fiber, which not only reduce the carbon footprint but also deliver comparable performance to conventional carbon fiber paddles. The company has also introduced water-based adhesives and VOC-free coatings to minimize toxic emissions during the production process.
“Our goal is to meet the performance expectations of professional and amateur players while also aligning with global sustainability standards,” says Lillian Zhou, Product Director at Dore Sports. “This is more than a product update — it’s a philosophy shift.”
Circular Manufacturing and Smart Packaging
In line with the circular economy concept, Dore Sports has also restructured its manufacturing process to minimize waste. Offcuts from paddle production are now recycled on-site to be reused in lower-grade training paddles or accessories. This approach not only reduces landfill waste but also optimizes material usage and production costs.
Furthermore, the company has overhauled its packaging strategy. All paddles are now shipped in fully recyclable kraft-paper boxes with soy-based inks. Optional reusable paddle sleeves made of recycled PET are offered to eco-conscious consumers.
Responding to Market Demand and Tech Trends
Sustainability isn’t just a moral imperative — it’s becoming a key selling point. According to market data, Gen Z and Millennial consumers are increasingly factoring environmental impact into their purchasing decisions. Retailers and distributors in the U.S. and Europe are also showing preference for manufacturers who can demonstrate low-carbon and socially responsible practices.
To stay ahead of the curve, Dore Sports has also digitized much of its production workflow using AI-powered supply chain tracking and smart energy management systems, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout their operations.
In addition, the company has launched a digital product passport for its new sustainable paddle line — allowing customers to scan a QR code and trace the origin of materials, understand the environmental footprint, and even learn how to recycle the product properly at the end of its life.
With major sporting events increasingly prioritizing sustainability and governing bodies pushing for greener standards, the adoption of eco-friendly materials in pickleball paddle production is no longer a niche experiment — it’s the future.
Dore Sports is committed to remaining a front-runner in this evolution. “We believe that performance and responsibility can coexist,” says Zhou. “We’re not just making paddles — we’re crafting a new standard for the industry.”
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
