A kit manufactured using bamboo charcoal will be worn by Warwickshire County Cricket Club during two of its major competitions in 2020.

The 2012 County Championship winner has signed a three-year official kit supplier deal with PlayerLayer, the company behind Forest Green Rovers’ 2019/20 kit. 

Kit will be produced using 50% bamboo charcoal, which has a lower environmental impact than most other textile materials. The rest of the material will be a polyester mix.

Warwickshire CCC will wear the kit during the Royal London Cup, the 50-overs competitions, and by the Birmingham Bears – the club’s T20 persona – during the 20-overs Vitality Blast.

Ben Seifas, the commercial partnerships manager at Warwickshire CCC, said the move was part of the team’s “ambitions to be the most sustainable cricket club and venue” in the UK.

“Our new bamboo kit takes us a step closer to this goal,” he added.

“As part of the development, several members of our playing squad have tested the material to highlight its capabilities in a high-performance environment, with all subsequent feedback confirming that it is a very comfortable and durable material.”

The club has taken a number of steps to reduce its negative environmental impact over the past few years. Its Edgbaston Stadium (main image) is powered by renewable sources through its partnership with Haven Power, and the club is working with National Express and West Midland Trains on a sustainable transport project.

All food available in the kiosks on matchdays is served in compostable packaging with drinks offered in recyclable e-cups. Eleven hydration stations have also been installed around the stadium for water bottles to be refilled. Zero waste from the venue goes to landfill.

Roderick Bradley, the co-founder and marketing director, said that the partnership was a “perfect example” of sport driving change.