Top manufacturers see nation as innovation center

A sports jacket made from 11 recycled plastic bottles and a running shoe that weighs the same as a bag of potato chips are among the latest offerings from the country's top sportswear producer Anta Sports Products Ltd.

Such innovative efforts are echoing the country's plan to boost the development of the sports industry.

Inspired by increasing public sports participation, the central government has pledged to further stimulate sports-related consumption through a plan to back the quality development of the sports industry. The plan, issued by the State Council, China's cabinet, in September, has encouraged sports consumption and optimized the sports consumption environment to support innovation and development in sportswear manufacturing.