History and Production

9UP Ultimate is not just a sportswear company; it is a collective of passionate Ultimate enthusiasts who transformed their love for the game into a significant aspect of their daily lives. Founded in 2014 by Italian players Luigi Taborelli and Moreno Scalise, the brand emerged from a dream to provide high-quality Ultimate gear at affordable prices, coupled with swift and friendly service-elements lacking in the Italian market at the time.

In 2015, Alessandro Somaini, a former Italian national player with extensive Ultimate experience, joined the team. Notably, he is now a world champion in the Ultimate Wheelchair Championship, contributing to the team’s diversity and achievements. In 2021, Séverine Hermand, a former female Italian national player, brought valuable support, possessing a deep understanding of inclusive needs.

Situated in Como, a region renowned for its weaving culture, 9UP Ultimate feels connected to a historical tradition. The brand’s inception in 2014 was followed by a thorough market analysis, leading to a strategic partnership with the significant supplier, “Paper s.r.l.,” based in Como. This partnership exclusively produces and sells all the Ultimate sportswear for 9UP.

Currently, 9UP has evolved into an international reality, with hundreds of clubs all around
Europe choosing to wear our products. The brand proudly dressed several national teams through the years: Italy, Slovenia, Israel, Switzerland, Netherlands. What started as a sales network among friends and former opponents has grown to encompass numerous customers and friends across Europe, and even in the United States.

In collaboration with manufacturing supplier Paper s.r.l., 9UP has made substantial investments, boasting six operating plotters, a continuous sublimation calenders machine capable of printing XXXL sizes, four specialized technicians, and two graphics specialists. Emphasizing their commitment to quality, all 9UP products are 100% made in Italy, from the initial white fabric to the final jersey.

 

Mission

The success of 9UP Ultimate lies in a commitment to product quality, continuous innovation, and exceptional customer service, propelling the brand into the international sphere of Ultimate sports clothing. As avid Ultimate players, the 9UP team intimately understands the needs of teams. Their daily collaboration involves researching and developing materials, processes, and technologies to craft innovative and reliable products.

OUR VALUES
IN 6 KEY POINTS:
Local/short and transparent supply chain
Fair prices for highest quality
Environmental sustainability
High customer support and care
Gender-inclusive awareness
Help ultimate community growth

Community Engagement

Beyond business, 9UP actively contributes to the growth of Ultimate, supporting initiatives (like the sponsorship of 2023 World Wheelchair Ultimate Championship) gender equity projects, MUD (Movimento Ultimate Donne), and engaging in promotion channels such as the Get Big documentary and Ulti.tv.  Operating within the Ultimate community is more than business for 9UP; it’s a shared passion with customers who are friends, teammates, and opponents. With a fervent desire to see Ultimate flourish, 9UP aims to make a meaningful contribution to the sport’s continual expansion.

Environmental Policy

In the face of the escalating environmental crisis, the sportswear manufacturing industry, including 9UP, acknowledges its role in the problem and emphasizes the need for decisive action. Rooted in the values of Ultimate, such as conflict resolution and mutual respect, 9UP outlines a commitment to maintaining a competitive business while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility. Recognizing the environmental impact of their operations, from factory power to shirt dyeing, the company pledges to minimize harm. This commitment involves eschewing unnecessary plastic packaging and adopting a new 100% recycled polyester for their clothing.

The adoption of recycled polyester, exemplified by the use of Newlife™, emerges as a practical step towards sustainability. This system relies on a certified process that transforms post-consumer bottles into polyester yarns in Italy, eschewing chemical methods. 9UP’s incorporation of recycled polyester into all garments, from t-shirts to hoodies, signifies a strategic move to reduce reliance on petroleum, extend landfill life, and diminish toxic emissions from incinerators. By embracing recycled materials, the brand actively supports new recycling streams for polyester clothing, mitigating air, water, and soil contamination compared to non-recycled alternatives.

Through these initiatives, 9UP aligns its business practices with its core values, fostering pride in the brand and ensuring a fairer, more sustainable service to the Ultimate community. This strategic shift towards environmental consciousness reflects a broader commitment to address the urgent challenges posed by human activities on the planet.