As the world gears up to celebrate Earth Day, sustainability stories from unexpected places are resonating louder than ever. One such story begins not in a lab or a boardroom, but on the tennis courts of Boston University. Meet Jakob Esterowitz and Jonah Dickson, Division I tennis players and the co-founders of Orobor, a sustainable startup that’s turning discarded tennis strings into high-quality polyester yarn for clothing manufacturing.

A Match Made in Tennis (and Sustainability)

Jakob and Jonah’s bond started as doubles partners at Boston University, but it didn’t take long for their shared passion for tennis, fashion, and the environment to spark something bigger. Jakob, who grew up playing in the USTA Mid-Atlantic region, had been running a fashion brand when he started questioning the origins of his materials. “When my manufacturer couldn’t tell me where the fabric was coming from, I dug deeper,” Jakob recalls. What he found was a fashion industry riddled with environmental challenges—and a tennis world generating millions of pounds of waste in the form of broken polyester strings.

Rather than letting that insight go out of bounds, the duo served up a solution: collect used tennis strings, recycle them, and repurpose the material into something new. And just like that, Orobor was born.

Closing the Loop with Orobor

The name “Orobor” draws inspiration from the ancient symbol of the ouroboros—a snake that eats its tail, representing an infinite cycle. That symbolism isn’t lost on Jakob and Jonah, who are striving to build a circular economy that links tennis and textiles.

“We’re collecting used strings from over 70 locations across the U.S.,” Jonah says. “And we’re currently running pilot tests at two universities to convert those strings into yarn.” Their process not only prevents microplastics from entering the environment but also reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to the production of virgin polyester.

Unlike traditional polyester, which is derived from crude oil, Orobor’s method avoids the extraction of new raw materials. “We’re taking what would otherwise end up in a landfill and transforming it into something useful again,” Jakob explains.

Balancing Classes, Championships, and Change

Being full-time student-athletes and entrepreneurs is no small feat. Jonah, a graduate student, and Jakob, who transferred to BU from Amherst College, are juggling rigorous class schedules, competitive tennis seasons, and the demands of a growing startup.

“It’s all about organization,” said Jonah. “You have to prioritize your health, your goals, and stay grounded in your mission.” Jakob adds that their experiences as competitive athletes have helped them stay resilient. “Tennis teaches you to solve problems and bounce back—it’s the same mindset we bring to Orobor.”

And yes, they’re still winning on the court, too. Last season, Jakob and Jonah helped BU secure its first-ever Patriot League title and a historic NCAA tournament appearance.

Building Partnerships and Measuring Impact

The startup has been gaining traction within the tennis community, working with stringers, clubs, and college programs to collect materials. “Getting that first response can be tough,” Jonah admits. “But once people hear what we’re doing, they want to be part of it.”

To track their impact, Orobor uses metrics like CO₂ savings and microplastic diversion equivalents. One fun fact they share? The amount of string they’ve personally gone through is equal to about 727 plastic bottles’ worth of waste.

They’ve also received support from BU’s Innovate@BU program, earning grants and mentorship to help bring their idea to life. “Our first investment was a $500 grant for collection boxes,” Jakob laughs. “And now we’re scaling up thanks to the guidance from mentors and peers.”

Looking Ahead: From Courts to Closets

What’s next for Orobor? The team is focused on expanding to over 250 string collection sites by summer and building relationships with professional tournaments and apparel brands. In the long term, they hope to expand beyond tennis, contributing to broader changes in the textile industry.

“Our goal is to make tennis more sustainable first, because it’s the sport we love,” Jakob says. “Then, we want to take everything we’ve learned and apply it to other industries.”

How You Can Help

Supporting Orobor is as simple as spreading the word. “If you’re a tennis player, tell your stringer. If you work at a club or tournament, reach out to us,” Jonah says. “Every string counts.”

You can connect with them at orobor.org or on LinkedIn under Orobor. Facilities and brands interested in getting involved can also fill out contact forms on their website or email Jakob and Jonah directly.

As Jakob puts it, “We’re just two tennis players trying to make a difference. And we’re grateful for all the support from the tennis world—especially the Mid-Atlantic community that raised me.”