An outdoor jacket made of molasses, an athletic shoe made of plastic marine debris, or a cycling shoe made of eco-leather – manufacturers are bringing plenty of sustainable innovations to this year’s ISPO Munich.

The outdoor industry will present its latest products at ISPO Munich that takes place from 24-27 January 2016 – in a new, attractive location in halls A1 through A3.

Sustainability will also be a topic at the events at ISPO Munich 2016. The European Outdoor Group’s round table that will take place on 26 January will host a variety of platforms that will introduce their evaluation methods.

Sustainable apparel

Sustainable apparel is becoming increasingly more popular. Demand for eco-friendly and socially sustainable apparel has been on the rise since 2000, increasing by five percent per year on average, according to the International Association of the National Textile Industry.

In addition, fair manufacturing conditions in the textile industry are important to 86% of Germans, as shown by a poll performed by YouGov Institute on behalf of the dpa news agency.

Sustainable materials

The use of sustainable materials, resource-saving production and fair working conditions in the source countries – those are priorities for Vaude, a family business from Southern Germany. The outdoor manufacturer received the German Sustainability Award for its philosophy in late November 2015.

This spring, Vaude introduces cycling and outdoor sports footwear made with eco-friendly leather by German manufacturer Heinen. The outdoor model features a 100% recyclable Sympatex membrane in combination with the leather. It is water-repellent and breathable, according to the manufacturer.

Recycled waste

German sporting goods manufacturer Adidas also proves that athletic footwear can be produced sustainably. A joint project with the New-York-based initiative Parley for the Oceans yielded a shoe made of recycled plastic marine debris.

The still rather young outdoor company Picture Organic Clothing has already received the ISPO Award in the ECO category several times. For the coming season the company presents a new generation of its award-winning ski helmet, made of a polymer sourced from corn plants as well as old automotive cockpits.

Eidfjord Jacket

Molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, is in the spotlight at both Bergans of Norway and Toray, organisers report. The uppermost layer of the Eidfjord Jacket, which will be commercially available from the beginning of summer 2016, is made with 30% of the plant-based polyester, a sustainable source material.

With the help of ISPO Open Innovation, an independent online platform offered by ISPO that connects companies with their customers, 30 consumers were able to exclusively pre-test the jacket. The feedback was very positive, according to organisers. The water- and windproof character of the material impressed the testers.

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