Industry focus - Environment


A sustainable statement


An outdoor jacket made of molasses, an athletic shoe made of plastic marine debris, or a sock made of recycled fishing nets – it was clear to see from exhibits at ISPO in Munich that manufacturers are embracing sustainable innovations.


National Textile Industry. Many of the sustainable items on display at ISPO were unusual in one


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respect and yet cleverly innovative. This is a just a taste of what we discovered.


• Among the innovators was sock brand Teko which won the Gold award for its ‘Regenerate Me' Super Cushion multi-sport sock. The sock is constructed


emand for eco-friendly and socially sustainable apparel has been on the rise since 2000, increasing by five per cent per year on average, according to the International Association of the


with a microfibre which has been specially developed in conjunction with nylon regenerator Econyl and can be 100% recycled. They are composed of 100% regenerated polyamide from rescued fishing nets, which are regenerated in the Econyl plant.


• Outdoor clothing & equipment brand Berghaus and waterproofing product specialist Nikwax, two long established British outdoor brands, have partnered up with environmentally friendly, PFC-free Nikwax Hydrophobic Down.


Both brands stand for the lightest possible environmental footprint; so when Berghaus learned that Nikwax had developed a process which could make down exceptionally water-resistant, without using persistent organic pollutants, they were delighted. After testing confirmation, Berghaus has decided to include Nikwax Hydrophobic Down in its new Extrem range for winter 2016.


• In another joint venture, Italian leather manufacturer Dani has linked with outdoor footwear brand AKU and the collaboration has led to what is said to be the first Chrome free leather produced exclusively by Dani for AKU - known as Zero Impact leather.


As a result of innovative technology in the production process, Dani was able to lower its CO2 emissions by 5 per cent and to completely reduce the rest of its emissions through reforestation projects of different areas of Italy.


16 •www.sgboutdoor.co.uk


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