ISPO's video: ISPO Munich 2020 Aiming for greater sustainability together

Climate protection and the conservation of natural resources. The sporting goods industry quickly recognised the urgency of taking action and is commited to sustainability. And its much more than simply including recycled materials into the production process. Louisa Smith: Textile Trends Consultant „Sustainability is not a trend, it is an inherent part of the DNA of the textile chain. We are seeing a lot of developments happening. But it is not just about recycled plastic bottles, recycled polyester. We are seeing a lot of water saving printing, energy saving. Anything, that saves waste aswell as recycling waste. As we move into this decade, we started to call sustainability like the „s-word“ because in the industry, it should not be special, it should be the norm.“ The Berlin start up "mvdham" also pursues this goal. But the designer could‘nt find any natural fibres that are both warm and breathable, so she developed a two-layer fabric: merino wool on the inside and silk on the outside. The company is a winner in the ISPO category; Brandnew 2020 for its water-repellent urban jacket. The Koupclub company also combines functionality with natural materials in a hybrid yarn: after intense research work, they now weave cinnamon into a 3D construction using recycled polyester. Cinnamon has an antibacterial, odour-inhibiting and breathable effect and neutralizes heavy metals and chemicals. Hemp is now used frequently as a natural resource. Hemp is a hardy plant that requires very little water for cultivation and is very comfortable to wear. VAUDE also uses hemp and recycled polyester for a winter jacket. The entire sustainable manufacturing process has the so-called "Green Button" seal. Stefan Lörke, Head of Apparel VAUDE Sport: "The Green Button is a seal that is officially recognised. A very great importance is attached to ensure that working conditions in production are in reality good for people, also, that no harmful materials are used and that wastewater is well filtered. So it also attaches great importance to that." The manufacturing process of textiles must become more water and energy efficient. To achieve this, ICEBUG dyes the yarn of its outdoor running shoes before the production process, saving 45% in water and almost 90% of chemicals. The midsole gets its cushioning and rebound function from a completely new, environmentally friendly foam made from algae. David Ekelund, CEO ICEBUG „The main challenge is, that actually the foodwear industry is a pretty dirty business. On one hand we can slurp oil and the other one we spill out landfill. And these are the standard materials. Whenever you want to do something, that is more stustainable, that is something extra and something different, than you need very high minimal quantities to develop this. So this is the most biggest challenge to find new materials, that can do the job and also get suppliers interested in developing these materials.“ Picture Organic Clothing also wants to produce without fossil fuels in the future. The Xpore membrane of the Demain Jacket already consists of 58% organic-based polyester, which is obtained from sugar cane waste. Its special construction makes it waterproof and breathable. Julien Durant, Co-Founder Picture Organic Clothing: „The Xpore Membrane, which is laminated on this sugar cane waste fabrics, is very interesting because the pores are not chemically made but it is made for any climate: We heat the membrane, we pull the membrane with a certain tension and it creates those nanopores.“ ISPO Munich brings distributors and manufacturers together on one platform and inspires innovative, sustainable ideas for the future of the industry. Louisa Smith Textile Trends Consultant: „In the past, companies were very focused indeed on developing cleaner processes and forgot creativity. And the creativity is back. That is really interesting to see. And the way forward is really, we all have to collaborate and become more efficient through the chain.“