• Klättermusen, Völkl, Zimtstern and Atomic each receive an award 

Sustainability and environment have become more important than ever before. Therefore ispo winter purposely includes these critical topics and presents the first ever, independent ECO Responsibility Award. The jury consisting of experts from various industries, among them scientists from TU Munich, business consultants, journalists, as well as Peter Waeber of bluesign technologies, selected the most extraordinary product innovations.
Four winners were selected from a total of 25 international entries in the categories Accessories, Hardware, Textile, and Footwear. The winners are:
 
In the Category Accessories the Swedish company Klättermusen applied a lot of love for detail into their backpack GNA, a comprehensive, sustainable concept with many benefits for the consumer. Old fishing nets and worn carpeting was turned into a robust and versatile 35-liter backpack, also featuring an integrated hard-shell laptop pocket. The product awed the jury all the way from material selection to recycling.
 
Völkl’s touring ski Nanuq proves that sustainability does not preclude technical leadership. In the Category Hardware the ski convinced the jury not only thanks to its high level of performance but also due to its eco-friendly manufacturing process. The company considerably reduced the use of resins and other toxic materials. The evaluation for the ECO Responsibility Award also included several other positive factors exhibited by Völkl, such as logistics, material selection, and energy supply of sports equipment.  

The DLX series by Zimstern won the Category Textile and distinguished itself at the highest level in technology, design, and sustainability. A multitude of features was integrated into the jacket and pants. In order to guarantee water-resistance the seams were finished and bonded extremely flat.  The consumer can look forward to a fashionable product with a trendy look, guaranteeing the highest level of technical performance thanks to the use of PTFE-free Sympatex 10 µ membrane while being highly eco-friendly and completely recyclable at the same time.   
 
The first ski boot made from renewable resources by Atomic sets new standards and thus won the Category Footwear. 80 % of the boot is made from renewable raw materials which are also recyclable. With its ski boot Renu Atomic demonstrates who complex products can be developed and produced on a sustainable level with the help of state-of-the-art components. While conventional ski boots are made of crude-oil-based plastics, this new boot protects our fossil fuel resources. Atomic’s company culture proves its high ecological competence and foresight.
 
The award-winning products will be exhibited at ispo winter 09 from February 1st to the 4th, 2009, in the passage between the East Entrance to hall A6 at the New Munich Trade Fair.
 
 
16/MK/vH