US protection company G-Form presents a new protection shirt for mountain bikers and motocross riders that features fully biodegradable and 100% recyclable pads. The jury granted the innovative MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt with the coveted ISPO Award 2024.
With the MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt, G-Form has launched an eco-friendly, certified impact protection for extreme mountain bike and motocross riders that stands out due to its biodegradable RE ZRO® pads as well as sophisticated features for individual adjustment and easy handling. At their meeting in the spring of 2024, the jury of the ISPO Awards decided to honor the new product with the coveted prize.
“G-Form is known for being a leader in lightweight, flexible, and body-mapping protection,” says Paul Fisher, G-Form’s Vice President of Global Product, “and now with RE ZRO, we are able to broaden our protection offerings even further, satisfying the more extreme rider who still expects distraction-free comfort from their gear.”
G-Form is a technology-driven protective solutions provider based in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, offering premium products that combine protection, comfort, style, and freedom of motion. G-Form has become a chosen protection brand for athletes looking to level up across various categories including bike, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and military.
Engineered for gravity MTB including downhill, enduro and slopestyle riders as well as motocross enthusiasts, the MX Spike offers CE-certified protection with their revolutionary, biodegradable and 100% recyclable RE ZRO® technology. Ideal for advanced riders seeking both performance and sustainability, this gear combines advanced safety with environmental stewardship. Featuring the RE ZRO® technology that exceeds stringent impact protection standards, these removable pads not only offer unrivaled safety but also help to protect the environment by fully biodegrading within 3–5 years in anaerobic landfill conditions, making it the world’s first fully biodegradable impact protection.
Michael Newton, the Director of Design at G-Form, stated: “The intent of the MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt was to provide a premium CE-certified protection solution to elite athletes pushing boundaries. The R&D team was very conscious of the need to deliver a product that is clean and minimal but rich with features required by elite riders from both MOTO and MTB. Fabrics that provide a stable but breathable compression fit and an easy on/off experience were essential. Another focus for the MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt was a strapping system that allows riders to adjust and secure the protection in a way that is custom for them. This includes not only custom tensioning straps but refined lumbar support adjustment that is critical for a personalized fit.”
As a result of the design process, RE ZRO® is bringing G-Form products to a higher safety certification targeted for gravity-style MTB including downhill, enduro and slopestyle, as well as motocross. The MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt reaches CE 1621-2 level 2 for back protection and 1621-3 level 1 for chest protection. These higher certifications guarantee confidence for the rider to stay protected during their most extreme rides, even at a moto-level ride. In addition to the MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt and the previously launched Terra Knee and Elbow Guards, which were recognized with the ISPO Award 2023, the G-Form line featuring RE ZRO® also includes the all-new Mesa Knee and Elbow Guards.
The MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt is designed with an abrasion-resistant chest panel that includes mesh windows, showcasing the RE ZRO® technology while maintaining breathability and durability. The extended spine coverage incorporates vented fabric, enhancing comfort during intense rides. The side zipper and adjustable chest straps ensure a secure custom fit, making the gear easy to wear and remove. For those who use a neck brace, elastics at the shoulder area ensure easy attachment, enhancing safety and convenience.
Moreover, the MX Spike is committed to sustainability from production to disposal. The packaging materials used are sourced from 100% post-consumer waste, reducing the ecological footprint significantly. The innovative design and choice of materials reflect G-Form’s dedication to sustainability, providing a product that not only protects riders but also prioritizes the planet’s health.
In summary, the ISPO Award jury found that the G-Form MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt is a sustainable protector with a custom fit that is well worth the coveted award.
“This back and chest protector for mountain bikers and motocrossers stands out not only because of its biodegradable pads. The well thought out features for individual adjustment and easy handling when putting on and taking off the protector also make it unique.” ISPO Award Jury
“In addition to other subtleties, like easy access pull tabs for gloved hands and BNS (neck brace) stabilizing elastics and cushioning, we were able to utilize RE ZRO pads and overlay a sustainable message and extend our commitment. Pad components are always a significant percentage of material usage in a product like G-Form’s MX Spike. Our utilization of components made from a recyclable and biodegradable material demonstrates the ability for innovative brands to change and choose a better way forward.” Michael Newton, Director of Design G-Form
Perfect Solution for Young Explorers: Trollkids' sleeping bag scores with its versatile applications, durable material, and adjustable length, making it an ideal companion.
The ISPO Award jury was convinced by the well-thought-out concept and unique features of the Kids Femund 3in1 three-season Sleeping Bag. This sleeping bag offers three different applications with its inner and outer layers. The inner layer can be used alone as a sleeping bag. Together, the inner and outer layers create an especially warm version. And when it's not quite as cold, the outer layer alone is perfectly sufficient. In the combined state, the two elements are connected with a zipper. Numerous connection points have been integrated between the inlay and the outer sleeping bag to prevent slipping.
For warmth and comfort, the inner sleeping bag is made of cozy fleece and features breathable High Loft synthetic insulation in the outer layer. With its mummy shape, the Kids Femund 3in1 Sleeping Bag stays close to the body and warms up quickly. "The hood can be adjusted snugly to the facial contours with a drawstring, and a padded draft tube on the zipper prevents cold spots," describes Alexander Poon, Director of Product Management Footwear & Equipment at Trollkids, furthering the advantages of the sleeping bag. Additional features include an inner pocket for valuables or collected treasures, and the included compression bag conveniently stores the sleeping bag and inlay.
"Our products are versatile, functional, durable, and affordable," says Trollkids founder and CEO, Dr. Tobias Tennstedt. "Our new sleeping bag development embodies perfectly all of these attributes. Not least for this reason, we are very pleased that the Kids Femund 3in1 Sleeping Bag has been awarded the ISPO Award."
A compelling feature is the sleeping bag's grow-with-you design. With a foot section that can be adjusted to approximately 40 cm, the Kids Femund 3in1 Sleeping Bag is suitable for children ranging from one to a maximum of 1.60 meters in height. The durable material ensures that the sleeping bag can be used for several years. "We place great importance on ensuring that our products have a long lifespan and remain in such good condition that they can ideally be passed on to other children," Alexander Poon explains. "In our view, this is a crucial criterion for the sustainability of a product.“
Trollkids underscores this principle with its own spare parts and repair service, which can be accessed via the website. For a nominal fee, zippers or buttons are replaced, tears or holes are patched, jackets are re-impregnated, suspenders, pocket linings, shoelaces, or straps are replaced, down jackets are gently washed, and so on. Even for models from previous collections, there is an extensive spare parts inventory, so that almost every wish can be fulfilled. Clothing items or spare parts are simply shipped by post. With this unique offering, Trollkids aims to ensure that the brand's clothing, shoes, and equipment are used for as long as possible and are not discarded or replaced prematurely.
The brand's sustainable approach encompasses even more measures: The proportion of recycled materials in the products is gradually increased. Trollkids avoids fluorine-containing impregnations and has instead used a special fluorine-free impregnation for all water-repellent and waterproof garments since 2018. The use of Organic Cotton in many cotton garments, or their certification with the GOTS seal, are further components. In general, the company only collaborates with suppliers who are GOTS- or BSCI-certified to ensure that they responsibly manage their employees and the environment.
The idea for founding Trollkids originated in 2011 during a trekking tour in the mountains of Norway. Over the years, the product range has been continuously developed and improved. It includes jackets, vests, shirts, pants, sandals, hiking and mountaineering shoes, ski clothing, accessories such as hats and gloves, as well as backpacks and sleeping bags. Depending on the area of use, the models are waterproof, windproof, water-repellent, and/or breathable.
Minimizing fabric waste, focusing on mono-materiality, and ease of repair - these were Peak Performance's priorities when designing the Elevate Liner Hood. The result is more than impressive in terms of longevity and style, reflecting the brand's dedication to sustainable practices.
The design and development of the Elevate Liner Hood have been guided by very clear objectives: to maximize the use of materials by reducing fabric waste in production through design and construction; to enable easy repair; and to ensure that the majority of the weight of the product is mono-material, ensuring recyclability at the end of its life. The findings from the development of Elevate Liner Hood will be applied to future products.
Unlike traditional technical outdoor garments, the Elevate Liner Hood is made of 97% mono-material, which simplifies recycling and reuse at the end of its lifespan. The remaining 3% comprises selected enhancements like cuff elastics, hood elastics, and zip teeth, ensuring durability and comfort during demanding outdoor activities. These components are easily removable to further facilitate the recycling process.
Crafted for durability and demanding outdoor activities, the Elevate Liner Hood is designed for easy repairability. Featuring details like the YKK Easy Repair Top Stop slider and a color-matched repair patch in the pocket, the Elevate Liner Hood extends the notion of durable outdoor gear.
An essential goal during the development of Elevate Liner Hood was to minimize fabric waste in production. While the industry standard is around 80% marker efficiency, through its innovative low-waste pattern design, the Elevate Liner Hood succeeds in reaching a marker efficiency of 90%. Surpassing industry benchmarks by almost 10%, this achievement sets a new standard in resourcefulness.
Constructed with durable ripstop fabric, it offers water repellency and wind protection, while its lofty synthetic insulation provides a high warmth-to-weight ratio, even in damp conditions. The innovative hood and sleeve construction add to its functionality and versatility.
The jacket’s development spanned two years of collaboration with Peak Performance’s manufacturing partner in Vietnam. The development process involved several iterations using 3D models to clarify ideas without developing physical samples. This process also saves on transport and other resources.
Furthermore, Peak Performance offers the WearAgains pre-owned program as well as an extended warranty of five years for all Peak Performance members. Anticipating a product lifespan exceeding ten years, these efforts underscore the brand's commitment to longevity.
The jacket will be available for men and women in a range of colors from September 2024.
European textile consumption ranks fourth in environmental impact, trailing food, housing, and mobility. Clothing brands are embracing responsibility for circularity, promoting recycling and minimizing waste.
The EU generates 12.6 million tons of textile waste per year. Clothing and footwear alone accounts for 5.2 million tons of waste, equivalent to 12 kg of waste per person every year. Currently, only 22 % of post-consumer textile waste is collected separately for re-use or recycling, while the remainder is often incinerated or landfilled.
One of the main challenges in textile recycling lies in the complexity of garments. Current technology struggles to accurately determine the composition of textiles beyond their surface layer. As a result, the textile sorting and recycling industry primarily focuses on single-layer garments for processing solutions.
However, there's hope on the horizon. There's a growing understanding and capability to design garments, accessories, and footwear to be up to 100% recyclable.
Moreover, advances in technology and supply chain management now enable the disassembly and recycling of even the most complex items. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which is an environmental policy approach that shifts the responsibility of a product's lifecycle to the producer, including design, take-back, recycling, and final disposal helps to speed up those advancements considerably. These exhibitors in the Sustainability Hub will set you up for Zero Waste.
Sympatex Impact Program Design
YKK’s Sustainability Vision
Sources:
(1) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/ip_23_3635
With the Featherlight Baselayer, Icebreaker has developed a baselayer that is completely free of petroleum-based fibers and is literally as light as a feather, making it the perfect first layer for summer outdoor adventures.
When it comes to base layers, it's hard to avoid the classic petroleum-based functional fibres these days: Wherever you look, almost all underwear manufacturers use polyester or elastane in their baselayer collections, and usually both. New Zealand merino wool specialist Icebreaker has been proving for many years that it is possible to do without plastic. Merino wool naturally has excellent temperature-regulating properties - you don't need petroleum for that. People in New Zealand and Australia have known this for a long time and wear merino wool as a matter of course, even in summer. But Europeans are slowly getting used to this great idea.
With the new Featherlight baselayer, Icebreaker is doing a good job of reinforcing this process. The shirt consists of 20 percent ethically sourced merino wool and 80 percent TENCEL™ cellulose fiber. TENCEL™ is made from sustainably grown wood and supports the wool fibers in transporting moisture. TENCEL™ is particularly skin-friendly and has a cooling effect.
The shirt is the lightest baselayer Icebreaker has ever developed and one of the lightest in the market. Breathability is its strongest benefit, but it is also quick-drying, naturally odor-resistant and extremely soft against the skin, which increases comfort. "We know how well merino works in summer, especially when we blend it with Tencel," says Icebreaker of the new development. "We wanted to create our lightest baselayer yet that can be worn under other garments when it's cool but not cold, or when the intensity increases."
The baselayer was designed for all nature adventurers who want to go running or hiking in it. The shirt is cut close to the body for an active, high-performance fit and therefore fits perfectly under any midlayer or light jacket.
The baselayer is available for men and women as a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt and a tank top in various colors.