Redefining Athletic Support with Sustainable Innovation. With Blumaka's Konnect Max Cushion, athletes get a sustainably produced insole that impresses with its comfort and performance.
Blumaka's Konnect Max Cushion insoles are more than just a step forward in athletic support; they represent a holistic approach to performance and sustainability. In a market inundated with disposable products, Blumaka stands out by offering a durable, eco-friendly solution that doesn't compromise on quality or performance.
Traditionally, insoles on the market cover a range of sizes, requiring trimming to fit specific shoe sizes. However, Blumaka challenges this norm by offering whole-sized insoles, minimizing waste and simplifying the selection process for customers. This commitment to reducing waste aligns with Blumaka's broader sustainability ethos. Blumaka founder Stuart Jenkins is delighted that the innovative insole has been recognized with an ISPO Award: "It’s an honor because winning an ISPO award means being recognized by an organization that sees the top innovations in sporting goods every year. We are proud they have recognized Blumaka’s Konnect insoles that combine performance with sustainability without compromising either."
At the heart of the Konnect Max Cushion insole is its revolutionary anti-slip surface, engineered to provide unparalleled stability and control. Stuart Jenkins, founder of Blumaka, emphasizes, "Our insoles are proven to give users a competitive advantage in sports. Every athlete who wants to enjoy the benefits of increased ground reaction force, more stability, power, and mobility will find our insoles to be a game-changer." This advantage stems from the increased ground force production facilitated by the anti-slip surface, resulting in faster starts, efficient running, and reduced injury risks. Blumaka has worked closely with professional athletes and trainers across multiple sports to develop its insole designs.
Durability is a hallmark feature of Blumaka's Konnect insoles. With a lifespan of over 1,000 miles, these insoles outlast many OEM alternatives, reducing both waste and costs for consumers. Jenkins highlights, "We make durable insoles that last magnitudes longer than equivalent products. Recreational hikers, runners, and athletes will enjoy the same benefits of extra stability, more foot control, and greater cushioning, just like the pros." This longevity is achieved through the use of 85% recycled foam content, underscoring Blumaka's commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for Blumaka; it's woven into the fabric of their manufacturing process. By utilizing recycled foam and minimizing water usage, Konnect insoles significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Jenkins elaborates, "We've shown that water usage and carbon emissions can be significantly decreased. Our manufacturing process uses no toxic chemicals, blowing agents, or high-degree heating ovens, which helps reduce our energy consumption."
Even the packaging reflects Blumaka's dedication to sustainability. Simple paper bands and recyclable kraft paper packaging minimize waste, while leveraging existing delivery networks like USPS reduces transportation emissions. "We are thoughtfully unpackaged," Jenkins remarks, highlighting their eco-conscious approach. "We’re continuously exploring new ways to minimize our environmental impact."
For retailers, Konnect insoles offer a unique selling proposition with a compelling environmental narrative. Jenkins explains, "We offer arch support, cushioning, and stability with our Konnect technology, all while using up to 85% recycled foam. Retailers have a differentiated insole product that has a demonstrable performance advantage and an environmental story that is unmatched in the insole world." This combination of performance and sustainability resonates with a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers. Blumaka also offers insole varieties for high-volume feet and consumers needing targeted arch support.
In conclusion, Blumaka's Konnect Max Cushion insoles represent a paradigm shift in athletic support. By seamlessly integrating performance and sustainability, Blumaka sets a new standard for the industry. From enhanced grip to reduced environmental impact, these insoles cater to athletes and eco-conscious consumers alike, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
"Insoles can be a decisive factor in sporting performance. The combination of recycled materials and performance properties convinced us. A good and sensible addition to the crowded market for sports insoles." Jury ISPO Award
With the Detachable 3-in-1 Functional Jacket, Bosideng has come up with an amazing, constructive answer to the question of how clothing can be quickly and easily adapted to changing temperatures and activity levels.
Do innovations in functional clothing today only take place in the area of fabrics and fabric combinations? Far from it. The Detachable Functional Jacket from Chinese down specialist Bosideng is fascinating proof that there is still plenty of room for innovation in garment construction. The clever cut of the 3-in-1 jacket really does offer a whole new level of added value.
The Detachable 3-in-1 Functional Jacket consists of two separate garments: a warming down vest and a functional outer shell that protects against wind and rain. The vest is the design highlight. When it gets too warm, the vest can be easily removed without having to take off the outer jacket or remove the backpack. Everything can be done on the move without having to stop and take anything off.
How does it work? The vest separates into front and back sections with magnetic closures on the sides and a sliding closure on the shoulders. Both can be easily removed separately. The design even allows you to do this step by step, which is handy if, for example, you need less insulation in the back but want to keep it in the front. You simply remove the back half of the vest.
Bosideng has even found a solution to the next question that comes up? Where do you put the vest without taking off your jacket or rucksack? Thanks to an integrated pocket, the vest can simply be clipped to the rucksack or belt loops.
The 3-in-1 jacket can therefore be worn in three different ways, providing optimum warmth and weather protection for different activity levels, temperatures and weather conditions, whether it is raining, windy or sunny. Weather protection is complemented by an adjustable drawcord hood in recycled nylon, waterproof zips and an underarm ventilation zip. The pockets can be opened from the inside or the outside, so they are accessible even when wearing a backpack and are not blocked by the hip belt. This means that the hip belt can be pulled through the jacket and closed, rather than laying on the outer fabric.
Bosideng uses Gore-Tex's new PFC-free, more sustainable ePE Windstopper membrane for the outer shell. The outer fabric contains Sorona yarn, which is partly bio-based and gives a soft and stretchy feel. The down vest is made from bio3-PET fabric using LanzaTech technology. LanzaTech recycles carbon emissions such as industrial waste gases into chemicals that can then be used in PET fiber production.
Where do you put your jacket when you don't need it? Bosideng has created a practical storage aid for each component of the 3-in-1 jacket: The outer jacket can be transformed into a shoulder bag, the inner jacket can be attached to the handlebars.
This two-piece 3-in-1 functional jacket was developed for women and their modern lifestyle and is suitable for urban activities such as cycling and city strolls. The Chinese down jacket specialist has not only made sure that the two products work well individually or together, but has also found a solution for storing the jackets when they are no longer needed.
The Easy Pack Easy Go 3-in-1 Functional Jacket from Bosideng consists of a functional, waterproof and windproof hardshell jacket and a warming down jacket to wear underneath. Designed primarily for cycling in the city and other urban activities, the front length of the jackets is shortened to ensure legroom when cycling, while the rear length is adapted to keep the wind out and not cling to the bike saddle.
The outer layer has a waterproof zip and is made from Bosideng's proprietary bio-based fabric with a 100 per cent bio-based membrane, which has high breathability and excellent elasticity that does not restrict movement.
The down layer is filled with goose down that is certified with the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). It provides thermal insulation in the core area, while the Turbodry™ Oneway Moisure Transfer material on the back and under the arms ensures efficient heat, moisture and stretch management. This 3-in-1 jacket offers versatility in weather conditions from 5°C to 20°C.
Bosideng has equipped the 3-in-1 jacket with an extremely clever function: After all, how do you stow the outer layer or both jackets when it has got warmer or the rain has stopped? For this situation, Bosideng has incorporated a hidden pocket in the outer jacket that allows the jacket to be transformed into a shoulder bag. If you only want to take off the down layer, it can be folded and attached to the handlebars. This small packable design in combination with the functional features makes the jacket an enormously versatile and flexible companion for many urban activities.
The jacket was developed with women in mind. Attention was paid to a women-specific design and fit and the functionality was developed and tested together with women. The neckline was lowered so that the head can move comfortably and make-up does not smear. The seams on the back and sleeves are joined using ultrasonic welding technology to reduce friction on the body during physical activity. As a result, this garment can be worn close-fitting and is still comfortable.
The pockets of the outer jacket have a double opening and bidirectional zips to ensure easy access to the pockets of the inner jacket. The back pocket of the outer shell is designed for cycling essentials and doubles as a mini backpack for things like lipstick, mobile phone and wireless devices.
Finally, the minimalist design offers a classic look that is suitable for both the daily commute to work and leisure activities.
Introducing the revolutionary Verde KinetiCore bike helmet from Lazer Sport, winner of the prestigious ISPO Award 2024. More than just a helmet, the Verde KinetiCore embodies a new era of cycling safety and environmental awareness.
Created with a vision of a circular future, the Verde KinetiCore is a testament to innovation and sustainability. This helmet is made from 70% recycled materials. It not only ensures the rider's safety, but also minimizes its impact on the environment. Unlike traditional helmets, the Verde KinetiCore is assembled without the use of glue or paint, thanks to its patented EcoLoc technology. This allows the user to easily disassemble the helmet at the end of its life cycle, allowing for the proper recycling of its various components.
“For us, a sustainable future lies in circularity. Using recycled content and enabling a product to be properly disassembled is proof that the Verde KinetiCore does both at once. The Verde KinetiCore is just the beginning of our Ecoloc story. We know we couldn't solve all the problems at once, but it opens a lot of windows and possibilities,” explains Fé van Dam, product designer at Lazer Sports.
Designed for urban riders and commuters, the Verde KinetiCore comes in two sizes (S: 55-61 cm, L: 50-56 cm) to ensure a perfect fit for all cyclists. Priced at €99.99, this helmet offers unbeatable value for money for those who prioritize safety, comfort and sustainability in their cycling gear.
With the Verde KinetiCore helmet, Lazer Sports is leading the way towards a greener and safer cycling experience. This groundbreaking helmet ushers in a new era of eco-conscious cycling gear, integrating advanced technologies and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Fé van Dam emphasizes: “To think that we were able to use mostly discarded materials such as CDs, construction foam and textile waste to make a new bicycle helmet. That's something I'm proud of. I hope Verde KinetiCore inspires others to see the possibilities of a closed life cycle for helmets.“
The Verde KinetiCore sets a benchmark for sustainable helmet design, ensuring that riders can enjoy superior performance without compromising on style or environmental integrity.
The Naturehike FeatherBone Yugu Ultralight Automatic Inflatable Mat offers a lightweight sleeping solution for camping, hiking, and traveling. With a patented perforated sponge padding, its design effectively reduces weight and material usage by roughly a third.
Comfort is key to enjoying the special feeling of settling in for a night in your tent or under the stars. While a sleeping pad can make or break this feeling of coziness and comfort, the Naturehike FeatherBone Yugu Ultralight Automatic Inflatable Mat ticks all the boxes for an affordable yet well-designed product. It comes in two different shapes, rectangular or mummy, and two different colors, blue and grey, as well as in a standard and larger size. It is lightweight, water-repellent, and durable, but truly stands out in terms of its perforated sponge padding.
Inspired by Chinese paper art, the patented sponge design of the mat effectively reduces weight and material usage by a third. According to Naturehike, this pad is about 48 percent lighter than other conventional self-inflating mats and also packs very small. It weighs only 490 g and is definitely an option to consider for those who prioritize saving weight but might also be on a budget.
Cut with a patented process, the sponge core of the sleeping mat has plenty of air holes to retain warm air. These pockets also create additional insulation. The high elasticity material sponge used in the FeatherBone Yugu Ultralight Automatic Inflatable Mat requires only 52% of other sponges to achieve the same warmth in comparison. Those strategically placed air cells on the surface of the mat also allow for excellent breathability, preventing sweat buildup and enhancing overall comfort. A skin-friendly breathable layer on top of the airtight layer also allows a better touch and feel.
This sleeping pad is also soft and supportive, although consisting of less padding: Crafted with high-density stretch foam, this pad provides a plush and supportive sleeping surface that won't sag or compress. It's moisture-resistant, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep.
Besides its benefits in weight, less material used also adds to a more resourceful production process. „We have always wanted to develop products that are both high-performance and environmentally friendly. The special foam cutting method of FeatherBone Yugu ultra-light self-inflating mattress eliminates the need for waste in the production process. The production process is reduced, resulting in lighter weight and excellent compression“, explains Cherry Fang, product manager of the Naturehike sleep system. She adds: „This is our modest contribution to environmental protection. Being recognized by an ISPO Award is a very positive encouragement for us.“
When backpacking for multiple days or on any occasion where you have to carry your gear, lightness, and packability are crucial features that cannot be stressed enough. Equipped with a dual-function valve, you can effortlessly inflate or deflate the pad. Switching from inflation to deflation between modes is easy and so is setting up or taking down camp.
When packing up, the mat can be easily deflated through the two-way valve and then rolled up and stored in your pack or carried. Its small packing size of 27 cm in length and diameter of 16 cm also won’t take up your whole bag or pack.