From the circularity concepts to bio-based functional fabrics: Bosideng, one of the largest down garment manufacturers in China, has won numerous awards with its innovative solutions for greener products and is paving the way for the industry to become more sustainable.
Bosideng, the Chinese down product expert, has long been actively promoting the sustainable transformation of the apparel industry. Through ongoing efforts to find innovative solutions for greener products and additional measures to save energy and reduce emissions, the company has taken a leading role in promoting the industry's transition to green, low-carbon development. In August, Bosideng was awarded an "A" rating by Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI") for its exemplary ESG (environmental, social and governance) practices. The MSCI ESG ratings assess how a company deals with financially relevant ESG risks and opportunities.
Sustainable change in the apparel industry started with raw materials. While recycled materials have been the focus of attention in recent years, the focus is now shifting to the permanent recyclability of materials that need to be included in the development process. With the circular economy in mind, Bosideng has developed several award-winning products made from innovative recycled or bio-based materials that are themselves recyclable. This is important because only when recyclability can be guaranteed can the cycle be closed. Only then can materials be processed again and again into new products in a way that conserves resources.
Bosideng is dedicated to the commitment to environmental sustainability, constantly seeking innovative approaches. They are actively exploring new materials and solutions to advance their eco- friendly product line. Through these efforts, Bosideng aims to minimize environmental impact while delivering high-quality products.
In fall 2023, the Eco-Design Circular Lightweight Functional Down Puffer Jacket received the ISPO Award 2023 for its sophisticated recycling solution. For this PFC-free 3L jacket with RDS-certified goose down filling, Bosideng uses a 100% bio-based PA510 nylon fabric for the outer shell and 100% recycled nylon for the lining. All other components of the jacket are also made of nylon. At the end of its useful life, both types of material can be easily separated from each other by a simple cut and can be recycled as used nylon and used goose down. This creates a closed recycling loop from material to material. The jacket was developed at Bosideng's Global Innovation Institute, which is dedicated to researching product innovations. The aim in developing the jacket was to "create a versatile garment that not only meets the highest standards of comfort and urban style, but also promotes the circular economy through the use of mono-materials and 100% recyclability," says the team in a statement.
The Zero Pressure down jacket also relies on the full recyclability of all materials and was awarded the Red Dot Award in 2022. The shell, lining, thread and zipper are made from 100% recycled polyamide, which can be recycled again. The white goose down can also be reused several times after sterilization and processing. Bosideng has also found a solution to the problem of material separation that is as simple as it is decorative: When the jacket reaches the end of its useful life, it can be completely separated into the different types of material with just two cuts along a pre-drawn line on the outer fabric. In this way, Bosideng facilitates the separation of materials that is essential for cost-effective recycling.
Bosideng uses partnerships with renowned specialists to further advance its own sustainability goals and support change in the textile industry. For example, Bosideng has launched down garments made from bio-based polymer fibers in collaboration with Sorona® from Huafon Group. The innovative material is partly made from plants that can be regrown annually, thus reducing the clothing industry's dependence on oil as a raw material. Compared to the production of conventional nylon 6 fibers, the consumption of crude oil can be reduced by 37 percent, energy consumption by 30 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent. However, the innovative material not only improves sustainability, it also offers functional advantages: It is wrinkle-free, retains its shape, adapts well to the body and is long-lasting.
Bosideng has also begun incorporating Gore-Tex's ePE membrane in their products. By integrating this cutting-edge material into their product line, Bosideng not only enhances the functional aspects of their down apparel but also reinforces their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Established in 1976, Bosideng has evolved into one of China's foremost manufacturers of down clothing. Bosideng's commitment to craftsmanship and its strategic emphasis on innovation extend beyond sustainabilit achievements. Noteworthy collaborations, such as partnering with Gore-Tex and fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier for the introduction of the co-branding series, exemplify the company's creative alliances. Additionally, Bosideng's support for China's scientific expedition team in conquering the "three poles of the world" (South Pole, North Pole, Mount Everest) underscores its remarkable achievements on various fronts.
The agreement reached at COP28, where countries commit to 'transition away from fossil fuels,' is far from ideal. It falls short of significantly mitigating the risks posed by pushing Earth dangerously close to tipping points. Despite lacking the desired clarity, the accord does signify the initiation of the end of the fossil fuel era. To guide us in making informed decisions moving forward, here are examples of alternative materials and chemistry.
During COP28, the substantial involvement of the business community played a pivotal role in exerting pressure on governments. Now, it is crucial for businesses to take decisive actions in mapping and eliminating fossil fuels from their operations and value chains, accelerating the transition to climate solutions. UN climate chief Simon Stiell summarized the progress at COP28 by stating, “While we didn’t turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end.” The exemplary practices showcased by the Material Lab at ISPO’s Sustainability Hub underscore that it is feasible to design waste out of the system, promoting circularity and regeneration. The next step is to scale up these efforts!
Arkema, a leading specialty materials supplier, is known for advanced materials, adhesive and coating solutions. With a commitment to performance and sustainability, Arkema provides a diverse range of Advanced Bio-Circular (ABC) materials, such as Pebax and Rilsan, widely used in high-end footwear, winter sports equipment, apparel and accessories. These materials, derived from castor beans, specifically the high-performance polymer Rilsan PA11, boast 100% bio-based composition and a remarkably low carbon footprint (below 2 kgCO2eq/kg). In an exemplary move towards circularity, On Running's Cloudneo running shoe, crafted exclusively from Arkema materials, stands as a 100% recyclable marvel.
Bloom Sustainable Materials is on a mission to reduce the environmental impact of traditional foams and rubbers by incorporating biomass. Their innovative process extracts excess algae from water, preventing its decomposition and thus reducing CO2 emissions. Partnering with 100+ brands, Bloom materials are utilized in footwear, automotive, consumer products, and sporting goods. The process involves harvesting algae, creating a paste, and using solar heat to produce algae flakes. Bloom's proprietary methods refine these flakes into green powders blended with polymers resulting in eco-friendly materials like EVA, Rubber, TPE, and TPR.
Engraw, a family-owned wool top manufacturer with 70+ years in Uruguay, produces 4,500 tons annually. Committed to a no-waste philosophy, they optimize wool fiber use. Mulesing-free wool tops from family-owned lands follow holistic land management, supporting biodiversity. Farmers measure carbon sequestration via the "Land to Market" program. Processed in a carbon-neutral certified facility powered by wind, Engraw's premium wool is praised for versatility, biodegradability, softness, flexibility, and superb thermoregulation. Adhering to top standards, Engraw holds RWS and GOTS certifications for animal welfare and organic practices. Greasy wool processing yields wool grease for various applications, from skincare to vitamin D3 production.
traceless is an innovative, 100% biobased substitute for plastics, derived from plant leftovers in agricultural grain processing. traceless has been designed for the biological cycle with the aim to create a holistic zero-compromise solution. Based on leftovers of industrial grain processing, it is fully biobased and free of potential food conflicts. Using natural biopolymers, it is certified plastic-free and home compostable. The production technology saves 91% of greenhouse gas emissions and 89% fossil energy in production and disposal compared to plastics. traceless can be processed with standard plastic converting technologies like injection moulding, and can replace plastics in many short-lived applications.
Without medical aids, little would be possible in professional sports. With its supports, orthoses, compression stockings and orthopedic insoles, Bauerfeind has been helping top athletes and clubs to achieve their best performances for decades.
Medical devices play an important role in sports, helping to prevent and treat injuries, enhance athletic performance, and relieve pain. In short, they help people live an active life without discomfort and perform at their best.
Bauerfeind AG was founded in 1929 in Zeulenroda, Germany. As one of the leading manufacturers of medical aids and high-quality sports products, Bauerfeind makes an important contribution to enabling people to perform at their best without pain. Proximity to top athletes has always been an important factor. In 1981, for example, the world's first flat-knit knee support - the GenuTrain - was developed in cooperation with the team physician of the German national soccer team at the time, the Chief Medical Director of the Orthopedic State Hospital Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, aand Prof. Hans B. Bauerfeind, the former owner of Bauerfeind, who died in 2023.
This long-standing collaboration with top athletes has not only resulted in a deep understanding of the specific needs of athletes, but is also the basis for the development of the sports line "Bauerfeind Sports", which was launched in 2016.
Bauerfeind Sports offers high-quality products for peak performance. They are proven to prevent premature fatigue during exercise and can prevent sport-specific injuries. After exercise, they support regeneration and shorten the recovery phase. Not only in competition, but also during the many training sessions.
Support for athletes extends all the way to the Olympic Games: Since the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Bauerfeind has gained extensive experience in caring for top athletes as a partner of the respective Olympic organizing committees and is known for its services in the Olympic villages.
At the last Summer Games in Tokyo, Bauerfeind was a partner of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games for the sixth time and was the only manufacturer in the world to supply supports, orthoses, medical compression stockings and orthopedic insoles. More than 680 athletes used the Bauerfeind service in the Olympic Village. Track and field athletes were treated most frequently by Bauerfeind technicians, followed by handball and volleyball players. The most common injuries were acute due to overuse.
Professional athletes push themselves to their limits in order to perform even better. Whether they are at the top of the podium or fighting their way back onto the field, Bauerfeind supports and accompanies them on their way and has been involved in various sports for many years.
Current partnerships include Alba Berlin (basketball), THK Kiel (handball), Eintracht Frankfurt (soccer) and SSC Palmberg Schwerin (volleyball). Starting with the 2023/2024 season, Bauerfeind will also sponsor the Dutch national player Fleur Savelkoel, who plays for Palmberg and wants to return to full fitness after a cruciate ligament injury. Bauerfeind also sponsors the individual athletes Andreas Toba (gymnastics), Thomas Röhler (javelin), Anna and Lisa Hahner (running) and Josie Hoffmann (speed skating/ inline skating).
The company has also been cooperating with Sporthilfe for many years. More than 4,000 sponsored athletes have access to Bauerfeind products through this organization. Sporthilfe is a non-profit foundation that supports top athletes in Germany.
The internationally renowned basketball star Dirk Nowitzki has been Bauerfeind's official brand ambassador since 2016. However, this partnership is much more than a collaboration on a purely communicative level. The basketball pro has been using Bauerfeind products in games and training since 2008 - long before his time as a brand ambassador. This made him a valuable source of feedback for the further development of the medical product portfolio right from the start.
The cooperation with the NBATA, the coaches' association of the National Basketball Association of the USA (NBA), can also be attributed to him. Products and product innovations are tested by the NBATA and approved or recommended for use in the NBA. Today, all 30 NBA teams are loyal Bauerfeind customers and the products worn on the court are licensed by the NBA and can therefore be used by basketball players and fans worldwide.
ISPO visitors explored circularity through two new Sustainability Hub formats at this year's edition: the Material Lab and the Circular Experience.
From November 28th to 30th, 2023, the "Who's Who" of the sustainability community came together at the Sustainability Hub by ISPO Munich – which aims to showcase and immerse participants in groundbreaking product innovations and services while collaboratively shaping the future of outdoor sports.
Against the backdrop of the EU Green Deal's comprehensive implementation, addressing pivotal sustainability queries becomes imperative. The inception of the Sustainability Hub in 2010 marked a commitment to providing a dedicated space for innovative and impactful solutions, complemented by best practice examples. With the imminent rollout of the Eco Design for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR) under the umbrella of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), ISPO Munich aims to captivate visitors with this year's focal point at the Sustainability Hub: "Circularity."
ISPO visitors emerged into the topic of circularity within two new formats that the Sustainability Hub was introducing at this year’s edition: the Material Lab and the Circular Experience.
In the Material Lab, visitors could experience innovative materials in a very tangible way and get inspired by a range of materials such as bio-based polymers, biodegradable yarn and textiles, and plant-based down feather alternatives. We explored emerging material innovations made from biowaste from eggshells, agricultural byproducts such as pineapple leaves, algae, hemp, and more with the objective to provide valuable impulses for new solutions within the sports industry.
The emphasis of the Material Lab was to inspire and inform by showcasing the source materials, intermediary processing steps and final materials. Among other examples, visitors could delve into Ananas Anam's textiles produced from pineapple leaf fiber, explore the cutting-edge technology of shoe sole foams manufactured from algae, courtesy of Bloom or the bio-based polymer made out of castor beans developed by Arkema.
The second new area, the Circular Experience, revolved around one specific circular material: mycelium – the root-like structure of fungi. The Circular Experience was a curated space where visitors got the opportunity to learn about the innovative potential of mycelium as a raw material for many industries, including sports. The various steps of the life cycle of mycelium-based products were shown in an inspirational and tangible way. After seeing mycelium in its natural state, visitors could witness firsthand how mycelium is cultivated in a laboratory setting, guided by the expertise of Fraunhofer Institute. Next, the exhibit was unveiling a diverse array of products and materials born from mycelium, including cutting-edge creations such as the mycelium helmet by Studio Mom, packaging solutions or leather-alternatives, as well as mycelium-based alternative meat by Mushlabs. To complete a circular value chain, we were exploring the end-of-life stage of mycelium, where ideally its natural degradation process unfolds. This holistic exploration of mycelium's lifecycle serves as a testament to the innovative potential of this extraordinary circular material.
With ISPO Munich 2023 now concluded, it's evident that the sports industry is embarking on a transformative path toward sustainability and circularity. This year's event went beyond showcasing the future of sports – it actively contributed to shaping it. For additional details on ISPO Munich 2023 and registration for OutDoor by ISPO, please click here.
ISPO.com is the first and only megatrend-orientated sports and outdoor magazine for all those who have long known that sport and the outdoors are more than just exercise and equipment.
Every month, we provide the sports community with red-hot news, trends, innovation and inspiration. Find out here which topics we had on our list in 2023.
We will introduce you to our key topics and give you examples of articles that will get your brand message across to sports professionals and consumer experts around the world.
New year, new opportunity: now is the perfect time to plan adventures for the coming year, gain new experiences and set goals. We offer inspiration to help readers get the most out of their 2023.
Sports Business Corner
New year, new opportunity - also for brands and businesses. ISPO.com provides impetus for the sports business year 2023. What innovations are there in products or services, what trends are shaping the industry? And how can companies master the challenges of pricing policy?
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The future is female. In February, we give female athletes, business owners and sports enthusiasts the attention they deserve - with exciting insights on social issues, food for thought and innovative products for women and inspiring personalities.
Sports Business Corner
Women are the new target group for the sports business industry: this month, ISPO.com looks at the market for all-female products and services. What development, marketing and sales challenges are forcing new approaches? We show where and how femininity is slowly but surely asserting itself in the male-dominated industry - and why that's good for sports business.
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In March, it's all about innovation - exciting trends and groundbreaking products, inspiring leaders and their challenges as well as fuck-up stories and brands that deliberately do something different to get ahead.
Sports Business Corner
We move between co-creation and direct-with-consumer. ISPO.com shows what innovation this shift is producing and how sports businesses can take advantage of it. We present newcomers that make retailers and consumers happy and show which trends are waiting in the wings. We also have exciting stories from our ISPO Collaborators Club.
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The reinvention of action sports. Why do surfing and yoga go so well together? Where do mountain biking and soft tourism form synergies? How is it that the "young savages" of unadapted brands are now pioneers of sustainability? ISPO.com goes in search of clues and meets action sports heroes, innovative newcomers and so-called "consciousness millennials" and their definition of action sports.
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Alternative Outdoor is a new movement from Action Sports. For sports business companies, this means rethinking, being bold and breaking new ground. We show what excites young consumers about this movement and how companies are implementing these insights for themselves. We also present brands that have changed and the potential that the new movement holds.
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The countdown is on for the outdoor industry's most important gathering - OutDoor by ISPO 2023 from June 4-6, 2023. That's why we're taking a look at the hottest trends and innovations, talking to industry movers and shakers, and athletes who are pushing boundaries. We also offer inspiration for your next adventure in the great outdoors.
Sports Business Corner
OutDoor by ISPO is just around the corner and we'll show you the outdoor trends for 2023 and 2024. What highlights await trade visitors at the trade show and what lessons can they learn for their companies in the sports industry? In addition, the order season is starting again and we show which brands you should have on your radar, which mistakes retail buyers should avoid and why betting on bestsellers is safe but not very brave.
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Pride Accelerates Sports. Exclusion? Without us! We show how sport breaks down encrusted structures, gives marginalized minorities a voice, and how subcultures drive innovation and trends and we all benefit. From LGBTQI+ athletes* to Special Olympics participants, with us, they get to speak, share their experiences and inspire us.
Sports Business Corner
Transparency is king: Today's customers want transparency, in the product as well as in the company management. Closeness and authenticity are just as important as sustainability, traceability and diversity. This month, we take a look at exciting companies in the sports industry that live and breathe diversity and transparency, which brands are becoming love brands with attitude, and why diversity is not more appearance than reality for many brands.
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July is about growth in all its facets, positive and negative. We offer the inspiration for growth on a sporting, economic and personal level. We show how minimalism drives a fashionable sporty lifestyle and gives an identity to an entire generation. We tackle the question of when to make a conscious decision against growth - for example, in favour of sustainability. And we clarify where growth ends and progress begins in sports.
Sports Business Corner
Profit is everything? Not for a long time! Innovative sports business companies are focusing on new strategies instead of pure profit maximization. The focus is on healthy growth, green concepts in production and retail, and customer loyalty through branding. We explain how to reduce returns and create circularity in retail, as well as taking a look at sustainable materials and the EU's Green Deal.
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We take a look at the different sports, their competitions and where they take place. We look at how sporting emotions connect us around the world and discover new exciting places in the process. In August, it's all about emotionally charged happenings, new sports events - and in the process, we reveal new ways to discover them: from sabbaticals to road trips and workations to urban summers.
Sports Business Corner
For the sports business, where products are produced is becoming increasingly relevant. Short distances, sustainable supply chains and local sourcing are in focus. Possibilities for saving resources and new strategies with product surplus are also moving the industry. With the many sporting events in mind, we also look at the business model of outfitters: "How risky and lucrative is merchandise at sporting events?" In addition, in connection with global sports happenings, we also show new forms of sports tourism and classify them for the sports industry. And we look at the rights business in sports, taking a behind-the-scenes look at TV and streaming providers and their deals with leagues and clubs.
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For us, the motto in September is: Move it! We won't stand still, no matter what happens. Everything to do with innovative forms of locomotion such as e-bikes and sports sharing concepts, movement in virtual space through (physical) eSports and innovative products that dissolve limitations.
Sports Business Corner
Without a bike, without me: Despite supply bottlenecks, the bike industry is still booming, not least since mobility is being rethought. We show how sports and retail benefit from new mobility concepts. We also look at the experts in logistics and show how complex supply chains can be made more sustainable. And last but not least, we take a look at the great mobility revolution and its impact on city centres and retail worldwide.
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In October, we train our heads. Because this is where progress and innovations begin. We will inform you about mental training and resilience, as well as the latest self-optimization trends such as biohacking. Also on the agenda: athletes and business owners sharing their mental health experiences with us.
Sports Business Corner
Health is a megatrend! The market proves that the topics of physical and mental health are major drivers of innovation in the industry. We will show how companies manage to establish themselves in this area, why sports are the necessary complement to the healthcare system and how to think about this in business terms. Whether it's insurance, retreats, services or products: Health is the rising star in the sports business. At the forefront: the transformation to digital. We also take a look at eSports and show why the top-heavy sport is taking over the world and how entrepreneurs can benefit from it.
Articles
The time has come: The sports industry will meet at ISPO Munich from November 28 to 30! November is thus all about the trade show and how the most important sports meeting of the year creates the future. We bring it together: the hottest sports trends, the latest products, big brands and rebellious newcomers, visionaries, pioneers, big challenges and their solutions. We listen to heated discussions, meet great athletes and celebrate even greater successes. ISPO.com shows nothing less than the future of sports - and its makers.
Sports Business Corner
ISPO Munich 2023 is just around the corner and the sports world is eagerly awaiting the trends and innovations. We show which highlights retailers and trade visitors can expect at the trade show, who is at the start with outstanding developments, and which new ideas and perspectives are moving the industry worldwide. Of course, this is also the start of the order season. We show how entrepreneurs inspire their business partners, which brands are now at the forefront, who the newcomers are and which mistakes should be avoided in retail buying.
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Accelerating Sports. In keeping with the philosophy of the ISPO Group, we look at where sport has been innovative and where it has changed. What was? What remains? What is coming? In December, we look back at the past year. Where did sports make the world a better place and where didn't it? What good news was there? Which products, pioneers, athletes and innovations have excited us and which trends have taken hold? And we take a look at the coming year: which trends are casting their shadows ahead, which challenges are coming, which events need to be on the calendar already?
Sports Business Corner
With 2024 just around the corner, we take a look at the sports industry's growth projections. Which brands have shown in 2023 that they have good sales arguments up their sleeves and have been able to convince customers of their value in an innovative way? What lessons can we learn from this and how will the sports business develop? Whether laws, Green Deal or REACH declaration: ISPO.com gives the most important input at the end of the year.
Articles
Highlight articles on the focus topics also appear in our monthly newsletter "Perspectives of Sports and Outdoor."
Your story and our focus topics are a good fit or you need advice on how to best showcase your brand on ISPO.com? Then get in touch with us.