Smartly oriented toward the outdoor market needs, the Reeloq Pro is a new smartphone security solution designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Gone are the days when smartphones simply slipped out of your hands.
The Reeloq Pro is a revolutionary smartphone securing device that offers a simple yet effective way to keep your phone accessible when you need it - and securely attached to your backpack when you don't. The force of the retractable Dyneema-cord can be easily locked by the patented locking mechanism. The initial version is already patented in Europe and America. This innovation ensures your smartphone is always safely and within reach, whether you want to capture those breathtaking moments or have it ready at hand in case of an emergency.
The Reeloq Pro offers an innovative solution to a common problem: how to use your smartphone securely in the mountains. With this product, customers no longer need to worry about constantly rummaging through their backpacks or jackets to find their phones. Your smartphone will always be ready for the next snapshot, allowing you to take pictures freely and safely. Reeloq has taken great care in selecting the materials used in the Reeloq Pro, considering both durability and lightness. Whether you're hiking, conquering via ferrata routes, or paragliding, this device is designed to withstand the demands of various outdoor activities.
Since the two founders of Reeloq, Lukas and Julia, visited ISPO years ago with their first prototype in hand, they have dreamt of winning this award themselves. Three years ago they launched the first Reeloq smartphone securing system and with their new product Reeloq Pro they have now incorporated all the customer feedback of the last years: a new locking mechanism, a minimalistic design and lightweight materials.
The two are now even happier that they were able to win an ISPO Award with their new product: "This award validates the countless hours our team has put into researching, designing, and testing our Reeloq Pro Smartphone Securing, ensuring it meets the highest standards of functionality, innovation, and durability. Additionally, the award motivates us to further pursue our mission: to inspire and equip adventurers to capture their unforgettable memories in nature."
The smart idea behind the product was quickly apparent to the jury. Of course, there are phone cases and individual securing solutions with loops on the market. But none have been truly optimal so far. How often have you found yourself in a situation where your smartphone almost or actually slipped out of your hands in the mountains, or you didn't even take it out of your backpack for fear of dropping it? Many of us probably know this dilemma. Thanks to Reeloq Pro, we now have one less thing to worry about on our outdoor adventures.
With the combination of an innovative anti-drop-device with a retractable cord and a smartphone pouch, a real market niche has now been identified and filled. In summary, the Reeloq Pro by Reeloq is an innovative smartphone anti-drop system designed for securing smartphones on hiking backpacks. It provides a secure and convenient way for adventurers to keep their smartphones accessible while exploring the great outdoors. With its patent-pending locking mechanism and high-quality materials, this product is a must-have for anyone who wants to enjoy their outdoor activities without worrying about their smartphone's safety.
A recent survey by the European Commission highlights consumer receptiveness to the green transition. However, concerning statistics emerge: 53% of claims provide vague, unfounded, or misleading information, 40% lack supporting evidence, and half of all green labels lack robust verification. With 230 sustainability labels in the EU exhibiting vastly different levels of transparency, it is evident that change is needed.
One aspect of the solution lies in the EU Commission's proposal on "empowering the consumer." This proposal aims to foster a circular, clean, and green EU economy by equipping consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, thereby promoting more sustainable consumption. It also addresses unfair commercial practices that divert consumers from making sustainable choices. The other facet involves facilitating the transition through industry best practices, with the outdoor sector positioned to be a pioneer. This sector can offer solutions, leveraging its heritage of quality products and a commitment to repairability. However, transitioning from a linear to a circular model requires more than this — it necessitates advancements in transparency, communication, durability, and maintenance. Here are some examples and partners for progress:
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a global multi-stakeholder alliance that connects over 280 organizations across 36 countries. It represents half of the global textile, apparel and footwear industry, united by a singular vision: create a healthier, more equitable world, both to the planet and its people. Their new strategic direction provides a framework for speed and scale, grounded in their value proposition. Being part of their global community means you can co-create solutions, tap into exclusive tools and insights, and benefit from programs that help you strategize effectively. This is where collective action comes alive. Tackling systemic challenges requires a committed community.
The EU Textile Strategy aims to achieve a circular and sustainable textile industry by 2030. One measure included is the Digital Product Passport (DPP) which requires to contain mandatory information regarding the sustainability aspects of the product. The Textile Labelling Regulation will also be reviewed and digital labels will be implemented in the future. With the convenient SmartTag technology, consumers can interact dynamically with a product via a QR-code, connecting them to more in-depth information about the quality of ingredients, company values, supply chains and so much more, with just a quick scan.
The "DPP" initiative is part of the Eco Design for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR) within the framework of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). By attaching a Xiphoo connector to an item, the product receives a digital product passport with all necessary B2C and B2B data throughout its entire lifecycle: transparency, sustainability, and on-product marketing become achievable. Together with their recycling partner Rittec, Xiphoo is the first digital product passport provider to digitally connect textiles made from PES materials with the recycler.
Down supply chains are complex, with many steps between an egg and the down used as insulation in outdoor products – making traceability key to ensuring animal welfare. Mountain Equipment’s Down Codex initiative, ensuring animal welfare and traceability through a 12-digit tracking code since 2011, makes them a leader for the industry – tackling environmental, ethical, and welfare concerns in their down supply chain. Mountain Equipment procures quality virgin down from audited suppliers, adhering to the Responsible Down Standard. Besides prioritizing animal welfare, the Down Cycle initiative for recycled down further reinforces their commitment to sustainability.
Suston is the leading international media platform for sustainability & outdoor. “Using solutions journalism, our mission is to guide, inspire and push the outdoor industry towards positive change”, says Gabriel Arthur, editor-in-chief. “Parts of the outdoor industry has taken many good steps the last decade, but there is still very much ahead. And the pace is still too slow. Sharing best practices and collaborating also with competitors is crucial. And to involve the larger outdoor community around us!” Gabriel Arthur is also CEO for the parent company of Suston, NORR Agency. “We help pioneering companies to reach out with their achievements and solutions and speed up the momentum.”
After introducing Material Facts tables for all Rab apparel and sleeping bags in Autumn/Winter 2023, Equip has now created tables for all Rab and Lowe Alpine packs and equipment. The scope of the data has also been expanded to include the percentage of renewable energy used in product manufacturing for A/W 2024. With Material Facts, Equip have launched a methodology to share a product’s sustainability credentials in an open and transparent way. The Material Facts tables put the data in consumers’ hands, helping to make informed choices by showing how their products are made, from which materials, and where. Equip are now encouraging others to join them in transparently sharing data the same way.
Circular economy is about more than just the right materials. The mission of Twice Commerce (former Rentle) is to empower sports and outdoor brands to start, run and grow profitable circular business models seamlessly. Rab introduced gear rentals with Twice to make outdoor gear more accessible to people who are new to outdoor activities, while also reducing environmental impact. The Twice platform supports any type of circular business from re-commerce to subscriptions or rentals, all under one’s own brand experience. Twice believes any product should be sold at least twice - it’s good for your bottom line and the planet!
The patented Doubledeck technology prevents tilting and the risk of dangerous falls. Initiating turns is significantly simplified by the technology, requiring no additional effort. More importantly, under the program ‘Let to Rent’, all Doubledeck snowboards are available for rental under attractive terms. This allows individuals to use a snowboard throughout the winter season, then easily return it at the end of the rental period, have it refurbished and put back into circulation - complete with a new design. Moreover, discarded boards are recycled, with approximately 75 % of their components being reused, thanks to a dissolvable epoxy resin.
Can a service deal on outdoor products contribute to a change in consumer mindsets? Normally people think about repair when it may be too late and they already struggle to find out where and how to fix it. In 2022, Bergans launched a service deal together with Norwegian retailer Sport1, for the Bergans Rabot collection: when buying a product, three free services are included. These could be the repair of smaller tears, washing and re-impregnation, changing zippers, pullers or velcros or the restoration of loose seams or taping. The service deal is connected to the product, not to the customer, which creates value to the product, as the customer can sell it second-hand with service included.
Durability has emerged as a vital element in sustainability and circularity dialogues. Creating lasting products is a powerful strategy to reduce the industry's environmental impact. Despite its significance, there's a lack of a formal definition and tools to measure both emotional and physical aspects of durability. With its scientific expertise in functional durability and state-of-the-art tech labs, Gore’s experts partnered with the Sports Tech Research Centre at Mid Sweden University. Together, they initiated a broad industry collaboration involving over 35 companies to pilot a durability measurement method for waterproof breathable jackets.
Born from the desire to significantly lower its product footprint, Montane’s Solution jacket incorporates recycled materials, PFC-free coatings as well as solution-dyed fibers.
The Solution jacket, which will launch for consumers as part of the Montane SS24 collection next year, signifies Montane’s most considered approach to the waterproof jacket category yet. Creating a truly environmentally conscious and waterproof piece of outdoor apparel was what the British brand set out to do when creating the Solution jacket. From ingredients to features the jacket was born from the desire to reduce its environmental product footprint, which is not always easy when dealing with membrane technology and performance gear.
The Solution jacket contains recycled materials throughout and showcases how carbon emissions can be avoided by avoiding virgin materials and thus reducing environmental impact in production. The jacket boasts a 100% recycled 50D Polyester face textile, a 100% recycled polyester backer, and a 75% recycled polyester membrane. A PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) was used to keep you dry as well without contributing further to the harmful persistence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in the environment. Yet, the commitment doesn't stop with the fabric. The Solution jacket further integrates recycled components, including YKK Natulon zips and recycled adjustments. To reduce the water consumption of the fabric by 50%, the jacket has been solution-dyed to directly color the liquid polymer.
Careful consideration has been taken in the design process of the Solution Jacket to provide optimal performance whilst adopting a more responsible approach to materials, construction, and communications ahead of the launch in February 2024. Matt Hickman, Montane’s Marketing Director said: “We’re delighted to learn that the Solution Jacket has been recognised on the international stage by ISPO. The Solution has been years in the making, with it being deeply rooted in our core mission - enabling a journey through nature whilst knowing our impact and correcting our path and this is an important step forward for Montane."
The Solution jacket also adheres to the principles of minimalism in design and offers a clean no-frills aesthetic. In a clever twist, the dual-function front pockets adapt to become large vents, enhancing breathability during high-intensity outdoor activities. While some trends might fade, its classic black color has a timeless style and ensures that the jacket remains a versatile addition to your outdoor wardrobe. Overall, this jacket is not just for eco-enthusiasts but also for anyone who appreciates quality, style, and durability in their outdoor adventures. This approach is one reason why the ISPO Award jury was convinced and the Montane Solution jacket got minted with an ISPO Award 2023.
The Biospeed collection by Winqs is characterized by the environmentally friendly Nilpla fabric and opens the door to a new way of producing running sportswear.
) It's a shirt that has the potential to change the textile sports world: the Biospeed Shirt by Winqs. At least, that's the claim of Winqs, a young company from Berlin that has set out to enrich the sports world with products featuring genuine sustainability and consistently resource-friendly production. They aim to set impulses that change the industry, explicitly calling out greenwashing. Winqs counters this with new materials and absolute transparency, positioning itself with clear statements on the matter. With their running shoe Zerofly, the brand already made a statement, earning it an ISPO Award. "As the world's first running brand, we produce all our running shoes, textiles, and accessories with plant-based or recycled materials, transparently, with climate responsibility and a holistic circular concept," says Jan Kratochvil, one of the co-founders of Winqs, about the brand's fundamental concept.
After the successful launch with the running shoe, a complete collection of running shirts in long and short sleeves, tank tops, running pants, and socks now follows. The shirt from the Biospeed collection was submitted to the ISPO jury meeting, and it was successful. The founders, Jan and Marek, are particularly pleased with the award win: "The ISPO Award is the Oscars of the sports goods industry. Receiving the award for our Biospeed Running Apparel line shows that we have not only become a serious contender with our footwear but also with our sports apparel products for the traditional legacy brands."
The innovative Biospeed collection by Winqs, developed in collaboration with Nil-Textile, redefines sportswear by combining performance with sustainable practices. It is these very qualities that are meant to make a difference. To recognize this, it's worth taking a look at the common way of producing sportswear. Traditional sportswear is often divided into two categories: functional and lightweight, typically relying on petroleum-based materials like polyester, or environmentally conscious, using materials such as Lyocell, hemp, and organic cotton. The Biospeed collection by Winqs introduces a new paradigm by utilizing Nilpla material, which mimics the structure of petroleum-based fibers but is derived from sugarcane or corn residues.
The Biospeed Running Shirt features a versatile design suitable for various body types and is available in both men's and women's versions, as well as other product variants like tanks or long sleeves. It not only matches polyester in terms of weight and breathability but, thanks to its botanical origin and molecular recycling facilities, facilitates truly "eternal" recycling. Every Winqs product, including the Biospeed collection, comes with a dual digital product passport. This passport provides insights into the production process and calculates and transparently communicates the carbon footprint of each product.
The true game-changer lies in the concept of circularity. In contrast to polyester and its counterparts, Biospeed garments offer genuine recyclability. The use of Nilpla material not only enables the replacement of polyester but also allows for production in Europe, and, a crucial distinction, the recycling of worn-out or unsold products. Winqs is taking a new path and aims to inspire other brands, true to their motto: Better together than against each other.
Elevate winter adventures with Nibelia Warm by Dolomite – the perfect blend of sustainable design and trail-ready performance.
Designed with the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the Nibelia Warm by Dolomite bridges the gap between function and style, ensuring a seamless experience from mountain trails to urban streets. The shoe's design is inspired by the trail-running environment, boasting features like a 12 mm drop, a dedicated hiking last, and a specially developed hiking sole. While these features champion the shoe's hiking pedigree, its modern aesthetic ensures it's equally at home in an urban setting. “Our main target group is represented by young outdoor enthusiasts, people who go to the mountains seeking joy and well-being. A target group that wants a performative product that is also trendy and contemporary, as they like to have a versatile product”, says Cristina Bonora, Dolomite’s Marketing Manager “As a brand, we have always celebrated the joy of being outdoors, and we want to share that joy with everyone at all times.”
One of the most impressive features of the Nibelia Warm is its integration of Primaloft Gold Eco insulation, an eco-responsible membrane. This ensures optimal thermoregulation, providing both warmth and dry feet throughout activities. Pair this with the shoe's technical textile and TPU layers, and wearers can expect unmatched abrasion resistance, even in the harshest winter conditions. Nibelia Warm employs the Vibram Traction Lug technology, ensuring exceptional grip on every surface, whether icy, rocky, or muddy. “Our athletes are involved in all stages of product development. This is especially important in the crucial field-testing phase, where the footwear is pushed to its limits, and we work on every detail to ensure the best possible footwear in terms of comfort and performance”, says Enrico Pizzolato, Footwear Product Manager.
Part of the Nibelia family, which offers a range of shoes for summer hikes, the Nibelia Warm stands out as the winter's answer for those eager to experience trails in the colder months. It's an easy-entry model crafted to appeal to the younger demographic, emphasizing Dolomite's dedication to promoting year-round outdoor activities. “The big idea behind Nibelia is to offer young and new outdoor enthusiasts the perfect shoe to practice outdoor activities during the winter. A modern-looking shoe that has all the essential features of a hiking shoe, but at the same time is in line with young people’s tastes and trends. In this way, we encourage young hikers to practice this activity all year round, not just in the summer”, describes Pizzolato the basic idea behind the shoe design.
Italian design's richness is embedded in the Nibelia Warm, where a harmonious blend of tradition and creativity is evident. This isn't just a shoe; it's a testament to Dolomite's commitment to inviting more young outdoor enthusiasts to experience the joys of hiking, regardless of the season. In essence, the Nibelia Warm is more than just a shoe; it's Dolomite's pledge to nurture the joy of being outdoors, driving a new wave of hikers to discover the magic of winter trails. It's time to discover the comfort of the Nibelia Warm hiking shoe.
