With the ISL Constructed Surfboard, AGIT Global unites sustainability, performance, style, and water resistance–reason enough for the jury to give the new plank the ISPO Award 2023.
Minimizing carbon emissions in product manufacturing and setting up a circular economy are some of the big tasks of our time. Taiwanese outdoor-sporting goods company AGIT Global has taken up the fight against the climate crisis and for more environmental friendliness without neglecting style and performance. Their new ISL Constructed Surfboard is the result of a next-generation foam lamination process that is not only more sustainable but also allows for creating an exceptional style. The board has the look of a traditional fiberglass surfboard but only one seamline.
The unique manufacturing process, called Innovative Smart Lamination (ISL), features an advanced casting method that allows the expansion of foam in a mold. This lowers carbon emissions and the required working time while creating a technically very detailed product. Instead of using adhesives and epoxies, AGIT Global’s method utilizes steam, compression, computer numerical control for edge processing, and heat for lamination. The process also reduces the water absorption of the board.
John Yeh, President of AGIT Global, explains: "Our attention focused on three processes that we found most important within the new ISL method. First is how we chose materials; second is the method in which the materials are processed; and last how easily the surfboard would be capable of returning to the recycled-reusable original state of raw material. Rather than using chemically cross-linked foam skins for the deck and bottom, we chose irradiated foams using only heat sources. After expanding the core itself, there are no residues left and the stringers have been certified against having any presence of chemicals in the treatment stage. At the end of the board’s lifecycle, we have the opportunity to take separated materials back to a useable raw material foam ready for use in other industries unlike any board or sporting item in the market now."
In modern foam construction, materials are normally sourced individually, which generates waste and does not allow for fine detailing due to heavy manual processing. That’s why the market has been flooded with homogeneous products. With ISL, AGIT Global developed a new manufacturing process that improves durability and water resistance, reduces carbon emissions, increases performance, offers more individual styles, and still maintains a fair entry-level price.
Matt Zilinskas, Business Development Officer at AGIT Global, stresses: "Our revolutionary ISL technology is not just about the finished product. This new process starts at the beginning of the product manufacturing lifecycle by selecting the finest irradiated foam materials and through the ISL process, we are able to reduce scrap rate, reduce energy usage, reduce water absorption, improve lamination, and ultimately give birth to a higher-quality, more durable, tighter fused foam-core product."
The new technology allows AGIT Global to work with materials that are an alternative to the heavy emission-based craftsmanship usually on offer. The ISL Constructed Surfboard consists of an EPS or PP core, a 9-layer plywood stringer, a high-density polyethylene bottom, and an IXPE deck. All materials are sourced locally in Taiwan, no more than 2 hours away from the factory. The foams used have little or no identified chemical impact on the environment and can be recycled.
There is more to come, as this process opens up many opportunities for the industry. "Surfboards are just one example of a product that can be manufactured using our patented ISL process," Matt Zilinskas adds. “AGIT is actively testing this technology in other sporting goods products with the ultimate goal of taking this technology beyond sporting goods and into other hard-goods categories."
Altogether, the jury decided that the ISL Constructed Surfboard is a sustainable product for recreational surfers of all skill levels looking for performance and durability, well worthy of an ISPO Award 2023.
In their video, Agit Global explains the new foam construction technology of their new ISL Construction Surfboard.
The Berghaus Freeflow 30+ backpack combines an ergonomic frame design with 3D-printed lumbar pads for exceptional airflow, more packing space and a stable load while moving. Read on about the features and materials of the pack that convinced the ISPO Award jury.
Airflow systems in backpacks are great as they keep your back ventilated during sweaty hikes. But they also come with certain compromises. “Typical airflow systems compromise both user stability and the usable storage space of the bag. With the new Freeflow, we set out to challenge these drawbacks«, explains Joe O’Connell, Senior Industrial Designer at Berghaus. This was the starting point for the brand to come up with a new design for hiking backpacks. With their new Freeflow, Berghaus set out to solve this problem which is quite a common one in hiking backpacks.
»Our design introduces an ergonomically engineered frame which positions the load closer to the body, enhancing stability and improving storage whilst maintaining airflow and cooling to the back.« The ergonomic frame follows the natural curve of the spine, ensuring stability whilst maintaining a consistent air gap of 40mm. At the contact point, 3D-printed pads provide stability and comfortable padding. With their unique structure, designed in collaboration with 3D print specialist Carbon, they are lightweight and enable continuous airflow. The mesh technology in the Freeflow 30+ is constructed seamlessly and aids airflow and heat regulation as well.
In the development phase, the backpack and its prototypes had to undergo some serious testing. »To ensure our design thoroughly answered the brief, we extended our development process, introducing additional prototyping rounds and partnering with end-users and anatomy experts at all stages of the project«, explains Joe O’Connell and his colleague, Rosemary Anderson, Berghaus Product Testing Coordinator adds: »Regarding the testing of this new Freeflow pack, we wanted to make sure we married up lab-based analysis with in-field data collection and user testing. We conducted in-house research, and then further explored this through utilising university equipment and staff to validate our ideas. Alongside this, we conducted team walks, speaking to users as they trialled prototypes at various stages of completion, and got the team hiking repeatedly with different packs to test their thermal dissipation characteristics.«
And the outcome speaks for itself. While traditional airflow backpacks compromise packing space and user stability by pushing the load away from the wearer, the Berghaus Freeflow 30+ does not. During the jury meeting, no matter how much the pack was filled, the fit on the back was always immaculate and felt very stable, when different ISPO Award jury members tried it on.
The frame is fully removable and recyclable. Polypropylene was selected for the frame for two key reasons: First, injection molding provided precise ergonomic control. Second, it can be widely recycled and is sourced from a bluesign-certified manufacturer in Vietnam. The 3D-printed pads are printed by Oechsler in Germany. The main body of the bag, including the straps, is manufactured using a conventional cut-and-sew production process.
The Berghaus Freeflow 30+ comes in two frame sizes, with incremental adjustability with each frame. The straps of the pack can be adjusted easily, to accommodate different builds and back lengths. It is designed ergonomically, to suspend the pack away from your back, keeping you cooler. The backpack capacity is 30 liters plus an expansion pocket offering an optional further 5 liters packing volume.
Multifunctional Lunch Solution: The Patron Lunchbox Set – a fusion of sustainability, functionality, and social impact. Clever design, practical details: a contemporary and stylish form of lunchbox.
Originating in Europe, the Patron Lunchbox Set is not just any lunchbox. Its design is multi-functional, comprised of stainless steel, an integrated cutting board, and a magnet-secured knife. Such features cater to those who spend time outdoors, be it camping, hiking, or even bikepacking. Yet, its versatility extends to more urban environments, making it just as suitable for office settings. One notable aspect of its design is the patented locking system. This innovative feature allows the cutting board to be stably affixed to the thigh, thus facilitating a safer and more efficient cutting experience. Moreover, the choice of different woods for the cutting board grants users a touch of personalization.
Its components are sourced from different European countries – the box is from Italy, the wood is from Germany, the knife is from France, and the locking system is also from Germany. Such a regional approach ensures quality and minimizes the environmental impact by reducing transportation distance and consequent carbon emissions.
The start-up sees the award win as confirmation of its efforts to bring an all-round sustainable product onto the market. "At the outset, the idea of a self-designed and regionally produced lunchbox emerged. Subsequently, akin to a 'garage startup,' there was extensive tinkering, research, and planning to bring the Patron Lunchbox Set to market as it stands today. We are thrilled to be recipients of the Ispo Award as a young company. This achievement underscores that our pursuit of developing Purpose Products is on the right track", says Christian Böhm, one of the Patron Plasticfree Peaks founders. "The award serves as another crucial milestone on our journey toward becoming an established sustainable player in the outdoor industry."
The Patron Lunchbox Set caters to those who cherish time in nature and seek to enjoy and share their food without packaging, whether it be during camping, hiking, hunting, bikepacking, or even in the office. It stands out as a high-quality, regionally produced product featuring an appealing, minimalist design, coupled with versatile applications and functions. "In addition, by choosing the Patron Lunchbox Set, you are not only acquiring a product but also endorsing a message and becoming part of a movement", says Böhm. "Furthermore, your purchase supports our NGO, Patron e.V., which orchestrates large-scale CleanUP events. Thus, it's not just about a product; it's about a meaningful connection and contributing to a cause."
All in all the Patron Lunchbox Set demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. As mentioned: Collaborating with Lebenshilfe Donau Ries, a social institution, the assembly of this product supports community endeavors. Furthermore, by backing its NGO, Patron e.V., which is vested in organizing CleanUP events, the brand's commitment to environmental sustainability is reaffirmed. "Everything started off by realizing how much trash is in our environment. But we didn’t want to blame anyone for doing it, instead, we wanted to create a solution to avoid taking out the trash to nature", describes Böhm the basic idea. "As lots of waste is food packing, we created the Lunchbox Set, which should motivate people to take out their fresh, regional food without packaging. As food tastes the best when it’s freshly cut, we decided to add a cutting board and knife & create a lock system to fix the cutting board on the thigh." In sum, the Patron Lunchbox Set is a confluence of practicality, sustainability, and European craftsmanship. For those seeking an authentic and purposeful product, it stands out as a genuine contender.
The majority of clothing we wear is made by hand, which makes the manufacturing of apparel and textiles very labor intense. It is common knowledge that the majority of garment-related production is located in low-cost countries, where human rights risks can be most critical. Engaged human rights initiatives, international and EU regulations are setting the course for more social fairness.
With the dynamics of geo-political landscapes always in motion, progress towards fairness in supply chains has been slow. But emerging regulatory drivers in the EU, US and other import countries are setting the course for decent working conditions in the textile sector. Legislation supported by tools from human rights focused initiatives, provides an opportunity for collective action to drive transformative change. Within the EU, the Directive on Corporate Sustainability due diligence (the CSDDD) and the publication of the EU Forced Labour Product Ban proposal, companies will need to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behavior and anchor human rights and environmental considerations in their operations and corporate governance. Here are some experts to help you see clearly:
SLCP was born out of a collective need and desire to reduce social and labor audit duplication and fatigue in global supply chains. The solution was SLCP’s Converged Assessment Framework (CAF), a universal tool that eliminates the need for proprietary audits and allows saved resources to be redirected to improving conditions for workers. More than 12,000 facilities have registered to SLCP's data sharing Gateway, with over 8000 assessments completed in 2023 so far. SLCP benefits include stakeholder collaboration, reducing duplication and audit fatigue, enabling better comparability of social & labor data, and supporting the implementation of human rights due diligence.
With the enforcement of the EU Due Diligence & Green Claims Directive laws, brands are dedicating more time to conducting Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs) on their supply chains. The Fair Wear Foundation stands out as a leading human rights multistakeholder initiative in textile supply chains, and numerous outdoor brands are proud members. The organization regards the OECD-based (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) human rights due diligence (HRDD) as the guiding principle for responsible business conduct. Leveraging this expertise, Fair Wear offers two pathways for brands to embrace HRDD: through a Fair Wear membership or participation in the HRDD Academy.
The EIS addresses a blind spot in CSR: work-related accidents. Often brands assess preventive measures but overlook at protection for injured workers or their families in case of accident at the workplace. The pilot’s approach is to associate the public to the private sector: ILO (International Labor Organization) and GIZ (cooperation for sustainable development & international educational work) with authorities and social partners to strengthen the social insurance institution. The brands are invited to top up in terms of compensation to ensure that workers and their families are receiving medical care and compensation in line with international labor standards.
Addressing social issues in the supply chain is crucial, but social engagement extends to inclusivity and accessibility. Enter 'It’s Great Out There,' generously supported by the outdoor industry. Dedicated to championing inclusive, accessible, and responsible outdoor exploration for all, the initiative, along with its brand and retail partners, inspires outdoor activity. Through their grants program and Outdoor Activity Days, they activate individuals and organizations, advocating for the societal benefits of outdoor activity.
Opening Up the Outdoors unites outdoor brands, experts, allies, and changemakers with a shared love for the outdoors, dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, anti-racist, and inclusive outdoor community and industry. OUTO supports its community through education and connections, builds Europe's largest database of grassroots organizations focused on outdoor diversity, offers thought leadership and research, and guides the industry in becoming strong allies for people of color outdoors through its allyship commitment and beyond.
Mammut’s packable Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket for women is a warm, lightweight jacket with durable outer and zonal insulation for functional comfort on outdoor adventures. Designed for women who love to Hike, Mountaineer, Ski Tour and Climb this Jacket combines warmth and lightweight packability to create a functional thermal layer for all mountain conditions.
The Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket is designed with a minimalist classic silhouette with a technical look and feel. It can be easily packed into a stuff bag for simple layering in the changeable mountain conditions and aerobic exercise.
The jacket’s outer material is flexible for unrestricted movement and comfort, is abrasion resistant for the jacket’s durability and longevity, and benefits from a long-lasting water-repellent PFC-free DWR treatment to keep light showers out. The thermal liner, Mammut’s very own Mammut LOOPINSULATION, which is inserted in the form of padded sheets, is made from leftovers from Mammut's rope production partner, and provides breathable warmth and comfort, even when wet.
"We are really happy with the outcome of the Mammut LOOPINSULATION padding. Each trial round it became loftier and better. It’s really cool, that we can create a warm and protective padding out of rope-production leftovers that wouldn’t be purposed in any other way. It’s an unique innovation", explains Susanne Leutner, Product Manager Apparel at Mammut.
"The Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket Women is the perfect companion in cold environments", says Susanne Leutner and continuous: „The Mammut LOOPINSULATION padding keeps you warm while the outer material protects you against wind and light rain showers. With its feature set and its timeless look the jacket is designed to be a super versatile allrounder – for ski touring, multipitch climbing, hiking or just wearing it in everyday life. Put in on, leave it on.
The jacket also features an adjustable hood for added comfort and protection from the elements and three zippered pockets for all those outdoor essentials, making it the perfect functional layer for multi-sports outdoor adventurers.
The jacket also features an adjustable hood for added comfort and protection from the elements and three zippered pockets for all those outdoor essentials, making it the perfect functional layer for multi-sports outdoor adventurers.
