Helping to help – as simple as the basic approach of the Swedish company twICEme sounds, it is as efficient as the use of the app and its integrated technology. This innovative company should noticeably increase the safety of outdoor athletes. So what is it all about?
Founded in 2017 by ex-militaries, the Swedish safety technology company saw a huge problem during rescue missions – the lack of information about a person. As they had experienced first-hand the feelings of helplessness in military missions, where close friends were injured and needed medical aid, they wondered if this was a problem elsewhere.
It turns out rescuers had requested additional information during rescue missions for decades, and the founders even found an open letter signed by some of the largest rescue organizations in the world, begging equipment producers and others to prioritize this to help them save lives. An idea was born that, perhaps, technology that securely stores safety information in equipment without the need for network access, should be useful.
As Christian Connolly (CEO) and Jack Svensson (COO) entered the company in 2019, it was apparent that the product had been met with rejoice in the rescue community, and some of the front-runners in the equipment industry (e.g. POC) had already bought into the vision of the company - to re-connect humanity with its instinct to help. Because twICEme believes that helping is human and that feelings of helplessness are a dark and terrible state of mind.
“Our innovative technology, which can be built into accessories such as helmets, goggles, or jackets, delivers safety information such as medical data, coordinates, or phone numbers to loved ones,” says Linnea Koistinen, Head of Marketing and PR at twICEme, summarizing the benefits of the technology.
As twICEme developed the product, and after initial market research, they understood that the technology had to be built with three pillars in mind – it should run on technology for the future, have privacy in mind at all times, and be easy to use. No sign-ups, no sharing of sensitive data in the cloud, and anyone should be able to use it. The choice fell on NFC-enabled hardware specifically developed to store large amounts of data and transfer them quickly when a smartphone touches them. The user experience had to be fast, so information can be accessed when it was most needed. And, of course, easy to integrate and use.
But the technology itself is not the important part of twICEme, at least in their own eyes, “We could’ve used any technology that achieved our mission and purpose, and, who knows, we might update or change it in the future if something even better comes up. But with the incredible speed of adoption for NFC technology, the fastest growing industry in tech, there are currently no safer nor better options on the market,” Jack Svensson says.
An app version of twICEme is available for both Android and Apple devices and, once installed, works immediately. The easy installation and usability of the twICEme app also convinced the two members of the ISPO Collaborator Club, Lina and Alessandro. The two outdoor enthusiasts were able to try out the app and its functionality during the development phase. “The easy structure and clear design of the twICEme app appealed to me right from the start,” says Lina, describing her impression of the app. Both collaborators see the fact that the current version of the app also allows medical information to be stored in the app in any quantity as a clear advantage. “This sets the app apart from existing solutions such as Apple’s SOS-Pass,” Alessandro and Lina mutually agree.
Using the connection between something we carry on ourselves at all times, the phone, and safety equipment creates an interesting potential for future developments. Christian Connolly says, “We’re currently solving the identification and location part of a rescue process, which is one of the least developed areas, but we’ve identified several more parts of an emergency - alerting the rescuers and helping them immediately locate you, are two of those things. You can share your coordinates with contacts right now, but we’re about to release a solution for immediately calling the local rescuer in skiing areas in case of an emergency. Which is huge for mountain rescuers. That’s one of 10 product expansions being released this year. Also, other areas around safety, like before an accident even happens, are something we see huge potential for helping product developers create safer products, and helping people stay safe. Since twICEme is an integrated technology, we can help create a safe experience when performing otherwise higher-risk sports and work.”
But it’s not just the ISPO Collaborators Club testers who are satisfied with the smart technology. Manufacturers already using the technology see great potential. “The fact that the twICEme solution is based on a user-friendly app and process for uploading and accessing relevant health data makes it easy to set up, which is a real added value of a helmet. Collaborating with the young and dynamic team at twICEme to set a new safety standard in the market for the benefit of all skiers and snowboarders is really exciting for Julbo and that’s why we are spreading this technology on both our ski helmet and goggles,” says Nicolas Defude, Product Manager at Julbo, describing the collaboration.
twICEme Marketing Manager Linnea highlights another benefit of the technology for manufacturers: “The whole safety concept of a product like a ski helmet is supported by our technology,” says Linnea. “The additional technology and the added benefit for the customers should, of course, also create an added value, which increases the willingness to pay more for such a helmet.” Additionally, Linnea emphasises that by using twICEme, bystanders are also encouraged to help in an emergency. “Thus, twICEme creates a sense of community around safety,” she adds. Helping to help – with twICEme, technology is now available that can help rescuers and injured outdoor athletes in a noticeably different way.
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Freedom of the toes is an integral part of Bär’s company DNA. Thanks to a new technology in the midsole, the wearing comfort of the Bergkomfort 2.0 has been raised to a new level. Long hikes are expressly desired with this comfort hiking shoe.
Hiking boots are a complicated construct made up of a very large number of individual parts. Assembling these into a unit that is as comfortable and durable as possible has always been one of the challenges facing shoe manufacturers. Since its founding, the shoe manufacturer Bär has gone its own way. The most striking distinguishing feature of the shoes – a wide toe box. With this feature, which at first seemed unusual, the brand earned a special place in the field of footwear production. The toes have more space to spread out than in comparable shoe models from other manufacturers. Nevertheless, the foot gets optimal stability so that it does not slip back and forth during hikes. So much for the background to Bär’s well-known construction method.
The mountain comfort 2.0, which was awarded an ISPO Award, can be added to the already described, further complementary comfort features. It is the balance with which this shoe was able to convince the jury. Breathable nubuck leather in the upper, plus a new midsole technology that ensures the hiker optimal stability even in rough terrain. Built-in horizontal struts of the newly developed and patent-pending Firmoflex® technology in the forefoot area of the midsole are responsible for this. An innovative solution that also ensures correct and flexible rolling and is intended to prevent malpositions.
The long development time of the last has paid off. “We work closely with our long-standing and experienced last maker and have packed all our combined knowledge into one last for the development of the 'Bergkomfort' last," explains CEO Christof Bär. “Our lasts are digitized and can thus be easily compared with each other. So, 40 years of experience has resulted in this perfect last with optimal fit that meets all needs." Partner company Vibram brought in as an outsole supplier. The Italian specialist for rubber soles developed a HikeTec sole with a unique profile and a high-tech rubber compound. The sole supports by a claw effect when running uphill and gives in the heel area thanks to brake profile necessary grip when running downhill.
Bär also follows a consistent path when it comes to sustainability. Another important point in the jury’s decision making. For example, Bär is ISO 45001 certified for Health and Safety Management. “Bär shoes are already a sustainable product due to the product and production philosophy," says Christof Bär. The brand gives great importance to the selection of materials and partner companies for its durable shoes. The German leather producer TerraCare, with its processing method that is as environmentally friendly as possible, is one of the long-standing partners, and not without reason. Whether in the manufactory in India or Germany. Bär sets high standards for all production locations. “In India as well as in Germany, we generate more than 60% of our own energy needs through renewable sources," says Christof Bär, giving an insight into the production method. “Furthermore, our manufactory in Ambur (IN) is equipped with its own wastewater treatment plant for industrial water, reducing water consumption to a minimum.”
Bär is focusing on emission-saving measures as part of its sustainability strategy. “In 2020, we were also able to save 81.78 tons of CO₂, which is equivalent to driving a car with a mid-range gasoline engine for about 400,000 km, which would allow you to drive around the world about ten times," says a company spokeswoman.
With the Dometic GO Hydration Water Faucet and the matching Water Jug, Swedish outdoor brand Dometic wins the ISPO AWARD 2023. The water-saving rechargeable electric faucet, in combination with the space saving Water Jug, makes a universal smart water supply solution for every outdoor adventure.
With their Dometic GO collection, the Swedish market leader for mobile living equipment is aiming at all outdoor and nature lovers who wish to travel not with a caravan but their private car. The Dometic GO collection has been designed so that the individual products in the series can be easily stowed, packed, combined and transported. Practical and robust products including a table, chairs and stackable storage boxes are now complimented by the innovative universal Hydration Water Faucet. Together with the space-saving 11-liter Water Jug, the combined Hydration solution serves both water storage and dosed use with ease. “With the Hydration Water Faucet and Water Jug, we mainly want to target outdoor enthusiasts, car campers, climbers, mountain bikers and surfers," explains Caroline Faidherbe, Head of Outdoor Division EMEA at Dometic.
Similar to a home faucet, outdoor enthusiasts can now control the volume dispensed and the flow of water with ease - wherever they are. “Water is an indispensable element when you’re outdoors, and it’s often used more than expected. The Dometic GO Hydration Kit saves this precious water by dispensing the exact amount needed without wasting a drop," says Caroline Faidherbe.
Another feature that convinced the AWARD jury: The Dometic GO Hydration Water Faucet can be used universally. Thus, any water container can be converted into a water faucet for the outdoor kitchen. it’s also very simple to use, a hose is attached to the Hydration Water Faucet, which is inserted into the respective water canister before use. The faucet itself can be placed on the canister or on any flat surface nearby. At the push of a button, the desired amount of water fills the glass or similar container. The pump of the faucet is self-priming and features a light for use when the sun goes down. With a battery that can be recharged via USB connection, a full 150 liters of water can be channeled through the innovative faucet system. The faucet also has an automatic shut-off function. Handy in case it’s accidentally left running.
The Hydration Water Faucet supports another key sustainability aspect – reducing plastic waste. With refilling existing water containers made easier than ever before, the need to purchase single-use plastic water bottles is replaced by the Hydration Water Faucet and the 11-litre Water Jug instead. The innovative hydration system from Dometic quenches thirst and benefits the planet – a win-win situation for all.
Wishing fitness tools could be produced more sustainably? Evergreen Barbell shows that there is a way, to utilize 80 percent recycled materials for their Eco Grip Discs, which won them an ISPO Award in 2023
Going “green” by reducing our emissions and carbon footprint is more important than ever. While gym equipment hasn’t been at the forefront in the quest for more sustainability so far, it can be environmentally friendly, too - believe it or not. The UK-based company Evergreen Barbell has developed, perfected, and patented a process for producing Pol Urethane coated, weighted fitness products that are exactly that: more sustainable in utilizing 80% recycled materials otherwise destined for landfill.
Typically weight discs and other similar fitness products would be produced in Asia and require the extraction of cast iron from the earth. Instead, Evergreen produces its Barbell Eco Grip discs in Europe, more specifically in the UK, using mostly materials that would usually go to landfill. In a unique, patented process, the company greatly reduces the carbon required to manufacture the barbells, also reducing the use of fossil fuels and therefore less harmful gases as a side product. 80% of the product is made up of recycled, end-of-life steel, which is a bi-product of the construction industry. Using recycled steel as a resource not only reduces the amount of landfill but also prevents the need to extract cast iron or steel from the earth.
Their aim is to offer a full range of weighted fitness products, produced in Europe using this unique process, to revolutionize the way the fitness industry sources these items and also to have a positive impact on the environment. For their work and ambitions, Evergreen Barbell has recently been recognized and awarded a Green Apple Award at the Houses of Parliament, UK for our positive contribution.
The grip discs are well manufactured and feature a black satin, semi-gloss finish. The tough and durable urethane coating is easy to clean and kind to floors. It has also been impact and drop tested. Engraved weight identification also helps to find the right weight and won’t wear off after repeated use. The discs come in a range of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25kg and you can purchase them as a set.
They can be used as a versatile fitness tool, in a barbell workout, or by themselves. Easy-grip allows for quick changes to increase the weight or as a handle for exercise variations. Used as individual plates or stacked, they can feature in circuits, boot camps, Bodypump classes, and different other settings to tone the entire body. Evergreen Barbell Eco Grip Discs are a great option for clubs that are looking to go ‚green‘ and reduce their environmental impact but also for consumers who want to do the same with fitness tools used in their home workouts.