A wool & Lyocell T-shirt refined with No Petrol biotechnologies delivers comfort, durability, and up to 46% lower impact.
Everyday apparel rarely receives the attention reserved for high-performance gear — yet it is precisely here where innovation can create meaningful change. With the ImNatura Wool & Lyocell T-shirt, Impetus introduces a textile rooted in natural comfort and refined through advanced biotechnology. Awarded an ISPO Award 2025, the shirt combines fine wool with renewable Lyocell, creating a breathable, thermoregulating fabric with a smooth, luxurious handfeel. What distinguishes this piece is not only the material blend, but the way it is processed: through the No Petrol platform, which replaces conventional petrochemical treatments with biodegradable, bio-based alternatives.
For Impetus, the award underscores the strategic significance of this breakthrough. “Winning the ISPO Award is a proud recognition of our commitment to innovation and sustainability. It validates our efforts of research and development to create scalable products that combine premium quality with eco-responsible processes,” says Ricardo Figueiredo, Vice-President Impetus Group. The result is a T-shirt that elevates natural fibres through biotechnology, proving that comfort and responsibility can reinforce each other.
At the heart of the ImNatura lies a series of integrated No Petrol processes: bio-preparation, bio-dyeing, and bio-softening. Each stage replaces petrochemical auxiliaries with biodegradable compounds while reducing CO₂ emissions, water usage, energy consumption and overall process time. According to Impetus, these steps achieve up to 46% lower environmental impact, based solely on the preparation, dyeing and finishing phases compared to traditional methods.
This technological shift does more than reduce footprint — it enhances product performance. Bio-dyeing creates rich, nature-inspired colors with high resistance to light, washing and perspiration. Bio-softening, derived from microalgae-based compounds, improves comfort without compromising breathability or skin-friendliness. Because these methods require no changes in machinery, the innovation scales easily, offering retailers a premium product with a strong sustainability narrative and competitive pricing. “It meets the rising demand for sustainable fashion while delivering a compelling story of innovation,” the team explains in the Q&A. The shirt thus becomes an accessible example of how biotechnology can modernize textile manufacturing without adding complexity to production.
The ImNatura embodies a focused idea: harness biotechnology not as a niche experiment, but as a scalable upgrade to mainstream textile production. Using natural fibres and bio-based processes, Impetus demonstrates how everyday apparel can achieve both premium performance and measurable reductions in environmental impact. “Our product delivers luxurious comfort, vibrant natural colors, and the assurance of eco-friendly processes,” the brand states. The ISPO Award 2025 recognizes this holistic approach — an innovation designed not just to stand out, but to be widely adopted.
"The jury recognized the ImNatura for its precise application of biotechnology to an everyday garment. By replacing conventional petrochemical preparation, dyeing and softening with fully bio-based No Petrol processes, the T-shirt achieves a softer feel, richer color stability and measurably lower environmental impact. Its blend of wool and Lyocell demonstrates how natural fibers can be elevated through science without adding complexity to production." ISPO Award Jury
Ultra-light, storm-proof, and modular: the new Javari Suit from Blackyak offers uncompromising weather protection and maximum freedom of movement for high-altitude expeditions.
This ultralight, storm-proof, one-piece suit is made from three-layer Gore-Tex Performance fabric. It was developed for professional expeditions at extreme altitudes. It provides full protection from wind and water while remaining breathable and allowing a high degree of freedom of movement. The suit can also be easily combined with a climbing harness, helmet, or additional layers. Whether used as an emergency shell or as part of Blackyak's modular expedition system, the Javari Suit redefines alpine weather protection.
Every detail of the Javari Suit is designed for maximum function and efficiency.
The ultra-light 3-layer Gore-Tex Performance fabric with the new ePE membrane ensures complete wind and waterproofing, yet remains highly breathable – even during intense movement or changing weather conditions. The suit offers reliable protection in storms, snow, or icy rain without compromising comfort.
With its ergonomic cut, the Javari Suit allows unrestricted freedom of movement – whether climbing, belaying, or abseiling. Reinforced areas in high-wear zones increase durability, while YKK AquaGuard zippers and fully welded seams reliably prevent water ingress.
For emergencies, the suit is equipped with Recco reflectors and reflective safety elements that increase visibility in darkness and poor weather conditions. The eye-catching color scheme also enhances visibility in alpine terrain while ensuring a modern look.
What makes the Javari Suit special is its integration into Blackyak's modular expedition system. It was designed to be worn perfectly over the Watusi Light Suit. Together, they form a sophisticated, high-performance climate system for extreme conditions.
This system allows for quick, intuitive layer changes between ascent, summit push, and descent without heat loss or moisture buildup. The result is a dynamic interplay of lightness, protection, and breathability that has been specially optimized for high-altitude mountaineering.
Whether as a standalone emergency shell or as an outer protective layer in the modular system, the Javari Suit stands for efficient, intuitive, and quick action when conditions change.
The suit is made from 31 percent recycled polyamide combined with high-strength polyamide 6.6 (33 percent) and a PFC-free ePE Gore-Tex membrane (36 percent), which offers excellent weather protection with a lower environmental footprint. The C0 DWR impregnation is also free of harmful fluorocarbons. The suit is produced in Vietnam under strict environmental and social standards – with resource-saving cutting processes, reduced waste, and fair working conditions. In addition, Blackyak offers its own repair service.
"This suit not only looks very stylish, but also offers full functionality for demanding expeditions in high mountains. It is particularly lightweight and can be worn as an additional protective layer when the weather changes. Combined with the matching insulation layer, the Watusi Light Suit, it creates a high-performance, modular system that offers optimal protection, comfort, and freedom of movement—a well-thought-out concept for extreme conditions.“ ISPO Award Jury
“The Javari Suit is our answer to the demands of modern high-altitude expeditions: lighter, smarter, and fully modular. Combined with the Watusi Light Suit it becomes a powerful system that protects without slowing you down. We are honored that the ISPO Award recognizes this approach.” Maximilian Nortz, Managing Director International Business, Blackyak
Hybrid insulation, modular versatility, and technical minimalism: The new Blackyak Watusi Light Suit is the answer for demanding alpinists looking for lightweight, warm, and highly breathable gear.
Icy winds, bitter cold, endless meters of altitude—anyone who has been out in the cold in the mountains knows the interplay between the forces of nature and their own performance. In this extreme environment, the right equipment often determines whether you succeed or retreat. With the Watusi Light Suit, Blackyak is launching an expedition suit aimed at demanding alpinists. It is ultra-light, highly functional, and uncompromisingly robust. Developed for those who want to combine warmth and freedom of movement with protection, it offers maximum performance in the harshest conditions – from base camp to the summit stage.
With a total weight of only 1.2 kilograms, the suit offers maximum thermal performance with minimum weight. At the heart of the concept is advanced hybrid insulation, a combination of hydrophobic G-Loft fibers and Nikwax-treated RDS down material. The result: consistent thermal performance even in wet conditions, excellent breathability, and quick drying. While conventional down suits become clammy and lose volume, the Watusi Light Suit retains its shape—and its function.
The vision behind it: The expedition suit aims to bridge the gap between ultralight alpine clothing and bulky high-altitude suits and was developed as part of a modular clothing concept. It is therefore suitable as standalone thermal protection or as a separate insulation layer under the Javari Gore-Tex Shell Suit. This makes the Watusi Light Suit versatile and adaptable to any mission, weather, and altitude.
Every detail of the Watusi Light Suit is a statement of technical precision. The outer material is made of Cordura ripstop nylon with Vectran reinforcements, which offer maximum abrasion resistance and impressive lightness. The ergonomic cut and adjustable neoprene belt stabilize the torso, shift the load to the hips, and maximize freedom of movement.
The suit also impresses visually with a clean, performance-oriented design. The “raspberry sorbet” color stands for self-confidence and precision—a modern contrast to the rugged mountain world. Despite its minimalist look, every seam is packed with functional intelligence: less overlap, no cold spots, optimized ventilation.
But the Watusi Light Suit not only scores points technically, but also in terms of sustainability. RDS-certified down, recycled G-Loft fibers, PFC-free DWR C0 impregnation, and production under strict environmental and social standards in Vietnam make it a statement for responsible performance. Its long life and repairability also reduce resource consumption.
In addition, Blackyak is committed to environmental and educational projects worldwide through its own charitable foundation. For example, the company supports the Icefall Doctors, who secure the dangerous routes in the Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest every year – a commitment that goes far beyond pure product innovation.
The Watusi Light Suit will be available in Raspberry Sorbet from September 2026. A separate compression bag is included to make the product easy to store and protect it in the long term.
“With the Watusi Light Suit, Blackyak presents an intelligent response to the challenges faced by modern alpinists. The suit combines outstanding thermal protection, high breathability, and maximum freedom of movement. In combination with the waterproof Javari Gore-Tex Shell Suit, it creates a fully modular system that adapts flexibly to changing conditions.“ ISPO Award Jury
“With the Watusi Light Suit we wanted to create an insulation system that truly supports alpinists in the decisive moments: when conditions shift, when speed matters and when performance meets survival. The result is a suit that delivers warmth, breathability and freedom of movement in a completely new balance. Receiving the ISPO Award for this concept is a great honor for us.” Maximilian Nortz, Managing Director International Business, Blackyak
This trail running shoe from Blackyak was developed specifically for ultra-trail runners. It offers maximum stability, energy return, and optimal grip for those who push themselves to their limits.
With the new “Sky Arrow D TR” trail running shoe, Blackyak is entering the footwear market for the first time – and making a strong statement. The high-tech shoe combines state-of-the-art materials, a precise fit and maximum performance in a sustainable design. Developed for extreme distances and technically demanding terrain, it sets new standards in terms of lightness, stability and power transmission. Because for ultra-trail runners, every gram, every step, and every detail counts.
The Sky Arrow D TR was developed specifically for ultra-trail runners who demand maximum performance over long distances. Its innovative BOA Dynamic Wrap system ensures millimeter-precise adjustment and a secure fit—even on steep descents and ascents. The TPU and TPEE upper with Tytan technology offers a combination of strength, flexibility, and protection. The integrated ankle protection cuff provides additional stabilization and reliable protection against moisture, stones, roots, and debris.
This shoe is particularly special because it was designed based on off-road tires. This design concept is evident in the robust LoopGrip Y7/Y9 outsole and structured surface architecture. These features provide optimal grip and agility on difficult terrain. The reliable grip holds up on wet rock, loose gravel, and muddy trails.
Additionally, the shoe impresses with its low weight, which saves noticeable energy on long stages. Thanks to its breathable, abrasion-resistant material, the feet will stay dry and comfortable for hours—perfect for extreme races such as the UTMB or Transalpine Run.
Special attention was paid to the sole construction. The combination of Pulse Foam+ and a supercritical insole provides cushioning and energy return at the highest level. Every step is efficiently converted into propulsion—a decisive advantage over ultra-distances, where energy reserves must be used optimally. The result: a smooth, dynamic feel that can make the difference between finishing and giving up.
The Sky Arrow D TR also sets standards in terms of sustainability. The Tytan Jacquard upper is made from 50 percent recycled polyester and is processed using environmentally friendly water-based adhesives. The PFC-free C0 DWR waterproofing provides lasting protection against moisture. The shoe is produced in a certified factory in Vietnam that is committed to energy-efficient processes and fair working conditions.
Blackyak also supports sustainable and social projects worldwide – from educational initiatives in Nepal to supporting the legendary Icefall Doctors who secure the routes on Mount Everest. This philosophy flows directly into product development: durable materials, repair-friendly design, and conscious use of resources.
The shoe will be available in red and black from February 2026.
"The Blackyak Sky Arrow D TR is a powerful tool for extreme runners who need control, comfort, and confidence in every situation. With its high-quality components, low weight, and highly efficient sole construction, it sets new standards in the ultra-trail segment.“ ISPO Award Jury
“With the Sky Arrow D TR we wanted to build a shoe that supports runners in the decisive moments of an ultra: when control, confidence, and energy efficiency matter most. It delivers stability, propulsion, and protection without compromise. Receiving the ISPO Award for our first footwear product is a huge motivation for our entire team.” Maximilian Nortz, Managing Director International Business, Blackyak
A polar-grade recycled down jacket built from ocean-sourced nylon and engineered for extreme cold, circularity and traceability.
The Ultra Light Polar Recycled Down Jacket introduces a textile system designed to meet the demands of polar environments while advancing a fully circular approach to material sourcing and reuse. The outer shell is engineered from 7d nylon 6 made of recycled ghost fishing nets recovered from marine ecosystems—waste streams that carry significant ecological impact. This ultralight material weighs only 25 g/m² and is processed through post-consumer nylon chemical recycling, enabling near-infinite reuse without degrading quality. Certified by grs, obp and oeko-tex 100, the fabric retains down-proof integrity and resilience in windy, abrasive conditions.
“Winning the ISPO Award proves the Tanboer Ultra Light Polar Recycled Down Jacket’s innovation, sustainability, and performance leadership, elevating the brand’s global reputation and opening doors to international markets and premium retail opportunities,” said Wang Xiaojie, Senior Design Manager, Tanboer. The concept links marine recovery with extreme-weather protection, demonstrating how circular textile chains can support scientific work in the world’s coldest regions.
The jacket’s sustainability framework extends beyond the shell. Tanboer integrates a down recycling system that recovers insulation from old garments and restores it through cleaning, grading and performance testing, reducing reliance on new animal-derived down while ensuring high thermal standards. All auxiliary components—including lining materials, zippers, buckles, and stitching threads—use renewable or recycled content, allowing the garment to be processed within a unified recovery stream. A built-in “dna” tracking system records material origins and processing routes, giving research stations, retailers and end users full traceability. This enhances supply-chain transparency and supports proper recycling at end of life. The PFAS-free c0 DWR finish reduces chemical impact while maintaining wind and water resistance. The overall system demonstrates a consistent circular approach: single-material nylon for simplified recycling, renewable down, recoverable trims and digital traceability.
Functionally, the jacket is designed for the extremes. With 900 fill power and 95% high-quality goose down, the garment carries up to 370 g of insulation and withstands temperatures from –40 °c to –45 °c. The Borealis Matrix down chamber system distributes insulation to minimize cold spots, improve durability and maintain loft during high activity. Tanboer’s 4d patterning supports a 180-degree lifting angle, enabling free movement in field research, glacier travel or technical terrain. An anti-blizzard design reinforces stability in high winds, while a helmet-compatible hood, magnetic fidlock attachment and snow skirt address field-specific needs.
Safety features include an integrated recco transceiver for avalanche rescue scenarios. Storage is structured through a multifunctional pocket system with napoleon access, internal mesh pockets, a glasses cloth and a d-ring for equipment. Renewable zipper pulls and a circular zipper loop support both usability and end-of-life recovery.
The Ultra Light Polar Recycled Down Jacket reflects Tanboer’s intention to link extreme-weather protection with environmental responsibility. By transforming ocean ghost nets into high-performance insulation shells, the design reduces marine pollution and expresses a broader commitment to ecological restoration. The profitable portion of this circular initiative supports the n.o.c. marine environmental protection scientific research institute, funding polar climate research. For retailers, the jacket presents a blend of certified recycled materials, advanced insulation engineering and clear traceability, positioned for consumers who value both technical capability and environmental purpose.
For scientific teams and expedition users, it provides a reliable, recoverable system aligned with long-term sustainability goals. The ISPO Award 2025 acknowledges the jacket’s combination of innovative recycled materials, polar-grade performance and measurable social impact.
"The jury acknowledged the Ultra Light Polar Recycled Down Jacket for its integration of ocean-sourced nylon, recycled down and a traceable circular material system. Its combination of extreme cold-weather performance, recoverable components and dna-based tracking demonstrates how technical polar gear can advance environmental responsibility without compromising protection." ISPO Award Jury