ISPO names 2021’s top products
ISPO has named its top 76 products for 2021 from 250 submissions in the categories snowsports, outdoor, running and fitness and urban life.
Due to the pandemic, the two-day jury meeting was held in a hybrid format for the first time – partly on site, partly by videocall.
Assessment criteria included innovation, functionality, quality and choice of materials.
Six products were lauded for exceptional performance in terms of sustainability.
These are:
• Helly Hansen’s Odin Infinity Insulated Jacket, which uses a new fabric made from dope dye polypropylene (LIFA) that cuts the CO2 emission to almost half compared with polyethersulfone (PES). The chemical properties of the fabric mean it is water repellent without DWR treatment.
• Icebreaker Zone Knit Hoodie, a highly engineered midlayer whose material is traceable and is made in a waste-free production process. “This hoody is a symbol of the ambitious journey towards a circular economy,” said judges.
• Zanier Bleed X Zanier Eco Active Gloves, made with recycled polyester fabric, including a recycled PES membrane, treated with non-fluorine water repellence and a cork palm to replace leather
• WNDR Alpine’s Vital 100 - the ski is almost fully biosourced and nearly fully reusable or renewable and uses biotechnology from algae
• Earlybird Skis' Chickadee is described as “the first fully circular economy ski - biodegradable, recyclable and eco-friendly through lightweight materials made of biobased and recycled raw materials, topped with biobased fluorine-free Skiwax".
• On AG Cyclon running shoe, made of recyclable and partially bio-based polyamide from castor beans in an undyed design and mono-material composition. “It’s totally recyclable internally and the new business model of yearly subscription makes the product at its end of life easily collected and returned to the manufacturer,” said judges.
The 76 winning products can be found on ISPO’s website. The highest award, Product of the Year, will first be announced during the official award ceremonies via live stream as part of ISPO Munich Online, from February 1 to 5, 2021. The Gold Winners, Products of the Year and Winners with the special Sustainability Achievement will feature in a digital award showroom.
Image: An ISPO winner: Samaya ASSAUT2 ULTRA: lightweight tent for high Alpine adventures
