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5 FACTORS DRIVING THE NEXT ERA OF ACTIVE/OUTDOOR PRODUCT INNOVATION. BY EMILY WALZER FUTURE OUTLOOK T hese days, if you ask a textile industry exec "What's the next big thing on the horizon for functional fabrics," odds are the response will be "material that is better for people and the planet," as this is increasingly the go-to statement when talking about future product innovation. But the phrase belies the difficult task of actually achieving the goal of ushering in eco- performance textiles that excite consumers and spark creative energy within the active/outdoor space. Here are a handful of factors key to determining future developments. The Future of Fibers is Natural As companies dig deeper into the world of natural fibers, two areas are worth watching. On land, keep an eye on advancements in hemp, while oceans are seen as the new farmland for finding opportunities using marine-derived textiles. According to the recently released National Hemp Report, 2023 production of hemp grown in the open for fiber was estimated at 49.1M pounds, up 133 percent from 2022. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for fiber in the U.S. was estimated at 12,106 acres, up 77 percent from last season. Textile Exchange reports the industrial hemp market size is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years, rising from $6.8 billion in 2022 to $18.1 billion in 2027, at a CAGR of 21.6 percent from 2022 to 2027. Patagonia hemp clothing already totals 74 items, with more on the docket. e company's Spring '25 Work Denim collection uses hemp grown in Alabama and An ISPO textile report recently highlighted the importance of cooling techniques in an age of rising temperatures. 20 • July/August 2024 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com DESIGN / TRENDS

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