Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1532683
A n action-packed three-day show, the latest ISPO (held December 3-5 in Munich), confirmed the importance of a one-stop shop for all areas of sports and outdoor. e industry cognoscenti was on tap as presentations, talks, and get-togethers echoed ISPO's rallying cry of #LoveEveryContact. People from around the world came to discuss fashion, technology and health. From digitalization, including wearables that measure muscle fatigue in real-time, to AI-controlled fitness devices, there was much talk of the impending European Digital Product Passport (DPP) and how technology impacts products, sports, and supply chains. Health was a hot topic, as was the "clicks vs. bricks" approach to retail — a business model combining online and physical retail sales. At the ISPO Future Lab, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that 81 percent of children and adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently active. is inactivity enormously impacts the healthcare system. Keynotes and panels emphasized that the sports industry doesn't only deliver products, but can also be an engine for a better life. Sustainability Shines In partnership with Patagonia, the Sustainability Hub clarified how industry can contribute to climate protection. Brands like Adidas and Gore-Tex showed that high-per- formance products can also be sustainable. e use of algae as a renewable raw material is particularly innovative, and bio-based feedstock in polyester, nylon, and spandex is becoming the norm. Lycra's launch of bio-spandex de- rived from corn through to bio-membranes, with Chinese down clothing brand Bosideng achieving 100 percent bio-membrane technol- ogy with a high level of performance. "ISPO is a place where like-minded busi- nesses come together—businesses that share our mission of connecting people with nature. But what Patagonia does alone isn't enough. If the outdoor and sports industries unite and use our collective voice to push for stronger environmental protections, we can drive the systemic change our planet urgently needs," said Beth oren, Environmental Action & Initiatives Director EMEA at Patagonia. Patagonia's booth strapline highlighted the importance of repair - "If it's broke, repair it." is is where the United Repair Centre came into play, with a large area of machinists repairing kits and also discussing how to implement repair programs. More brands are working on this concept, keeping gear in use for longer lengths of time and pushing towards a circular economy. Other concepts at the show included repair kits being included with a product, enabling a connection with the consumer about caring for that product. e industry is only too aware of the finite resources it pulls from, with a significant shi taking way in renewable ingredients. The Material Lab area highlighted the companies pushing for a new level of efficient use of infinite resources. Algaeing, a company that has scaled from a lab to commercial delivery, showcased bio-dyes derived from algae. Other ingredients at Material Lab included mycelium COME TOGETHER ISPO Rallied an Energized Sports and Outdoor Sector. By Louisa Smith IN THE MARKET / EURO REPORT 6 • Textile Insight ~ Winter 2025 textileinsight.com United Repair Centre at ISPO Munich. Photo: Thomas Plettenberg