[pageLogInLogOut]

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

ISPO Awards 2022: Showcase for the smartest athletic products of the year

Heptathlon Black Technology Down Jacket by Sundance © 2022 ISPO / Sundance
Shortly before the opening of ISPO Munich, which will be held at the end of November for the first time, the lineup for the world’s leading sports trade fair is now set: 57 remarkable products and services were recognized with an ISPO Award during the jury’s final meeting this year.

Visitors and journalists will be able to experience this group and many other winners of the ISPO Award 2022 live in the Future Lab of ISPO Munich (accreditation via this link).

https://www.ispo.com/en/munich-press/ispo-munich-online-press-accreditation-ispocom


“New Perspectives on Sports” is the motto of ISPO Munich 2022 that will be held from November 28 – 30. The sports brands that submitted their innovations to the ISPO Award in the fourth quarter took this motto to heart: “We have rarely seen so many exceptional new products during the ISPO Award competition. All sorts of new perspectives are opening up,” said Christoph Beaufils, who acts at the co-head of the ISPO Award along with Christina Rabl, who added: “We are talking about well-conceived ideas that take innovations to a new level. We are in the midst of an evolutionary leap both in terms of the mindset of manufacturers and the materials and technologies they use.” 

Optray sunglasses with self-tinting lenses by react Switzerland © 2022 ISPO / react Switzerland
Optray sunglasses with self-tinting lenses by react Switzerland © 2022 ISPO / react Switzerland



New level of sustainability and smart technologies

The jury consisting of trade journalists and the consumer experts of the ISPO Collaborators Club identified the following trends that were related to the winning products:

• Fewer compromises through individualization and tremendous flexibility

• New level of sustainability through the use of long-lasting, recyclable materials

• Intelligent use of technology for more security and comfort, including artificial intelligence

• High quality and simplicity for demanding uses

And a large number of easy-entry products that enable beginners to learn a particular sport more quickly. Frequently, the jurors had to do a double-take as they examined the entries. But that was not surprising because the really smart innovations are not exactly eye-catchers.


New concept of the ISPO Award integrates consumer expertise

“The fact that we had a significantly higher number of entries in the fourth quarter shows us that the new concept of the ISPO Award with quarterly meetings of the jury was the right approach to take,” Christoph Beaufils said. Christina Rabl added: “Participating brands were really pleased about our decision to add the voice of sport enthusiasts to the jury by drawing on our selected Collaborators Club members.”


ISPO Award products – sustainable, clever and individual

A few examples of the winning products:

  • Heptathlon black technology down jacket from Sundance: The stylish down jacket that includes an integrated massage unit is a good example of the health clothing trend.
  • Winter ski boot liners from UltimatefitLiners: This is the first boot liner that was developed around the foot and can provide significantly better bio-mechanical support to skiers’ feet.
  • Optray sunglasses with photochromic lenses from react Switzerland: You could say that photochromic sunglasses are a dime a dozen. But the sports glasses made by react are really something special: The shade tronic technology used in these sports glasses that weigh just 36 grams enables the lenses to change their tint within 0.1 second– perfect for outdoor sports involving rapidly changing light conditions.
  • Biodegradable winter socks from Lorpen: These are the first breathable socks designed for mountaineering performed in extremely cold weather. The recycled material used in the socks is completely biodegradable.
  • Techrock monoski jacket & pants from adidas Terrex: This is a monoski jacket that is specially made for monoskiers who are paralyzed from the waist down. It is perfectly designed to meet the special needs of these athletes.
  • New type of snowboard from doubledeck: The company has reinvented the snowboard with the help of this innovation – and made it easier for beginners to get into snowboarding. The special design prevents snowboarders from experiencing such typical problems as catching an edge or taking a tumble when they venture out on their first snowboarding trips. At the same time, beginners are better able to complete curves and carve up the snow.


Award winners live at ISPO Munich 2022

Biodegradable winter socks © 2022 IPSO / Lorpen
Biodegradable winter socks © 2022 IPSO / Lorpen



A total of 95 winners of the ISPO Awards can be experienced live in the exhibition area of the Future Lab at ISPO Munich 2022 (November 28 – 30, Hall B2). They were selected during four jury meetings held during the year and were chosen from more than 300 entries.

Snowboard arch construction © 2022 ISPO / Doubledeck Snowboards
Snowboard arch construction © 2022 ISPO / Doubledeck Snowboards


Journalists are invited to experience the innovative power of the selected products and attend the celebratory presentation of the trophies (at 2 p.m. on the second day of the trade fair) in the award area of the Future Lab. They will also have an opportunity here to speak with representatives of the champion brands.

Winter Ski Boot Liner by UltimatefitLiners © 2022 ISPO / UltimatefitLiners
Winter Ski Boot Liner by UltimatefitLiners © 2022 ISPO / UltimatefitLiners


 


More News from TEXDATA International

#Texprocess 2026

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

#Techtextil 2026

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

More News on Textiles & Apparel / Garment

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Coats to showcase innovative reinforcement and filler materials for leather goods and accessories at APLF 2026

Coats, a world-class Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries, will be promoting four advanced materials from its ‘Lifestyle Solutions’ portfolio at APLF 2026 in Hong Kong in March. Each innovation has been specifically engineered to help luxury and premium brands elevate the craft, durability, sustainability and creative expression required in the manufacturing of handbags, purses, and other high-end designer accessories.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Design, innovation and sustainability propel VIATT 2026’s expanding role in ASEAN textile sourcing

At its third edition, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) further reinforced its role as a key sourcing and business platform for ASEAN’s textile industry. The three-day fair welcomed over 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions, and featured over 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 sqm. The 2026 edition was marked by the introduction of new international pavilions and zones, broadening the fair’s sourcing scope across new geographies and product categories. The fringe programme, headlined by the debut Trend Forum, further distinguished VIATT as the region’s most integrated textile trade platform – uniquely spanning the entire value chain.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® wins the iF Design Award 2026

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereinafter “YKK”) is proud to announce that its Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® has been awarded the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2026, an award that recognizes excellence in design and quality, organized by iF Design Foundation.

Latest News

#Textile chemistry

A flagship for chemical production: BASF inaugurates world-scale Verbund site in China

BASF today (March 26, 2026) celebrated the official inauguration of its newly built, world-scale Verbund site in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province in southern China. Covering an area of around four square kilometers, it is more than a major BASF project in the chemical growth market of China. “Zhanjiang shows what the future of chemistry looks like: efficient, digital and sustainable by design. The site showcases a smart integrated Verbund structure on an industrial scale,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF, at the ceremony attended by representatives from government, customers, business partners and employees.

#Nonwovens

VEOCEL™ Lyocell production expands to Asia – Launching a new chapter for nonwovens in the region

VEOCEL™, Lenzing's flagship specialty nonwovens brand, expands production at its Thai plant in Prachinburi. This is the first-ever production of its nonwoven-grade lyocell fibers in Asia. Built in 2022 with a 100,000-ton annual production capacity, the facility - previously focused on fibers for textile applications - now can directly meet the demand for VEOCEL™’s biodegradable¹, wood-based lyocell fibers for nonwovens products. These fibers are an essential ingredient for high-quality nonwovens products, ranging from baby wipes to facial sheet masks and everyday personal hygiene items.

#Research & Development

Hof University develops sustainable textile coating for the fashion of tomorrow from mushrooms

Clothing is often treated as disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns frequently end up in the trash after only a few uses. This is particularly problematic given that their production still largely relies on fossil-based materials. This is precisely where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in.

#Raw Materials

Fashion for Good mobilises industry to adopt mass balance attribution and accelerate decarbonisation

Fashion for Good launches today the Mass Balance Demonstrator project, a collaborative industry initiative to implement and scale the mass balance attribution (MBA) chain-of-custody model for biomass-attributed PET in textile applications. The project represents a concrete step toward accelerating brand-driven decarbonisation across the apparel value chain.

TOP