[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

#Techtextil 2026

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

#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.

More News on Textiles & Apparel / Garment

#Sustainability

Practical toolkit to drive coordinated climate action launched

An open-access workshop toolkit enables brands, suppliers, policymakers and investors across the textile industry to apply the System Map in their own work, identifying leverage points to halve emissions and enable a just transition.

#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.

Latest News

#Techtextil 2026

AI, Start-ups, Research: Techtextil and Texprocess bring together players in the textile industry

From start-ups to universities and research institutes: at Techtextil and Texprocess, the world’s leading innovation trade fairs in Frankfurt am Main, exhibitors present future-oriented concepts for the global textile industry. With the international Campus & Research area, a strong participation from start-ups and the latest AI applications for textile processing, both trade fairs showcase current developments in the textile industry. By bringing together innovation, research and application, they enable new partnerships across the textile value chain.

#Techtextil 2026

IVGT joint stand brings innovation and networking to Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 and the parallel Texprocess 2026, key transformation topics such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, sustainability, recycling and the circular economy will be reflected across the show. Against this backdrop, the IVGT, together with 16 member companies, will present its joint stand in Hall 12.1 (Stand D62) as a platform for exchange and networking.

#Man-Made Fibers

Indorama Ventures supports Southeast Asia’s textile customers with reliable regional supply and global innovative portfolio

Indorama Ventures, one of the leading global polyester fiber and filament yarn suppliers globally, will participate in Indo Intertex 2026 in Jakarta this April, making its diverse global portfolio available to apparel, home textile, and hygiene customers across Southeast Asia.

#Raw Materials

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

TOP