ISPO Textrends is ISPO's new platform for designers and product managers to discover the latest fabrics, insulations, trims, and accessories for sports and outdoor apparel. It creates a sourcing and networking platform where the sustainable textile innovations of the future will be given spotlight.

With strong ties between the sporting and natural worlds, sustainability is taking on an increasingly important role within the sports industry. Economical production processes, new options for recycling, and the associated product innovations are brining variety in products that are available in the market.

Benjamin Marias, a member of the ISPO Award judging panel who sees sustainability as a necessity rather than a trend, said, “There will come a point when the mass production of the modern age is no longer feasible. Products are becoming more robust and there is more scope for them to be recycled. We can also expect the concept of rental products to become more widespread.”

With the growing consumer demand, development of new materials is an excellent way to create exciting new products. Louisa Smith, member of the ISPO Textrends judging panel and trend researcher, endorses this major development. She views sustainability as an ongoing process that is bringing inspiration for brand-new products to the textile industry. “In the sports sector, functionality is the key. There are suitable sustainable solutions on the market made using recycled materials, resource-efficient production procedures and safe chemical processes. Consumers' health is the key concern. New synthetic materials are of particular importance, offering huge potential for environmentally friendly collections alongside the more common natural materials,” said Smith.

“Companies who look forward to the future and act accordingly will gain a real competitive edge through innovations in processes, relationships and business models. Standards that have been established for some time or even recently been developed can provide guidance here,” said Anna Rodewald, another member of the ISPO Award judging panel. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India