#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2020-05-20

Outstanding Outdoor 2020: Center stage for product innovations

Outstanding Outdoor is the seal of quality for the most outstanding products in the outdoor industry. It serves retailers, consumers and media representatives likewise as an effective orientation aid in the market. This year's round of applications for the product award has already been successfully launched and will be running until May 29, 2020. In line with the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus crisis, the evaluation and awarding will largely be carried out digitally. The winners will also receive a comprehensive year-round communication package.

The Outstanding Outdoor seal of quality serves retailers, consumers and media representatives likewise as an effective orientation aid in the market. / Image credit: ISPO

In a summer without major industry events, it is even more relevant to manufacturers and brands to place their products in an effective manner via other channels - as with the Outstanding Outdoor product award. "We assume that particularly creative, innovative products are created during the crisis. With our label, we offer them the presence they deserve. To ensure many brands as possible have the opportunity to participate despite the current delay in production cycles, the selection process is now split in two stages for the first time," says Franziska Zindl, Head of Awards & Innovation at ISPO. "Thus, no physical samples are initially required for the application."

Outstanding Outdoor: The application period for the most important product award of the outdoor industry runs until May 29, 2020
Preliminary decision and award ceremony via digital channels
Winners receive an extensive high-reach communication package

Adapted, two-stage evaluation process

In the first step, the international jury makes a pre-selection from all products on the basis of the digitally submitted information via online meeting. The panel of experts from various stakeholders in the industry follows the criteria of innovation/trend character, purpose & target group, material selection, effort & composition and design.

Only when a product is selected as a finalist in this step it is necessary to deliver the product sample for the second, final jury meeting. In addition to the criteria already reviewed, the products are then examined for their functionality and quality of workmanship and - linked to this - the price/performance ratio as well as weight and/or packing size are evaluated. Special attention is also paid here to the criterion of sustainability, in which the products can gain an additional point.

The award will be presented digitally again at the end of June. All award winners will receive a comprehensive communication package. This includes integration into the active ISPO press relations as well as a detailed product presentation on ispo.com, available all year round.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Carrington Textiles publishes third Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles has announced the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, highlighting another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across its global operations. The report outlines continued investment in technologies and initiatives designed to improve environmental performance and support long-term business resilience across the Group’s manufacturing facilities in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.