#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2021-01-28

More than 70 of the most outstanding new products in the sporting goods industry receive the seal of quality

Image credit: Munich Trade Fair Centre / Munich Trade Fair Centre

The results of the ISPO Award 2021 are in: As of now a total of 76 sports products bear the prestigious seal of quality for innovation and functionality in the sporting goods industry. A jury of international experts selected a total of 76 “Products of the Year,” “Gold Winners” and “Winners” from 250 submissions in the four segments of Snowsports, Outdoor, Running & Fitness and Urban Life. Six products were also awarded special recognition for their particularly sustainable concepts and ideas.

The highest award, “Product of the Year,” will first be announced during the official award ceremonies via live stream as part of ISPO Munich Online, from February 1 to 5, 2021. The Gold Winners, Products of the Year and Winners with the special Sustainability Achievement will be presented during the event in their own digital award showroom.

250 product submissions in four segments

76 prizes and special awards for sustainability

Award ceremony and digital showroom at ISPO Munich Online 2021

“Even in these particularly challenging times, product development didn’t come to a halt. We have got to know many innovative concepts all over again. One thing that has again been made clear is that awareness for sustainability topics within the industry has increased across the board. That’s why more and more manufacturers are committed to an advanced circular economy” said Jacqueline Eskandar, Senior Product Manager of ISPO Awards & Innovation at Messe München, summing up the most important findings from this year’s edition of the ISPO Award.

?Due to the prevailing coronavirus pandemic, the two-day jury meeting was held in a hybrid format for the first time – partly on site, partly by video call. A jury of 25 experts, consisting of representatives from retail, designers, product specialists and media representatives, selected winners from the 250 submissions in segment-specific teams. In addition to innovative nature, above all the assessment criteria included functionality, quality and choice of materials. Exceptional performance in terms of sustainability across all segments was honored accordingly with special prizes.

Grand stage for the awardees at ISPO Munich Online 2021

For maximum international visibility, the ISPO Award ceremony will take place as part of ISPO Munich Online 2021:

Tuesday, February 2, 3:30 p.m.: Snowsports

Wednesday, February 3, 3:00 p.m.: Running & Fitness, Urban Life

Thursday, February 4, 3:30 p.m.: Outdoors

All of the winning products can be experienced throughout the entire duration of ISPO Munich Online 2021 and all year round at ispo.com.

What the end consumers think: Premiere for the ISPO Public Choice Award

As part of the ISPO Award 2021, end consumers will also be involved for the first time and an additional public choice award will be presented: More than 70,000 members of the ISPO Open Innovation Community have been called upon to select their personal favorites from all of the Gold Winners. The product with the most votes will win and be honored with the first ISPO Public Choice Award, also at ISPO Munich Online 2021 on Friday, February 5.?Anybody can take part and cast their vote after registering in the community for free*. More information on the ISPO Award is available online.

*ISPO Open Innovation is an all-year platform on which enthusiastic athletes can actively contribute to the development of upcoming products with their know-how and their creativity via exclusive tests and surveys.

“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.