3M’s Thinsulate Xerogel Insulation has won an ISPO Textrends 2023/24 Top Ten Award that recognizes the latest textile-based innovations for sports and outdoor apparel.

An international jury of textile and sporting experts assessed a wide range of new textile-based products before deeming 3M Thinsulate Xerogel Insulation as a top ten innovation. “The sell cycle is around 18 months and it’s important that the textile apparel industry and organizations like ISPO continue to push and challenge ahead of each cycle to bring more innovation to the market,” said Mike Mandanas, global R&D director at 3M.

Launched in November 2021, 3M Thinsulate Xerogel Insulation is a xerogel-based insulation designed  primarily for boots and gloves. Xerogel is an ultralight solid that’s nearly 99 percent air, and due to its porous  structure, it can inhibit air circulation, making it a natural thermal insulator. According to the company, the product retains warmth even under compression, and is proven to be 20 times more breathable and almost  twice as warm as legacy 3M Thinsulate Insulation products designed for footwear.  

Xerogel Insulation is made of 60 percent recycled fibers and is bluesign, Oeko-Tex and Global Recycled Standard (GOTS) approved and represents 3M’s wider approach to sustainability. This includes eco-investments such as 3M’s global  headquarters which is powered by 100 percent renewable electricity, with an aim of achieving 50 percent renewable electricity in all company  locations by 2025. In 2021, 3M pledged to spend $1 billion over 20 years to accelerate environmental goals, including  reducing water usage, minimizing dependence on virgin fossil-based plastics, and achieving carbon neutrality across its  operations.