An action-packed three-day show, the latest ISPO (held December 3-5 in Munich), confirmed the importance of a one-stop shop for all areas of sports and outdoor. The industry cognoscenti was on tap as presentations, talks, and get-togethers echoed ISPO’s rallying cry of #LoveEveryContact. People from around the world came to discuss fashion, technology and health.

From digitalization, including wearables that measure muscle fatigue in real-time, to AI-controlled fitness devices, there was much talk of the impending European Digital Product Passport (DPP) and how technology impacts products, sports, and supply chains. Health was a hot topic, as was the “clicks vs. bricks” approach to retail — a business model combining online and physical retail sales.

At the ISPO Future Lab, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that 81 percent of children and adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently active. This inactivity enormously impacts the healthcare system. Keynotes and panels emphasized that the sports industry doesn’t only deliver products, but can also be an engine for a better life.

Sustainability Shines

In partnership with Patagonia, the Sustainability Hub clarified how industry can contribute to climate protection. Brands like Adidas and Gore-Tex showed that high-performance products can also be sustainable. The use of algae as a renewable raw material is particularly innovative, and bio-based feedstock in polyester, nylon, and spandex is becoming the norm. Lycra’s launch of bio-spandex derived from corn through to bio-membranes, with Chinese down clothing brand Bosideng achieving 100 percent bio-membrane technology with a high level of performance.

“ISPO is a place where like-minded businesses come together—businesses that share our mission of connecting people with nature. But what Patagonia does alone isn’t enough. If the outdoor and sports industries unite and use our collective voice to push for stronger environmental protections, we can drive the systemic change our planet urgently needs,” said Beth Thoren, Environmental Action & Initiatives Director EMEA at Patagonia.

Patagonia’s booth strapline highlighted the importance of repair - “If it’s broke, repair it.” This is where the United Repair Centre came into play, with a large area of machinists repairing kits and also discussing how to implement repair programs. More brands are working on this concept, keeping gear in use for longer lengths of time and pushing towards a circular economy. Other concepts at the show included repair kits being included with a product, enabling a connection with the consumer about caring for that product.

The industry is only too aware of the finite resources it pulls from, with a significant shift taking way in renewable ingredients. The Material Lab area highlighted the companies pushing for a new level of efficient use of infinite resources. Algaeing, a company that has scaled from a lab to commercial delivery, showcased bio-dyes derived from algae. Other ingredients at Material Lab included mycelium vegan leather, plant-based wool from Faborg and seaweed leathers by Tanguy Mélinand.

Brian Mildenstein, owner of Fin & Feather outdoor stores in Iowa, stepped out of his U.S. comfort zone to explore a great world of opportunities for the outdoor market. “Arriving at ISPO on day one, I found the familiar yet brand-new energy of a vibrant trade show that seems ever more elusive. I came with my usual agenda items in mind: find some new ideas and brands, discover new technologies pushing the market forward, put a finger on the pulse of the outdoor market as a whole and deepen relationships with key vendors. Day one was a great success for me on all fronts.”

Now Trending

Over at the ISPO Textrends forum, showcasing the award-winning materials for Fall/Winter 26/27, sustainable credentials were evident throughout. Applications for ISPO Textrends are judged by a jury of textile professionals. Nine sectors are covered, from baselayer to outer layer, trims, insulation and soft equipment. Developments delivering creativity and performance were evident. “It’s good that we are moving forward because, you know, times are not great, but there is something that is pushing people and motivating people,” said Giusy Bettoni, founder of sustainability platform C.L.A.S.S. and jury member.

One notable aspect of the season was the strong emphasis on spinning innovation, which can go unnoticed. Südwolle Group was awarded best product in the base layer category for its Z.hodium 100% wool yarn, made from superfine Merino wool. This yarn is geared towards active and outdoor wear. Recycled ocean waste was featured at InResST, winning the best product for the second layer.

Throughout the forum, over 350 natural and synthetic products presented opportunities for a cleaner and more efficient textile future. With PFCs and PFAS a thing of the past, new bio-based and clean chemistry have become the norm. Synthetics took a new direction, with bio-based offering a renewable-sourced alternative and recycled polyamide from car tires. As the beverage industry becomes more accountable for its own waste, recycled plastic bottles aren’t an option or deemed sustainable anymore, so new feedstock is emerging for recycled synthetics.

One area that caught visitors’ attention was the traditionally understated soft equipment sector: footwear and backpacks. Far Eastern New Century won best product for its new cutting-edge aramid fiber (FENC Telix), which has bulletproof tenacity. Other innovations included ultra-high molecular polyethylene fabric from Hoyu, which is 15 times stronger than steel. The tendency for lightweight, high-tenacity materials with a soft handfeel leads to more durable products that will have a longer lifespan.

Mono fabrics proved popular, along with dope-dyed yarns, which reduce the amount of water required at production. Reduced waste is a key point, with YKK winning the best product in the accessories sector with the AiryString tapeless zipper made of recycled ingredients.

It’s a challenge to invent new materials season after season, but what is clear at ISPO Textrends is that development has taken place on existing qualities, creating 2.0 versions. “I think we see some good examples of what I call the ‘refined basics.’ Some have huge potential to be commercialized and used in many different purposes, which I think is an essential aspect of sustainability,” said Thomas Häkansson, brand developer and Textrends juror.

“I love how ISPO brings the entire industry together,” echoed Marina Moguš, SVP/GM Central Europe at Adidas, adding, “We have so much knowledge, and suddenly, the discussion is becoming much broader than it used to be in the past; now, we’re bringing the entire industry from different angles together. A lot of expertise, exchange, and networking; and I love the vibe I’m now feeling today.”