MUNICH (Nov. 30, 2023) Houdini Sportswear, the global circular outdoor company dedicated to versatile minimalist styles, amplified its sustainability commitment at ISPO Munich 2023 with a preview of its 2023 Planetary Boundaries Assessment set to be released in Q1 2024. Houdini challenges other brands to do better for the planet. The company is leading by example with the debut of a new collaboration with long term partner Polartec®, a garment series using the next generation Polartec® Power Shield™, a 3-layer shell fabric made with Biolon™, a renewable, non-GMO plant-based nylon. [At ISPO this protype was displayed at booth number B1-324].
Houdini shared topline findings from the 2023 Planetary Boundaries update. This research assesses the health of the planet over time and builds upon the brand’s own advances and progress since the last report in 2018. Houdini began this initiative in 2015 working together with earth system scientists from the Stockholm Resilience Center/Alba Eco, known for research on specific angles of sustainability science, resilience and social-ecological systems. For this initiative, Houdini looked at nine different aspects of its environmental impact – or Planetary Boundaries – including: Climate Change, Novel Entities, Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Atmospheric Aerosol Loading, Ocean Acidification, Biochemical Flows, Fresh Water Use, Land System Change and Biosphere Integrity.
Houdini CEO Eva Karlsson noted, “The 2023 findings are abysmal. It was the first time all nine planetary boundaries could be analyzed, and research concluded that an alarming six out of nine boundaries have been breached. With the exception the Stratospheric Ozone Boundary, we are moving in the wrong direction. Novel Entities, the boundary that assesses the level of chemical pollution, including micro plastics and hazardous chemicals like PFAS, is the boundary that has been breached the furthest. Chemical pollution, from hazardous chemicals like PFCs and PFAS used in certain waterproof/breathable membranes and in conventional DWR-treatments, causes large-scale disturbances in ecosystems and species, including humans.”
“We are using world-leading science to evaluate all aspects of the impact our business has on our planet’s ecosystems,” Karlsson continued. “It is a very tangible way for us to improve and to show our love and respect for nature. Outdoor companies have the power to change their ways, to phase out toxic chemicals such as PFAS, in favor of planet-compatible alternatives. We can and should all do better.”
In keeping with planet-forward innovation, Houdini’s new shell collaboration features Polartec Next Generation Shell Layers which have a 50 percent* lower carbon footprint than virgin Nylon 6.6 and a reduced reliance on fossil resources. Measuring in at 20.000 mm H2O and 20.000 g/m²/24h, the weather protection and breathability places the garments head-to-head with other high performance shell layers on the market.
“What really makes the difference though, is how it feels to wear it,” said Jesper Danielsson, Houdini chief product officer. “The light, smooth and incredibly strong garments follow the wearer’s every move and take shell layer comfort to a new level. This shell layer series is currently in the prototype field testing phase and will be perfected in 2024.”
“We believe that leaving the world a better place than we found it is a responsibility for everyone,” said Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president and business manager Polartec/government defense business unit at Milliken and Company. ”The launch of Biolon Nylon based fabrics marks an important step in that journey. For a long time, many thought that more sustainable options meant a loss in performance, like durability, Polartec has proved that this is not the case.”
New for Houdini’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection are the Ride Jacket, a minimalistic, all round freeride shell jacket, and the Moonwalk Houdi, a hybrid mid-layer with the perfect balance between warmth, weather protection and breathability using Polartec® Power Air™ Light.
About Houdini
Houdini is an odd band of adventurers, artists, designers and engineers, reimagining the future of outdoor apparel. Ever since Houdini evolved from a project among climbing buddies into a company in 1993, responsible business has been their way.
Houdini offers a complete wardrobe of progressive performance apparel for the outdoors and a live-large-with-less way of life. The brand is based in Stockholm, Sweden and their products can be found at select retailers worldwide.
As innovators of sustainable design and pioneers of circular business models, Houdini wants to inspire and enable more people to experience the splendor of our home planet and transform our way of living to reconnect the bond between humans and the natural world.
About Polartec®
Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, are a collective of curious minds, relentless innovators and dedicated problem solvers. We look beyond the existing and we create original. If it can be made, we will make it. And if it can’t? We’ll find a way. We are the originators and inventors of fleece. Our unique unrivaled innovations continue to lead and layer the future. Complete trust and authenticity are inherent in all our products, ultimately empowering people to concentrate on their moment, their activity and their unique experience in life without distractions. Our fabrics go beyond industry standards, with lightweight wicking and cooling, warmth and insulation, breathable weather protection, fire resistance, enhanced durability and more. Polartec products are used by performance, lifestyle, and workwear brands from around the world, the U.S. Military and allied militaries, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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