Porsche and Norrøna Forge new Collaboration

Sports car manufacturer and leading outdoor brand share passion for performance and design

Porsche and Norwegian outdoor brand Norrøna have teamed up to launch a new winter sports collection under the tagline “Crafting new Adventures.” The collaboration centers on Norrøna’s famous lofoten big mountain freeride collection for men and will debut in November 2025.

Stuttgart. Porsche and the Norwegian outdoor brand Norrøna, two brands with a proven record of excellence in design and performance, will launch a new winter sports collection. The new collaboration tag lined “Crafting New Adventures“ centers on Norrøna’s famous lofoten big mountain freeride collection – a series rooted in what Jørgen Jørgensen, fourth generation owner and leader at Norrøna, calls “loaded minimalism”: “This design philosophy drives us to create clean, functional products with all the essential details. I would humbly say that the Norrøna lofoten collection is our version of the Porsche 911.”

Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche, played a crucial role in bringing the two brands together. He first discovered Norrøna’s lofoten collection for big mountain freeriding in the Swiss ski destination of St. Moritz. His personal passion for freeriding – and his appreciation for the Norwegian outdoor brand – sparked a creative dialogue between him and Jørgen Jørgensen of Norrøna. Soon the idea to collaborate was born. “I like the term ‘loaded minimalism.’ It’s similar to what we aim for at Porsche: clean, functional designs driven by a pursuit of performance.”

The Porsche x Norrøna collection will include exclusive Norrøna lofoten big mountain freeride products for men – available at porsche.com, select Porsche Centers worldwide, Porsche Design and Norrøna retail stores, and norrona.com. The collection features an insulated shell jacket and pants that are tailormade for freeriding and perfectly suited for all ski and snowboard activities. Made from GORE-Tex®, the high-quality, world-leading fabric for durable waterproofness, optimized breathability as well as total windproofness and equipped with plenty useful features like a helmet-compatible storm hood and hand-warming pockets, the collection guarantees maximum performance and off the slope. Using two materials to provide optimal thermal performance and comfort as well as excellent quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties the warm fleece jacket is made for freeriding and works also perfectly for mountaineering, trekking, and all outdoor activities.

Porsche and Norrøna share a rich history and great heritage. Founded in 1929 by Jørgen Jørgensen, the great-grandfather of today’s leader and owner, who bears the same name, Norrøna’s history dates back almost one hundred years. Porsche’s legacy as the world’s leading sports car manufacturer goes back to the year 1948 when Ferry Porsche was looking for his dream car and created the Porsche 356. The first jointly developed and designed Porsche x Norrøna collection will debut in November 2025.

 

Contact:

Kerstin Hamann

Head of Marketing & PR

Porsche Design of America, Inc.

Phone: 323-448-7615

E-mail kerstin.hamann@porsche-design.us

Cirql® Welcomes Renaud Allaire as Development & Innovation Director

 HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (September  10, 2025)Cirql®, a Vietnam-based innovation company focused on developing scalable, less impactful, finished midsole components and material solutions for footwear brands, announces the appointment of Renaud Allaire as Development & Innovation Director.

With roots stemming from iconic footwear brands such as Puma and On Running, Renaud brings deep expertise in material science, product innovation, and sustainable manufacturing to Cirql. Cirql’s range of innovations—including fully biodegradable midsoles and fully recyclable solutions—represents the next generation in footwear technology, supporting the company’s commitment to global sustainability, end of life solutions for footwear, and outstanding product performance.

“Renaud’s strategic leadership will help accelerate Cirql’s mission to transform the footwear industry through circularity, scalable innovation, and environmental responsibility,” said Matt Thwaites, Vice President & General Manager of Cirql.

Renaud will be based in Ho Chi Minh City, and he will collaborate with leading international footwear brands to drive adoption of Cirql’s advanced materials—delivering value across production, end-of-life, and environmental impact.

For more information on Cirql’s innovative end of life solutions for footwear, please visit Cirqlinnovations.com

About Cirql®

Cirql®, a subsidiary of OrthoLite®, is focused entirely on developing scalable and less impactful finished component and material solutions for footwear. Cirql offers finished components and premium materials that are either industrially compostable/biodegradable or fully recyclable made in the Cirql factory, which is GRS-certified. Cirql’s mission is to keep shoes out of landfills and with Cirql rTPU30 and Cirql Zero, and future product introductions, footwear brands and their factory partners have more material optionality to reach their own climate goals. Stay up to date with company news by visiting CirqlInnovations.com and following the brand on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Black Diamond Equipment and AllTrails Partner to Inspire and Equip the Global Trail Community

The collaboration includes a limited-edition gear collection, curated trail lists, and local trail advocacy initiatives

SALT LAKE CITY – [September 9, 2025] – Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear, and AllTrails, the world’s most trusted platform for outdoor exploration, today announced a new partnership and gear collection.  This collaboration brings together two influential outdoor brands with a common goal: inspire people to get outside, equipped with reliable, technical gear.

The partnership introduces a limited-edition capsule featuring Black Diamond’s most innovative and trusted products, co-branded with AllTrails elements, and designed to outfit hikers for any adventure:

  • Trail Vista Pack — A custom 20-liter backpack with lightweight internal frame, Slide-Fit adjustment system, stow-away rain cover, ventilated back panel, and quick-access storage on the shoulder straps and hip belt.
  • Trail Cork Trekking Poles — A lightweight and durable co-branded edition of Black Diamond’s best-selling poles in an exclusive colorway, featuring dual FlickLocks for fast adjustment and interchangeable baskets for four-season use.
  • Spot 400 Headlamp — A low-profile, 400-lumen headlamp with three light modes, IPX8 waterproof testing, and dependable illumination for low-light conditions.
  • Fineline Stretch Shell — A waterproof, breathable, and windproof rain shell made with Bluesign-approved stretch fabric, underarm gussets, and AllTrails design accents for comfort in changing conditions.

“At Black Diamond, we’re passionate about designing gear that inspires confidence and fuels adventure,” said Neil Fiske, CEO of Black Diamond Equipment. “Partnering with AllTrails means we can help more people explore with purpose and forge strong personal connections with the outdoors.”

“Our global community trusts AllTrails to prepare for whatever the trail might bring, and the Black Diamond team are some of the most trusted mountain experts in the world,” said Carly Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at AllTrails. “This collection of world-class gear is designed for all conditions and built for adventures big and small.”

The collaboration extends beyond gear with programs to strengthen local trail communities. Black Diamond employees will curate recommended trail lists on AllTrails, highlighting hidden gems and must-visit routes in their regions. The brands will also co-host community launch events at Black Diamond retail stores in Salt Lake City, Boulder, and Seattle. These events will include guided hikes, raffles, and fundraising initiatives that support local trail advocacy initiatives.

Both AllTrails and Black Diamond commit to contributing proceeds from their collaborative events to nonprofit organizations that support conservation and inclusive access to nature.

The Black Diamond x AllTrails collection is available now at alltrails.com, blackdiamondequipment.com, and in Black Diamond US retail locations. To learn more about safety and trail preparedness, visit alltrails.com/press.

About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About AllTrails
AllTrails is the world’s most popular and trusted platform for outdoor exploration. We connect people to the outdoors, help them discover new places, and elevate their experiences on the trail. With the most comprehensive collection of trails in the world, AllTrails supports inclusive access to nature for a global community of millions of trailgoers. Download AllTrails in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or visit AllTrails.com to learn more.

YiLabs Secures Oversubscribed Pre-A Funding Round, Accelerating Proprietary Climate-Driven Textiles for the Materials Science Technology Brand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Funding fuels global expansion of breakthrough cooling and warming fabric technology with continued support from Stanford University Laboratories

STANFORD, Calif. (September 4, 2025) — YiLab Temperature Control Technologies, the materials science enterprise co-founded by Professor Yi Cui at Stanford University, a world-leading expert in nanotechnology, materials science, and sustainable energy, today announced the close of an oversubscribed pre-A funding round, bringing total funding to more than USD $10 million. The round drew strong interest from strategic investors to scale the technology of LifeLabs Design, a brand owned by YiLab for providing high-performance sustainable fabrics for functional apparel brands. The LifeLabs fabrics provide solutions in outdoor and active lifestyle apparel for temperature regulation.

Specifically, proceeds from the round will be used to establish a state-of-the-art research laboratory and factory in Asia, enabling rapid prototyping and scaling of LifeLabs’ proprietary textile technologies.

“This funding marks a pivotal step forward in our mission to transform textiles into powerful climate solutions,” said Sophia Ou, CEO and co-founder of YiLabs. “The enthusiasm from investors reinforces both the urgency of our work and the strength of our technology. With our new R&D lab and factory, we’re building a fast process from laboratory technology innovation to real-world impact.”

LifeLabs is known for its thermoregulating textiles requiring fewer resources for production while delivering unmatched comfort and energy efficiency to the wearer. The breakthrough fabric technology, which originated at Stanford University a decade ago and has since proven in commercial space, provide scalable solutions to lower global energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The pre-A round attracted a diverse group of investors from technology, sustainability, and consumer sectors, reflecting the broad applicability and market demand for LifeLabs’ technologies.

Today, Lifelabs is working with established global apparel and accessory brands on future season launches.

 

About YiLab Temperature Control Technologies

YiLab Temperature Control Technologies is a materials science company founded in 2024 by Professor Yi Cui at Stanford University and Ms Sophia Ou. YiLab develops and commercializes advanced thermoregulating fabrics that enhance comfort while reducing global energy consumption and carbon emissions. The technology comes from LifeLabs Design. For more information, visit www.lifelabs.design.

 

Media Contacts:

Annie Armstrong, annie@cgprpublicrelations.com

Ben Ryan, media@lifelabs.design

INTRODUCING THE NEXT-GENERATION GORE-TEX® PRO FABRIC FEATURING ePE TECHNOLOGY, BUILT FOR PINNACLE PERFORMANCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Durable, Waterproof, Breathable, Windproof Protection Designed for Harsh Weather and Rugged Terrain

Elkton, Md./U.S. (September 3, 2025) — W.L. Gore & Associates, the creators of the GORE-TEX® Brand, the launch of its next-generation GORE-TEX® Pro Fabric. This new offering represents the pinnacle of textile materials innovation within Gore’s Fabrics portfolio and marks an important milestone in the brand’s commitment to responsible performance.

It features the advanced expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane, which is lightweight, durable, and produced without intentionally added per-and polyfluorinated substances, while delivering exceptional waterproof, windproof and breathable performance in extreme weather and rugged conditions.

“This next-generation GORE-TEX® Pro Fabric category exceeds our rigorous GORE-TEX® Brand testing requirements by elevating beyond standard limits,” says Sara Ellis, global GORE-TEX® Pro product specialist and materials engineer. “Our advanced research and development field and lab test protocols simulate severe wear and tear experienced in extreme weather to ensure long product life and extended durability.”

Designed to meet the needs of the most demanding outdoor activities, GORE-TEX® Fabric designers collaborate closely with select brands to deliver the best membranes for their customers. Garments featuring next-generation GORE-TEX® Pro will be available through select brands and retailers for the upcoming winter season.

Next Generation GORE-TEX Pro Features:

  • Extremely rugged: Ensures the most durable protection in the most extreme conditions and rugged environments.
  • Durable waterproof: Backed by the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise, even in torrential downpour or harshest snow conditions.
  • Windproof while offering reliable breathable: Blocks all wind, while sweat vapor easily escapes for continued dry comfort during demanding activities.
  • The membrane features ePE for a light, thin yet strong, durable performance, made without per- and polyfluorinated substances, and incorporates recycled textiles, reducing the carbon footprint.
  • Undergoes extensive testing beyond the brand’s rigorous standard testing to ensure long-lasting durability in harsh environments. This includes going through Gore’s proprietary ruggedness testing to simulate the harshest conditions. GORE-TEX® Pro is also tested for thousands of hours through lab and field testing to confirm durability.

In 2022, Gore introduced the first waterproof breathable membrane featuring ePE after nearly a decade of innovation and development. Current GORE-TEX® Pro Product laminates demonstrate a carbon impact reduction by as much as 39% compared to the previous generation, according to the standard MSI (Materials Sustainability Index). This is achieved through the use of the ePE platform, solution-dyed technologies, and carefully selected recycled textiles, depending on the laminate type.

Whether scaling a summit or navigating the challenges of everyday life, next-generation GORE-TEX® Pro equips wearers with confidence, comfort, and the protection to go further. This innovation underscores Gore’s commitment to evolving with athletes’ needs while delivering uncompromising performance alongside meaningful progress in sustainability.

About Gore

  1. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion. gore.com.

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Media Contact

Courtney Gearhart

  1. L. Gore & Associates

105 Vieve’s Way

Elkton, MD 21921

Telephone: +1 (410) 506-2790

Email: cgearhar@wlgore.com

Danish-based Glerups Becomes First Footwear Collection to Achieve Latest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: July Zaleski JAM Collective july@jamcollective.net 415-839-7546               

Cradle to Cradle Certified® Version

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and making products with respect for nature, animals, and humans

 

Newfields, N.H. and Aars, DK – September 3, 2025 – Glerups, producers of Danish-designed natural wool slippers and boots, is proud to announce it has achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified® Full Scope Bronze, based on version 4.1, a significant milestone in the brand’s sustainability journey and a testament to its commitment to creating products that are good for both human and the planet.

The Cradle to Cradle Certified​®​ Product Standard Version 4.1 is the most ambitious and actionable standard yet for designing and making products that enable a healthy, equitable and sustainable future.

“Our design philosophy is rooted in a circular system that is both environmentally and economically sustainable where nothing becomes waste,” said Christina Flindt Bjerg Albæk, head of marketing, communications and commercial activities at glerups. “Our slippers, shoes and boots are thoughtfully crafted without compromising on quality.”

Glerups slippers (slip-ons, shoes and boots) made from 100% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified pure sheep wool with a sole of calf leather or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified rubber in sizes EU 35 to 51 are listed here in the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Registry.

The Cradle to Cradle Certified® Version 4.1, released in May 2024 and took effect on July 1, 2024, measures its standard five key categories: Material Health, Product Circularity, Clean Air & Climate Protection, Water & Soil Stewardship, and Social Fairness along with recently added categories that focus on significant environmental impact areas, such as  Environmental Policy & Management and Animal Welfare. The Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program champions continuous improvement and offers certification achievement within these categories at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. Certified products are required to meet 100% of the criteria in the awarded level. Certification is valid for three years and must be renewed in order to maintain certification.

“A major part of our brand DNA to which we’ve committed since day one, is to follow our products from farm to foot,” said Allan Timm, director of sales & marketing and Glerups partner. “From working directly with our farmers who raise the sheep for the wool we use to owning and managing our production facilities, we ensure every pair of glerups are designed, developed and produced with respect for nature, animals, and humans.”

Visit glerups.com to see the brand’s entire product line or for more information about Cradle to Cradle Certified.

 

About glerups

Founded in 1993, glerups has evolved from a modest cottage industry into a globally renowned brand celebrated for its premium wool felt slippers. Headquartered in Denmark, we are committed to crafting the finest woolen footwear in the world while upholding strict environmental and ethical standards. Our journey began with the heartfelt dedication of Danish mother Nanny Glerup, who handcrafted her first pair of slippers using the natural wool from her own beloved Gotland sheep. The overwhelmingly positive reception from family and friends prompted the transformation of Nanny’s hobby into a small-scale production, initially yielding just two pairs a day. Today, glerups fans around the world indulge in the daily luxury of 100% pure, natural wool, which continues to be crafted with the same love and care, from the sheep to your feet. For more information, visit www.glerups.com.

About Cradle to Cradle Certified

Cradle to Cradle Certified® is the leading multi-attribute standard used globally across industries by designers, brands and manufacturers to design and make products that are good for people and for the planet. For more than a decade, Cradle to Cradle Certified has been helping companies to innovate and optimize materials and products according to the world’s most advanced science-based measures. The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute is the international non-profit that holds the standard and issues the certification based on independent third party assessments. The Cradle to Cradle Certified community consists of more than 450 companies.

BRANWYN Announces 2025 Limited Edition Merino Athleisure Capsule Collection

Sustainable Wool Athleisure Gear (SWAG) blends comfort and performance with non-toxic materials

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Stacy Kline
Darby Communications
stacy@darbycommunications.com
m. 724-272-9956

Bend, OR – September 2, 2025 BRANWYN, the leader in performance innerwear created by and for active women, proudly debuts its 2025 Limited Edition SWAG (Sustainable Wool Athleisure Gear) Collection. Building on the success of last year’s collection, the new SWAG capsule is designed to move seamlessly from everyday life to peak performance.

New for 2025, BRANWYN’s SWAG Capsule Collection introduces three fresh silhouettes: the Wide-Leg Pant, the High-Waisted Slim Jogger, and the Short-Sleeve Tee. The Classic Tank also sees a refined update with a deeper scoop neckline and narrower straps, while the Long-Sleeve Tee has been redesigned with improved thumbholes for a better fit and function.

More than a base layer, outerwear, or long underwear, SWAG is the foundation of a modern wardrobe. The collection offers pieces that are technical enough to perform on the mountain, trail, or mat, and are refined enough for everyday athleisure wear. With thoughtful design updates and new silhouettes, the 2025 collection continues BRANWYN’s mission to provide women with non-toxic, high-performance apparel that doesn’t compromise comfort, style, or sustainability.

“Our mission has always been to design performance apparel that feels as good as it performs,” says BRANWYN CEO Deanne Buck. “With this year’s SWAG Capsule Collection, we’ve created pieces that feel incredible from the first wear while giving women the ability to make healthier, more sustainable choices that are free from the harmful materials often found in traditional synthetic activewear.”

Each piece is crafted from super-fine, mulesing-free Merino wool, delivering natural performance benefits like optimal temperature regulation, odor resistance, and buttery-soft comfort from day one. Unlike traditional synthetic fabrics, natural Merino fibers are biodegradable, non-toxic, and naturally regulate temperature and moisture, making them healthier for both skin and the environment. The tops are constructed with a lightweight 180 gsm jersey knit (17.5 micron 100% Merino), and the bottoms and hoodie feature a medium-weight 280 gsm interlock knit (18.5 micron, 85% Merino). All pieces are offered in sizes XS–XXL and are designed to layer effortlessly or be worn on their own.

SWAG 2025 Collection Highlights:

  • Classic Tank: MSRP $95. Available in colors: Black Onyx, Tidepool Teal, Natural
  • Long Sleeve Tee: MSRP $125. Available in colors: Black Onyx, Tidepool Teal, Natural
  • Short Sleeve Tee: MSRP $105. Available in colors: Black Onyx, Tidepool Teal, Natural
  • High-waisted Slim Jogger: MSRP: $165. Available in colors: Obsidian Black, Deepwater Teal
  • Wide-leg Pant: MSRP: $185. Available in colors: Obsidian Black
  • Jogger: MSRP $165. Available in colors: Obsidian Black, Deepwater Teal
  • Hoodie: MSRP $210. Available in colors: Deepwater Teal

BRANWYN’s 2025 SWAG Capsule collection is available exclusively at BRANWYN.com, for a limited time only. For media inquiries, please contact Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com.

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About BRANWYN

BRANWYN, based in Bend, Oregon, produces the world’s first ethically sourced, naturally sustainable Performance Innerwear designed by and for active women. By combining ZQ Merino and seamless knitting technology, BRANWYN revolutionizes women’s next-to-skin apparel, prioritizing comfort, temperature regulation, anti-microbial properties, breathability, and overall health. Our ethos, rooted in “Find A Way,” was inspired by the radical idea that women could create better underwear for themselves that meet our unique needs. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations fostering a sense of self in girls and women by breaking limiting beliefs through outdoor activities, sports, sweat, and movement. Committed to personal and global health, we use natural, non-toxic fibers and sustainable materials, and prioritize ethical farming and work practices.

OrthoLite® Launches SloMo™: A New Era in Breathable Memory Foam Innovation

Amherst, Mass. [Sept. 2, 2025]OrthoLite®, the global leader in high-performance, comfort-driven footwear solutions, announces the launch of OrthoLite® SloMo™, a breakthrough in slow-recovery, breathable memory foam technology. This expansion of OrthoLite’s memory foam portfolio is a precisely engineered formulation that delivers enhanced fit, adaptive pressure relief, and optimized airflow for next-level step-in comfort.

Building on the success of OrthoLite® Eco-Impressions™ and OrthoLite® Lazy™, the new SloMo™ formulation is designed to meet growing consumer demand for premium, customized comfort in footwear. This latest innovation elevates the functional and sensory performance of memory foam, offering brand partners an innovative new option to differentiate their product offerings across lifestyle, fashion, and performance categories of footwear.

Powered by OrthoLite’s proprietary open-cell PU technology, SloMo™ delivers exceptional breathability, slow-recovery comfort, and consistent energy return. This new formulation is engineered with a defined Asker-C rating, optimized recovery times, and tailored tactile profiles—enabling brands to finely tune the underfoot experience across a wide range of footwear applications.

Available in both die-cut and molded constructions, OrthoLite® SloMo™ can be used as a single- or dual-layer solution. It provides a supportive, foot-cradling feel underfoot and is also ideal for use in linings, tongues, and other shoe components—delivering a 360-degree, custom-fit experience that breathes and elevates comfort across the entire shoe.

“This expanded memory foam offering gives our partners greater freedom to design comfort with intention,” said Glenn Barrett, Founder and CEO of OrthoLite. “With SloMo™, we’re pushing the boundaries of what memory foam can deliver, empowering footwear brands to meet evolving expectations with precision and innovation.”

OrthoLite will showcase SloMo™ at the upcoming Materials Show in Portland and Boston, and at Lineapelle in Milan this September. To learn more about OrthoLite® SloMo™ and explore the full range of memory foam solutions, contact our OrthoLite Sales Team or stop by our booth at these leading industry trade show events.

 

About OrthoLite®
OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology found in more than 550 footwear brands across all categories of footwear and is the first name in comfort and performance foams. OrthoLite also is the innovator and creator of Cirql®, the sustainable materials solutions provider that provides footwear brands and their factory partners with lower impact, circular options in materials. OrthoLite has a stalwart commitment to an ongoing journey toward producing excellence with less-impactful manufacturing practices. The company also has a long-standing history of meaningful partnerships and sponsorships that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to supporting its customers, consumers, brand partners and the footwear industry. OrthoLite is the Official Insole sponsor of the New York Yankees, supporter of Textile Exchange, and is a founding supporter of the Two Ten Foundation. Stay up to date with company news by visiting OrthoLite.com and following OrthoLite on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite, visit www.ortholite.com.

 

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Media Contact:

Verde Brand Communications

Lauren Haber

lauren@verdepr.com