Mammut joins the global RECCO network with new EIGER Extreme 6.0 collection

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Dec. 3, 2024) – RECCO, a global leader in rescue technology, is proud to announce its partnership with Mammut, a leading name in alpine performance apparel and equipment. With the release of the EIGER NORDWAND PRO HS collection, Mammut becomes the latest brand to integrate RECCO reflectors into their gear, reinforcing their commitment to safety in high alpine environments.

The EIGER NORDWAND PRO HS collection marks Mammut’s first products equipped with RECCO reflectors, a significant milestone in the brand’s pursuit of innovative safety solutions. These reflectors, designed to make users searchable to professional rescuers, add a vital layer of protection for adventurers.

“The RECCO system has become a standard for professional rescue teams in mountain resorts worldwide. With the integration of RECCO reflectors into our new Eiger Nordwand Hardshell products we are more than excited to provide Mammut consumers with this additional layer of safety,” said Alfred Stoppacher, Mammut Eiger & Innovation Lead.

RECCO rescue reflectors are found across a range of outdoor products, across all seasons. The RECCO system is used in 900+ ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. Search and Rescue professionals are able to utilize RECCO technology to search for people year-round, with both the RECCO Handheld Detector and the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector.  The handheld detector can search efficiently in snowy conditions, while the helicopter-carried detector can quickly search large areas, covering a square kilometer in six minutes. The helicopter detector speeds up search times and reduces risk for rescue workers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mammut, a brand that shares our commitment to enhancing safety for outdoor enthusiasts,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO. “By integrating RECCO reflectors into the Eiger collection, Mammut joins a growing network of industry leaders dedicated to making more adventurers searchable in the outdoors.”

The EIGER NORDWAND PRO HS collection will be available in stores starting Fall/Winter 2025. This collaboration reflects an exciting future for both RECCO and Mammut, as they work together to expand the accessibility of advanced rescue technology globally.

For more information on the global RECCO rescue network, please visit recco.com.

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

Media Contact

Siena Teare

Verde Brand Communications

(307) 200-7003

siena@verdepr.com

 

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Thermos® Brand Unveils New Care Campaign and Micro-Influencer Program

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. (Dec. 3, 2024) –  Thermos L.L.C., a leader in insulated food and beverage containers, is excited to launch its new Care Campaign. The integrated brand campaign highlights the Thermos Brand’s commitment to enhancing daily life with superior product design while celebrating individuals who are making a positive impact in their communities.

The Care Campaign embodies the exceptional traits of the 120-year-old brand and pinnacle products, including superior insulation technology, long-lasting durability, seriously dependable features like hygienic and leak-proof lids when closed, dual-temperature capabilities, and excellent temperature retention. But there’s more to the Thermos Brand, its products and high-performance features.

“What truly sets us apart is the enduring care built into every Thermos Brand product,” said Julie Henricks, executive vice president at Thermos L.L.C. “You can’t see it, but it’s there and it’s why generations of families trust Thermos Brand to keep their favorite food and drinks hot or cold and fresh throughout the day. Since 1904, we’ve put care into everything we do so our products go a long, long way to care for consumers and their families.”

The Thermos Brand goal has always been to make life better with features that are not only practical but purposeful. Whether keeping coffee hot on the go with the Icon™ Series or ensuring a child’s straw stays clean with the hygienic lids on the FUNtainer® water bottle, The Thermos Brand always puts care first.

“We care because our employees and consumers care, too,” continued Henricks. “In today’s busy and distracted world, positive actions often go unnoticed, and we wanted to put a spotlight on exceptional people caring for others and making a real difference in their communities.”

The brand’s new Care Campaign includes an integrated paid, owned, micro-influencer and earned strategy targeting U.S. consumers. The campaign’s micro-influencer program is now live and amplifies the voices of others that embody a purpose and culture of care, including:

  • The Care Campaign’s first featured influencer is Hollis, known as @JugglingforJude. Starting at age 9, Hollis used her soccer-juggling skills to fundraise for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, inspiring youth in philanthropy and demonstrating the power of girls in sport. Now 19, she continues to juggle, teach, speak publicly, and raise awareness, vowing to keep going so that St. Jude can research, treat and, ultimately, defeat childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases.
  • The campaign’s second influencer is Taylor Moxey (@Taylor_Moxey), who turned a small loan into a thriving cupcake business and humanitarian foundation that promotes global literacy through sustainable libraries and educational programs.

To learn more about Thermos Brand and its Care Campaign, follow the stories of the campaign’s micro-influencers as featured by Thermos Brand on Instagram (@thermosbrand) and on TikTok (@thermosbrand). Thermos Brand and Care Campaign assets are available to download here. Thermos Brand collaborated with the brand marketing agency Kindred Creative Group to develop the campaign.

ABOUT THERMOS L.L.C.

For 120 years, families have trusted Thermos® Brand to provide durable, high-performing food and beverage containers for every on-the-go need. No matter what the day may bring, depend on Thermos™ insulation technology to keep food and beverages hotter or colder for longer. Because when it comes to looking after the things that matter most, you shouldn’t have to settle for good enough. Learn more at Thermos.com.

 

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Switchback begins countdown to June debut as outdoor showcase rides wave of positive energy from The Running Event

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) – Switchback at The Running Event (TRE), the showcase collection of outdoor businesses at TRE, wrapped up its fall event amidst the high energy and heavy retailer traffic of a record-setting gathering.

Successfully blending anchor brands and emerging leaders, Switchback at TRE delivered strong results for attendees and a boost of momentum as the outdoor industry began its countdown toward the debut standalone Switchback gathering, taking place June 16-18, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

“The level of awareness and conversation around Switchback Spring on the TRE show floor was exciting and inspiring,” said Christina Henderson, Switchback event director. “Many brands and retailers are looking forward to a gathering that will be good for their business, great for discovery and new relationships, and also provide a space for the broader outdoor industry to gather and learn.”

As a standalone event, Switchback Spring will be centered around foundational outdoor experiences including hike, camp, trail and outdoor lifestyle, presenting  a mix of soft goods, hard goods, accessories, and organizations. The event structure will share similarities with TRE’s proven formula, including a variety of educational programming and opportunities for connection and celebration, and limiting booth sizes to encourage focus.

Switchback Spring also recently announced Outdoor Industry Association as its Official Event Partner, amplifying the gathering’s appeal and reach to members and supporters of the outdoor sector’s premier trade group.

“We’ll be at Switchback Spring. As an industry, we’ve come full circle. There’s a fresh appetite to get back together and back to trade shows, as it’s an important part of who we are. Switchback will also be key for our business, an authenticator as we re-establish ourselves as a functional performance brand in the outdoors,” said Lee Cox, VP/GM of Deckers Emerging Brands, who was attending Switchback with Teva Footwear.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with retailers and friends in the industry at Switchback in June 2025. Everyone misses a gathering, and this TRE-format event in partnership with OIA should be really special. There’s a buzz here in discovering different brands and connecting with prospective retailers, and I’m looking forward to being a part of bringing that energy to the outdoor industry. And it’s only year one – I hope that we can continue to come together year after year and make it better for everyone,” said Josh Tedeschi, Arcteryx senior manager, US specialty sales.

“As an industry it is critical that we come together to advance our business and values,” said Susan Viscon, Chief Merchandising Officer and Path Ahead Ventures Executive Director at REI Co-op. “TRE has been a successful formula that allows for education, trade, and gatherings. We’re looking forward to seeing how this approach can work in the outdoor space.”

As a whole, TRE drew a record-setting 336 vendors to a show floor that grew by more than 15% over the previous year. More than 1,800 retailers, endurance event management professionals, and other industry members attended TRE, while over 220 media professionals were in attendance. In total, 4,872 individuals filled the Austin Convention Center for the 2024 event, which is a 20% increase in attendance compared to the 2023 edition.

Switchback at TRE featured a lengthy list of legacy names in the outdoor industry – including Patagonia, Scarpa, Deuter, KEEN, Oboz, Outdoor Research, Prana, Teva, Lowa, and Arc’Teryx – as well as dozens of brands coming to walk the event as they make plans for June. Switchback at TRE also drew a broad range of content creators, influencers, non-profit organizations, and an editorial press corps that enjoyed the high quality atmosphere.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a real trade show. Seeing all the energy and friendships here was fantastic, and definitely has me looking forward to June,” said Sam Moulton of Outside.

“Looking ahead to Nashville, I think I share the same hope and optimism as many folks I spoke with at the show: that the magic formula TRE has used to rise into the ‘it’ event on the calendar will foster a new spring/summer gathering that builds stronger community and gives voice to the stories that really matter. I am, in a word, stoked,” said Adam Ruggiero of Gear Junkie.

“My biggest takeaway from TRE 2024 was the energy. You could feel it both outside and inside the convention center as people were literally running to get into a show about running. I’m excited to see how the community that has been cultivated at this event expands to Switchback next June,” said Colin True of The Rock Fight podcast network.

In Nashville, Switchback Spring will support outdoor industry needs through the same four pillars of TRE:  learning, discovery, connection, and celebration. In addition to two days of an open exhibit hall, the gathering will provide a robust schedule of forward-looking conference programming and peer learning that will be applicable and valuable to multiple business levels and roles.

Switchback Spring will be hosted within a dedicated portion of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, a spacious venue with 12 restaurants and an attached premium hotel. With all attendees staying and meeting in a single location, the focused environment will enable both private planned meetings as well as organic meetups and run-ins.

For more information about Switchback, please visit https://www.switchbackevent.com/switchback-spring/

ABOUT SWITCHBACK

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback Spring (Nashville, TN; June 16-18, 2025) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.SwitchbackEvent.com.

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A Near Death Experience Leads to 25 Years of Outdoor Innovation and Philanthropy at Kahtoola

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Dec. 2, 2024) – Kahtoola, the market leader in flexible footwear traction and manufacturer of other products designed to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone, celebrates its 25th anniversary with a continued commitment to sustainable growth, product innovation and giving. Kahtoola means “directly” in Tibetan and was founded in 1999 by avid climber Danny Giovale on a simple idea: celebrate the positive potential of people and empower them to go directly where they want to go.

After a near fatal climbing fall in the icy Italian Dolomites, Giovale developed the Kahtoola Traction System (now the KTS Crampon) in his family’s small backyard workshop determined to improve safety for alpine approaches. The KTS invention pioneered the world’s first-ever flexible traction system and a new product category was born in the outdoor industry. Fast forward a few years and Kahtoola’s flagship product, MICROspikes® footwear traction, has become a household staple enabling hikers, explorers and trail runners to safely and efficiently navigate snowy, icy trails with ease.

Over the past two and a half decades, Kahtoola’s product line has expanded to include a full line-up of gaiters for year-round hiking and multisport adventures, and additional traction devices built for navigating slick city sidewalks, icy roads and snowy local trails. Each flexible footwear traction system is designed to easily slip over shoes and boots to keep winter runners, dog walkers, hikers, professional athletes and grandparents upright in icy conditions while avoiding injury or a costly trip to the emergency room.

“Kahtoola was born from the desire to make people vitally more capable in the outdoors through product innovations and to create a company that is not only a responsible Global entity, but truly makes the world better overall,” notes Danny Giovale, founder and owner of Kahtoola. “Our Product + Purpose mindset is fundamental to Kahtoola. Without both elements at play, I would not have started the company. I was personally deeply motivated to help save lives by filling this critical safety gap in the traction market, but only wanted to start a company if I could truly make it a force for good.”

Since its inception, Kahtoola’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility has provided a grounding energy and deeper purpose for the brand. Each year, Kahtoola contributes 1% of its annual revenue to non-profits focused on protecting the natural world, supporting indigenous cultures and building community.

In celebration of Kahtoola’s anniversary, an inspirational documentary “Designed by Disaster” is screening at film festivals worldwide including Banff Mountain Film Festival and Kendall Mountain Film Festival with an online release planned for spring 2025. The film follows Giovale back to the scene of the climbing accident that compelled him to address a critical safety gap in mountain travel.

For more information on Kahtoola’s story, products, retail partners and philanthropic endeavors please visit www.kahtoola.com.

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About Kahtoola:

Established in 1999, Kahtoola crafts exceptional outdoor gear with a commitment to philanthropy, conservation, and sustainability. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons and traction systems, including MICROspikes® footwear traction, are built to elevate human potential in the outdoors. Every product is thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, Ariz. headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales through the Kahtoola Philanthropy Program to organizations that support indigenous cultures, outdoor community and environmental responsibility. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

Media Contact:

Catherine Donovan

Terra PR

323-708-6953

CatherineD@terrapublicrelations.com

 

Celebrating 15 Years of Striker: A Legacy of Safety and Innovation

November 26, 2024 – Hudson, WI – Striker, a brand renowned for industry-leading fishing apparel, proudly celebrates 15 years of providing anglers with the most trusted fishing apparel on the market. Since the development of the brand in 2009 by Jim Poucher, Striker has been dedicated to equipping anglers with innovative gear designed to not only protect against the harshest elements, but also to save lives.

“Our unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and performance has been the foundation of our success,” says Craig Poucher, President of Striker. “The stories of anglers who have relied on our products inspire us every day. As we celebrate this milestone, we are more motivated than ever to continue delivering gear that ensures safety, comfort, and excellence on the water.”

In 2011, Striker introduced its groundbreaking Sureflote® flotation-assist technology, embedded in the linings of its full-feature ice fishing suits. This game-changing feature has saved more than 100 lives to date, solidifying Striker’s position as the leader in ice fishing apparel. Over the years, the brand has expanded product lineups to include performance rainwear, UPF apparel, lifestyle clothing, layering pieces, and accessories for every angler’s needs—whether fishing in Florida’s saltwater flats or Alaska’s salmon runs.

To celebrate 15 years of service to the angling community, Striker announces the launch of a limited-edition 15th Anniversary Collection, featuring the exclusive Anniversary Tee and Koozie. These commemorative items honor the passion, resilience, and dedication of the anglers who have been integral to the brand’s journey. Striker’s legacy is built on more than just exceptional products—it thrives through meaningful partnerships with professional anglers and everyday enthusiasts, fostering a community that embodies the true spirit of the sport.

To learn more about Striker’s history and products, visit strikerbrands.com or contact Kade Gewanter at kade@darbycommunications.com.

About Striker:

Striker was founded in 2009 to provide premium technical apparel for snowmobilers before shifting its focus to the fishing industry. Known for introducing the first ice fishing suits with Sureflote® flotation assist, Striker has since expanded to offer a wide range of apparel for all fishing and marine activities. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and comfort, Striker continues to serve anglers nationwide with industry-leading products designed for every adventure. You can learn more at https://strikerbrands.com/ or follow on social @strikerbrands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POC releases new Hedvig Wessel signature collection

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Nov. 26, 2024) — POC, the Swedish brand known for pushing boundaries in sports safety and protection, this week releases a new signature edition with leading freeride skier and current Freeride World Tour champion Hedvig Wessel.

Designed exclusively with Wessel, the new collection stems from Wessel’s natural talents and inspiration drawn from skiing and climbing the beautiful and commanding mountains in her homeland of Norway. This third version of Wessel’s signature series continues to be influenced by her roots.

“Norway’s national mountain, Stetind, inspired my first signature edition with POC, which was followed by Storen,” Wessel said. “Both mountains have beauty and extreme difficulty, and I wanted to follow them with an equally inspiring peak from the Lyngen Alps — Piggtind. When I first saw the sunset and colours that enveloped the mountain I knew I wanted to ski and climb there. And I wanted the collection to speak in the tones I saw and absorbed there, and which would represent the power and beauty of sunsets.”

The new Hedvig Wessel edition includes the Calyx Carbon, Nexal, Nexal Mid and the Devour Glacial, and are inspired by the pink sunsets and beautiful tones of Piggtind.

The Calyx Carbon helmet, certified for mountaineering, skiing and cycling, Nexal goggles and the Devour glacial eyewear are highly suited and developed for technical terrain, especially ski touring where rope work and mountaineering skills are required. It’s an environment where Hedvig spends more time and these products were chosen to meet the demands imposed by skiing in these settings.

As the current Freeride World Tour champion, Wessel inspires many with her technical abilities and natural approach to skiing. But those who followed her journey to the 2024 Freeride World Tour title will know that it has not been straightforward. Wessel started at age 11 with mogul skiing, culminating in representing Norway at two Olympic Games. Having switched to big mountain skiing, today Hedvig is considered as one of the worlds leading freeskiers. It’s her dedication and focus that sets Wessel apart as a skier and artist.

Sofie Tenmark, Special Projects Manager at POC, said: “Being able to work with such a dedicated and talented skier is always a real pleasure. And when that skiing ability is equally matched with a naturally creative and curious mind, the results are just wonderful. The new design we have created together is special, and we are particularly proud to release this edition for all to enjoy.”

The new Calyx Carbon in the collection is limited to fifty pieces, all uniquely numbered and including a handwritten note by Wessel. It will also feature a soft neck warmer. The Devour Glacial will come with a lanyard, ensuring retention in challenging conditions.

Product Page links:

Calyx Carbon Hedvig Wessel Edition

Nexal Mid Hedvig Wessel Edition

Devour Glacial Hedvig Wessel Edition 

Link to assets:

Photos by POC and Sophie Odelberg

About POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance  pioneer on a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of  accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of  protection for cycling and snow sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of innovation. For more information, visit https://poc.com.

About Hedvig Wessel

Hedvig Wessel is Norwegian with a rich and varied background in skiing which originally started at age 11 with mogul skiing, and culminated in representing Norway at two Olympic Games. Having switched to big mountain skiing, today Wessel is considered as one of the world’s leading freeskiers. She has competed around the globe with the Freeride World Tour and is the current Freeride World Tour Champion.

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Reju and Nouvelles Fibres Textiles Collaborate on Textile Waste Circular Ecosystem in France

PARIS, FRANCE (November 25, 2024) — Reju™, the progressive textile-to-textile regeneration company, and Nouvelles Fibres Textiles (NFT), a French company specialising in the recovery of end-of-life textiles, today announced a collaboration on the sourcing and recycling of textile waste to support the building of a circular ecosystem in France. NFT will supply secondary raw materials derived from used or unused waste textiles to Reju for recycling and production of regenerated Reju Polyester™.

Reju and NFT will collaborate to expand the collection and processing infrastructure for apparel and textile wastes from post-consumer and post-industrial sources. The collaboration will also allow for an open supply chain and guarantee 100% traceability of recycled materials.

Reju is developing the infrastructure to take textile waste and regenerate it at scale, starting with polyester. The end product – Reju Polyester™ – is expected to have a 50% lower carbon footprint than virgin polyester and can be regenerated infinitely. Reju’s first demonstration plant – Regeneration Hub Zero – is now operational in Frankfurt, Germany, and will come on line to enable the production of Reju PET in 2025.

Materials supplied by NFT will be processed at Reju’s new Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt, Germany and the future Reju Regeneration Hubs in Europe.

NFT and its partners opened a unique semi-industrial site and research center for textile recycling in November 2023. The pilot line is the first to combine Pellenc ST’s automated sorting technologies with Andritz’ tearing lines to process high volumes of post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste, eliminate hard points, and turn them into industrial grade fiber and raw material feedstock for new recycling technologies like Reju. NFT also provides secondary raw materials to various industries including non-wovens, insulation, composites, plastics, and other textiles.

Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju: “Reju and Nouvelles Fibres Textiles are using innovation and collaboration to accelerate the transition to a circular textile ecosystem. This valuable partnership demonstrates our collective commitment to addressing the problem of textile waste and developing new ways to use the resources we have within local supply chains. With the collection of textile waste mandatory in the European Union starting in 2025*, it is imperative we have scalable systems and partnerships to process what is collected and keep it from landfills or incineration. Together, Reju and NFT are building the technology and infrastructure to regenerate and reuse materials across industries and change the way we use our resources.”

Eric Boël and Etienne Wiroth, Co-directors of Nouvelles Fibres Textiles: “After 6 years of research and collaborative work, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles is now ready to collaborate with professionals who need to recycle their textiles. We have an innovative turnkey solution that transforms heterogeneous end-of-life textile streams into high-quality homogeneous raw materials while ensuring their traceability. Our partnership with Reju paves the way for the permindustry: a circular, more local, less carbon-intensive, and more collaborative industry—essentially, an industry that does good!”

*Read more about the European Union’s Waste Framework Directive (WFD) here.

About Reju

Reju is a materials regeneration company focused on creating innovative solutions for recycling polyester textiles and PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies and utilizing technology originating with IBM research, Reju aims to establish a global textile recycling circular ecosystem to address PET plastic found in textiles. Learn more at

https://www.reju.com/.

About NFT

Tissages de Charlieu Groupe and Synergies TLC have partnered to create Nouvelles Fibres Textiles: the first industrial infrastructure deploying ANDRITZ’s automated sorting and textile recycling solutions, incorporating sorting technologies from Pellenc ST. It is capable of automatically sorting clothing by composition and color and can also remove hard points and pre-fray garments. At the end of the line, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles produces a secondary raw material designed for industries that use textile fiber (e.g., shredding/spinning, non-wovens, composite materials, etc.). Together with our partners,

ANDRITZ and Pellenc ST, and all our clients, we conduct real-world productions and applied industrial research to address the challenges of valorization and supply chain sustainability. Nouvelles Fibres Textiles is already laying the foundations for a second material preparation plant scheduled for 2026, which will have an annual capacity of 20 to 30 thousand tons of post-consumer textiles and will create around thirty direct jobs.

The creation of Nouvelles Fibres Textiles represents a major advance in reducing the carbon footprint of the textile sector. Automated sorting was the last missing piece of a French circular economy loop, paving the way for a complete ecosystem that brings together brands, social and solidarity economy actors, collectors-sorters, and industrial players from various sectors, all united to serve consumers seeking more traceability and meaning in their donations and purchases.

For further information, contact:

Reju tali.serantes@reju.com
chris@cgprpublicrelations.com

 

Nouvelles Fibres Textiles (NFT)

contact@nouvellesfibrestextiles.com

OrthoLite India Expands Facilities in Ambur, Tamil Nadu, Adds Key New Hires

AMHERST, Mass. (November 25,  2024) – OrthoLite®, the global leader of branded, high-performance,  comfort footwear solutions, has expanded its OrthoLite India (OIN) facility in Ambur, Tamil Nadu India, and opened a new sales office in Chennai, all thanks to recent growth under new leadership.

The new building expands the footprint of OIN by three times and enables increased capacity to two million pairs of insoles per month. It also bolsters OrthoLite’s leatherwork capabilities; OIN is now fully equipped to make  leather footbeds. The new facility makes OrthoLite India the largest insole manufacturer in South Asia.

OrthoLite India opened its doors in June 2021 and is one of six of OrthoLite’s vertically integrated, global facilities. Through increased investments to the region as well as key new hires in supply chain management and operations, OIN is poised to expand local capacities to meet the needs of OrthoLite’s growing number of brand partners in the region.

In June 2023, OrthoLite announced Vikash Bajargyan as the new General Manager of OrthoLite India. In his position, Bajargyan has been managing overall operations at OIN, which has included leading manufacturing and business development, as well as establishing and managing relationships with brands and  Tier 1 factory partners. His leadership has been instrumental in this expansion.

“Vikash has been a strong leader in helping us grow our business quickly to meet our growing demand in this important region,” said Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite. “India is a thriving market both for our domestic consumer and export business. OrthoLite’s expanded facility will also serve  as an important hub for leather insole craftsmanship and other forthcoming innovations within our company.”

Under Bajargyan’s leadership, OrthoLite India is growing its team. Sweta Kannan has been tapped as OIN’s Operations Manager. With a BA and MBA in Business Administration, Kannan most recently spent the past 10 years as General Manager and running operations for a textile factory in Ambur. She also has significant experience in running lean line manufacturing.

Earlier this year, OIN welcomed Sureshbabu Seenivasagam and Anbu Sundaram who possess over 25 years of experience in merchandising and global supply chain and warehousing logistics in footwear.

OrthoLite India is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that catalyzes local-for-local production and service. Sixty-one of OrthoLite’s 550+ global brand partners produce in India, and the region represents part of OrthoLite’s global production strategy to align its factories and provide efficient and exemplary service directly to local partners and T1s.

Like all of OrthoLite’s vertically-integrated, global manufacturing facilities, OrthoLite India brings consistency and capacity and delivers on the company-wide values of quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

For additional information on OrthoLite, please visit ortholite.com.

About OrthoLite®
OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology, and 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 is found in more than 550 footwear brands across all categories of footwear and is the first name in comfort and performance foams. OrthoLite has a stalwart ommitment 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 The Conservation Alliance, The European Outdoor Conservation Association, 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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Outdoor Industry Association Applauds Introduction of “America the Beautiful” Act

BOULDER, Colo.  (November 22, 2024) – Today, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole released the following statement celebrating the introduction of the “America the Beautiful Act” by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.). The bipartisan bill would reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and increase funding for public land management.

“Record numbers of Americans are visiting our public lands each year, and we have a duty to the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts to ensure we leave these places better than we found them,” said Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association. “OIA and its members applaud this bipartisan effort by Senators King, Daines, Cramer, and Warner to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and take care of the infrastructure backlog across our public lands. There is no better return on investment than protecting these places that Americans have treasured for generations.”

New BEA Data Affirms Outdoor Industry’s Pivotal Role in the U.S. Economy 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 20, 2024

 

BOULDER, Colo. — The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) today released its latest economic data measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the U.S., totaling $1.2 trillion. This new data confirms the industry’s critical role in fostering economic growth, innovation, and job creation. 

“Outdoor recreation is more than just a pastime enjoyed by over 57% of Americans; it’s a cornerstone of our nation’s economy,” said Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). “OIA led the charge in urging the BEA to track this data, which continues to reveal the profound economic and societal value of human-powered outdoor pursuits. These activities fuel local economies, drive innovation, and create healthier, more connected communities. As the voice of the outdoor industry, OIA and its members are committed to advancing policies and investments that sustain this growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone.”  

Why These Numbers Matter 

  • The outdoor industry supports 5 million jobs across the country and accounts for 2.3% of GDP, a testament to its importance in both rural and urban communities. 
  • With a record 175.8 million Americans enjoying the outdoors each year, outdoor recreation continues to engage a diverse and growing audience. 
  • The economic might of the outdoor industry calls for collective action to advance industry priorities for the good of business, people, and planet.  

 This data reinforces the need for strategic investments in the outdoor industry. OIA is advancing a collaborative, bipartisan approach to strengthen the outdoor recreation economy and drive meaningful impact through the following priorities:  

  • Advance a Balanced Trade Agenda: OIA is committed to advancing tariff reform, supporting U.S. manufacturing, and leveling the playing field for outdoor businesses. OIA will continue to advocate for the renewal of programs including the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to reduce costs, create jobs, and fuel innovation in outdoor products.  
  • Promote Conservation and Expand Access to the Outdoors for All: OIA supports policies that invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure and public lands, along with policies that ensure access to outdoor spaces for all nationwide.  
  • Champion Climate and Sustainability Policies: To protect recreation spaces and promote sustainable innovation, OIA endorses climate policies that safeguard sensitive habitats, enhance public lands, and support clean infrastructure.  

OIA invites the industry to join President Kent Ebersole and its government affairs team on December 5 at 1 PM MT for a webinar to dive deeper into the BEA data and discuss the 119th Congress and industry policy priorities for 2025. Participants will gain insights and strategies to effectively engage policymakers and drive impactful policies shaping the future of trade, recreation, and sustainability. Register here.  

 

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.