Archives: Press Releases

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the country and place immense strain on the already overextended US healthcare system, Superfeet has opened their doors to help those needing immediate access to 3D printers and/or production facilities to shore up short-term medical supply demand.

While business as usual takes a pause, Superfeet and their sister company Flowbuilt Manufacturing are hoping to contribute to the safety of our medical professionals and first responders: They’re opening up capacity on their HP MultiJet Fusion printers and setting up a manufacturing line for producing life-saving medical equipment.

Superfeet is asking anyone in need of supplies to combat COVID-19 to reach out to covidresponse@superfeet.com to determine if they can be of assistance.

“The men and women who are our first line of defense when it comes to fighting COVID-19 are facing shortages of the protective gear necessary to keep them safe. We immediately looked at our machines and our team and knew we could do more to help,” says John Rauvola, CEO and President at Superfeet. “We’ve already started the process of prototyping several pieces for medical equipment with our 3D printers and are ready to help create solutions for those in need.”

Superfeet, headquartered in Ferndale, WA (approximately 1.5 hour drive north of Seattle), is 100% employee-owned, and consists of individuals who recognize the power of the greater good. Harnessing the company’s ability to quickly produce custom insoles for customers, Superfeet is now channeling that power to fight the spread of COVID-19.

ABOUT SUPERFEET: For more than 40 years, Pacific Northwest-based Superfeet has been creating innovative products featuring the Superfeet® shape, helping millions of people worldwide experience unparalleled comfort, pain relief and performance. Today, through Fitstation and the latest advancements in 3D-printing technology, Superfeet is taking insoles and footwear from mass-produced products to personalized, made-for-you solutions. A 100% employee-owned company, Superfeet gives 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to help others shape a strong foundation for a healthy future. For more, visit superfeet.com.

ABOUT FLOWBUILT: Flowbuilt Manufacturing is the only USA based full-service footwear manufacturing facility to offer mass-customization through proprietary multi-section injection technology. Clearing the way for brands to design and deliver the future before anyone else can, the Flowbuilt facility boasts cutting-edge 3D-printers and innovative machinery that flexes easily between creating a single custom pair of shoes to efficiently manufacturing thousands of pairs. At Flowbuilt, ideas flow from design to prototype through products built for today’s consumers, all under one roof. Learn more about Flowbuilt Manufacturing at: https://www.flowbuiltmfg.com/

• First fiber producer to have an approved science-based target – CO₂ neutrality by 2050
• Breakthrough in REFIBRA™ technology – worn textiles can also be used as fiber raw material
• Pioneer in the introduction of blockchain technology for fiber recognition
• On track to meet all sustainability targets

Lenzing – Just ahead of the “Day of Forests” on March 21, which the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) introduced in the 1970s in response to global deforestation, the Lenzing Group presents its Sustainability Report 2019. This sets out how the company is actively dealing with the global challenges.

Lenzing produces fibers from the renewable raw material wood and is well known among its customers and partners in the global textile and nonwoven fabric industry for the clear position it takes as a sustainable producer. It is no accident that the new report is appearing on the International Day of Forests. Lenzing’s sustainable practices in procurement, especially for wood and pulp, were once again ranked as leading in the 2019 reporting year (Hot Button Report).

“Stand up! Against business as usual”

Under the motto “Stand up! Against business as usual”, Lenzing emphasizes its wider responsibilities over and above its products. Business-as-usual scenarios have to be overcome, in particular for climate protection. With a science-based target, Lenzing is taking action to master the problems caused by climate change. The Lenzing Group is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions per ton of product by 50 percent by 2030 (baseline: 2017). The Science Based Targets initiative has approved Lenzing’s climate target as science-based.

“Climate change is the most daunting challenge humanity faces. By making the strategic commitment to be climate-neutral by 2050, we will contribute to reducing the speed of global warming and to accomplishing the targets of the Paris climate agreement. Despite the substantial investment that is necessary, we are convinced that this is not only a very responsible step but that it will also be a value-generating move”, says Stefan Doboczky, Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group. “The big challenges of our day demand new answers. Lenzing is at the forefront in being part of the solution.”

Breakthrough in REFIBRA™ technology

One of Lenzing’s strategic principles under its “Naturally positive” sustainability strategy and a focus in the 2019 Sustainability Report is the circular economy – an area in which Lenzing makes significant contributions. To address the enormous textile waste challenges of industry and society, Lenzing has developed a unique recycling technology branded REFIBRA™. This technology enables garment production waste to be reprocessed into fibers. By recycling worn garments for the first time in the production of
TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ fibers, Lenzing achieved a further milestone in 2019 in establishing this pioneering technology in the global market.

“REFIBRA™ combines the production technology of lyocell fibers, which are widely recognized as being the most environmentally responsible wood-based cellulosic fibers, with a closed-loop production process and the recycling of cotton materials”, says Robert van de Kerkhof, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lenzing Group. “Lenzing’s vision is to turn the recycling of textile waste into a common standard process like paper recycling. This includes recycling fabrics and garments made from Lenzing materials. We want Lenzing fibers produced with REFIBRA™ technology to contain up to 50 percent of recycled materials”, states van de Kerkhof.

Transparency as the basis for transformation

Aside from climate protection and the efficient use of raw materials, transparency along the value chain also represents a huge challenge and, at the same time, forms the basis for greening the industry. Lenzing offers an innovative solution based on blockchain technology in cooperation with TextileGenesis™. This enables customers and consumers to trace the production of a garment back to the raw material by simply scanning a barcode. In 2019, Lenzing presented its first pilot project at the Hong Kong Fashion Summit.

Sustainability targets

In its sustainability strategy, Lenzing has defined seven core areas in which it makes significant direct contributions to the attainment of several Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs). In those areas, Lenzing has set concrete, ambitious targets, and the Lenzing Group continued to work hard to achieve them in the reporting year.

Significant improvements were achieved in the following areas:

• 9 percent saving in specific primary energy consumption and 8 percent reduction in specific greenhouse gas emissions (base year in both cases: 2014)
• Reduction of about 30 percent in sulfur emissions from production
• Reduction of about 30 percent in sulfur dioxide emissions from energy production
• 7 percent reduction in specific water consumption compared to the baseline 2014
• Reduction in other waste water effluents

Parents, looking for fun things to do with the family while practicing social distancing? Here are ways  to stay entertained and engage with the outdoors. We at Titus Adventure Company have created a trail map of activities for your family to prepare for when it’s time to go camping.  It is a way for your kid to understand the responsibilities they will have on your family camping trips. Think of it like the responsibility test parents give kids before adopting a dog. This checklist will keep your kids engaged and show that they are ready to join the family on camping trips.  We know camping can feel like a lot of work but it can be easier if the family can chip in to lessen the load on the parents.

We have created a list of about 40 tasks that are laid out on our printable board game. By the end you will be officially ready for a camping trip AND, if you send us a photo of your family’s completed map, your kids will get an official Titus Adventure Company Certificate of Readiness! Have fun, happy camping and stay healthy.

Learn more and download the map here:

https://www.tacrentals.com/blog/2020/3/18/beat-the-boredom-get-your-family-camping-ready

Wedge Brands LLC, a new company formed between a group of Colorado outdoor enthusiasts and a contingent of passionate surfers in Southern California, in addition to The Pearl Fund, announces the acquisition of Xcel Wetsuits and ZG Holdings LLC’s assets and brand portfolio.

Founded in 1982 by Ed D’Ascoli on Oahu and winner of the 2020 SIMA Wetsuit of the Year award, Xcel Wetsuits was most recently owned and operated by Boardriders Inc. 

Based in Aspen, Colorado, and founded by Jarka Duba in 2015, ZG Holdings LLC, managed and distributed Elevenate Apparel, Level Gloves, Briko Helmets and Goggles, Northwave Cycling Shoes, KODA Nutrition, and YNIQ eyewear in regions of North America.

Wedge Brands LLC’s acquisition of Xcel Wetsuits allows the company to once again operate as an independent surf brand, while utilizing the North American distribution and shared services platform that ZG Holdings had built over the last five years, including warehousing, ERP/CRM (Netsuite), customer service, and accounting.

“Everyone at Wedge is very excited about the merging of these iconic global active lifestyle brands,” says Wedge Brands LLC President, Jarka Duba. “We’ve been in discussions with Greg Wade and his team at Xcel for the last six months and are extremely excited to collaborate and help them continue to produce and distribute the best wetsuits in the world.”

Silverpeak Capital Partners provided financing and Goodspeed & Merrill served as the legal counsel to Wedge Brands LLC.

About Wedge Brands LLC

Founded in 2020 by a group of outdoor and surf enthusiasts, Wedge Brands LLC builds, buys, and grows brands it believes in. Its focus is to acquire brands, help them cultivate, and share services to provide best in class systems for each company. Wedge Brands believe in local retailers, core brands, and passionate end users. 

KAYSVILLE, Utah- March 19, 2020- Klymit, a comfort innovator in advanced outdoor technology, debuts the Klymaloft™ sleeping pad. The Klymaloft™ is an all-new revolutionary air and foam sleeping pad designed for maximum comfort. The sleeping pad marks the beginning of Klymit’s third sleeping pad line, joining the Inertia and Static series. 

The Klymaloft features a patent pending innovative foam and air design. A plush foam topper conforms to support the body and eliminate pressure points, while underlying I-beam air chambers create loft and stabilize the sleeping pad. Perfect for three-seasons, the sleeping pad’s stretch polyester fabric is soft and quiet for a comfortable night’s rest. Air and foam strike the perfect balance between comfort, pack size, and weight. 

Inflating the Klymaloft sleeping pad is fast and easy. The pad is compatible with Klymit’s Rapid Air Pump and Electric Pump. The Klymaloft weighs 38.5 oz, packs down to 11.5” x 8”, and has an ASTM R-value of 2.1. 

“We know that an uncomfortable night’s rest can ruin the outdoor sleep experience,” says Klymit President, Cory Tholl. “With the Klymaloft, we believe we’ve delivered an exceptionally comfortable pad that will make you forget you’re away from your bed at home. You won’t ever consider another self-inflate or other foam pad ever again.”

The Klymit Klymaloft is available now exclusively on Klymit.com. 

Klymit Klymaloft 

MSRP: $149.95

Weight: 38.5 oz

Dimensions: 72 x 23 x 2.5 in. 

Pack size: 11.5 x 8 in. 

Fabric: 75D polyester 

R-value: 2.1 ASTM F3340-18

Klymit is a company based in Kaysville, Utah that challenges traditional approaches to the conception and fabrications of outdoor goods. Klymit was conceived under the idea that the experience of sleeping outside can be enhanced with new technologies that produce comfortable, lightweight, and rugged products through comfort innovation.

https://www.klymit.com/

www.facebook.com/KlymitNobleTek

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https://instagram.com/klymit/

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The impacts of climate change are only going to become more apparent. Intensified weather and rising sea levels are the most well-known consequences of negative human activity, but perhaps the most crippling side effect of prolonged human degradation of the environment concerns the global economy.

In short, human pollution leading to an acceleration of climate change will cost us. Big time. According to a report from the Universal Ecological Fund, “In the coming decade, economic losses from extreme weather combined with the health costs of air pollution spiral upward to at least $360 billion annually, potentially crippling U.S. economic growth” (Leahy). The world economy has already felt these effects. Increased widespread droughts, wildfires, and floods have depleted entire regions across the globe. “Billion Dollar Disasters” have also seen a spike in prevalence throughout the last few decades. In 2016 alone, fifteen natural disasters were recorded to cost over a billion dollars in recovery. Hurricane Irma and Harvey required a combined $200 billion in recovery efforts in 2017. As these natural disasters become more apparent and more intense, they will drag an exponentially greater toll among the U.S. and global economies. Global markets will undoubtedly feel the strain of disaster relief, but as pollution of air and water continue, economic loss resulting from increased health problems of workers will increase, too.

Economic growth has a foundation based on workers’ ability to, well, work. A proposed warming of the surface temperature by 8 degrees Fahrenheit (RCP8.5) as opposed to 5 degrees (RCP4.5) by the year 2090 offers two drastic future strains on the economy. In relation to labor, “The projected warming will lead also to 910 million more lost labor hours per year in 2090 in RCP8.5 than in RCP4.5 – a difference worth about $75 billion per year” (Nucitelli). Billions lost to health effects caused by climate change presents an opportunity to act now. Adapting our economy and our policies regarding climate change is essential to the economic viability of future generations.

What are some things we can do to adapt to the pressures of accelerated climate change? Well, we can start by focusing on different aspects of industry that have been identified as key contributors to the climate crisis. For us, we have identified a climate killer in the backpack and outerwear industry. Solvent-based PU (Fossil Fuel) coatings have been used for decades to increase abrasion resistance on fabrics. The use of these coatings releases volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere which is depleting our ozone layer letting in harmful ultra violet rays. The compounds, then, accelerated the process of global warming by aiding greenhouse effects.

Our mission at PolyCore™ is to replace the use of solvent-based coatings that suffocate our planet and replace them with sustainable, water-based options. Investing in the adaptation of different areas of the market to combat climate change is just one way to avoid climate and economic catastrophe. Investing today in the future of our planet is essential. If everyone chose just one area of their business or lives to invest time, energy, and/or money into helping reduce their impact on the environment, we could all make a substantial impact on our world.

 

 

Earth Day Network Announces Shift to Global Digital Mobilizations for 50^th Anniversary

ELY, MN–Today a Trump appointed U.S. District Court judge in Washington, D.C. upheld the Trump Administration reversal of  Twin Metals’ lease termination. The reversal is being challenged through a lawsuit brought by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and 9 Northeastern Minnesota businesses against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit challenges the legality of a May 2018 temporary reinstatement of expired mineral leases. Those leases were since officially renewed. These leases were not renewed in 2016 when, after years of study and overwhelming public comment, the U.S. Forest Service concluded that copper mining under these leases posed an unacceptable risk of irreparable damage to the Boundary Waters and surrounding Superior National Forest lands and waters.

“Today is a slap in the face to science, the rule of law, the Boundary Waters Wilderness, and the American people,” said Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters Executive Director Tom Landwehr. “This decision failed to recognize the clear, plain language of the leases and twisted itself into knots to justify the predetermined policy decision of the Trump Administration to sell out America’s most popular Wilderness to a Chilean billionaire who also happens to be the landlord of Ivanka Trump. We intend to appeal this misguided ruling.”

Minnesotans overwhelmingly oppose mining near the Boundary Waters. A recent Star Tribune/MPR poll showed that by a 3-1 margin Minnesotans opposed sulfide-ore copper mining near the Boundary Waters. Less than a quarter of Minnesotans supported new mining near the Wilderness. Significantly, responses did not vary greatly between regions of the state, with 54% of Northern Minnesota residents opposed and only 26% in favor. 

The Trump Administration has continued to hide critical scientific data on the danger of sulfide-ore copper mining, refusing calls by Congress, the media, and the public to release the data.

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Boulder-based Momentum Media PR  will host  a series of virtual media events targeted at both core outdoor and broad-based media and influencers, kicking-off and rolling out for spring and summer 2020. Rooted in the outdoor and snow sports markets since 2001, Momentum has differentiated its agency by successfully and simultaneously immersing clients in both the core endemic outdoor and snow sports markets as well as a much broader base of active lifestyle, style, fashion, and mainstream media and consumers.

Having successfully done so on behalf of clients for nearly two decades, Momentum is bringing new solutions to bridge the gap between brands and their media and consumer audiences. The first virtual media event is slated for April 1^st and will take place live from Boulder, Colorado. Featuring national and global apparel and gear brands in an active setting with an interactive format, the event will draw media from across the country. 

An experiential event along with a virtual Outdoor Retailer sneak preview are slated for the week of June 15^th; both will be held locally while the sneak preview will broadcast nationally, and both will be open to exhibiting and non-exhibiting brands. Media is invited to attend to see and hear about current and future products from some of the most esteemed brands in the active lifestyle and outdoor space.

“We’re seeing an immediate and long-term need for a smart solution to bring the latest gear and news to our media and influencer networks, located in hubs like New York, LA and Denver, in an engaging and efficient way,” said Bethany Mousseau, PR Director for Momentum Media PR. “In keeping with our extensive experience curating and executing events that are both creative and strategic, we’re now connecting brands with media in this new virtual series to help them reach their existing and potential customer bases.”

Along with one-on-one and small group opt-in media meetings in Boulder and Denver, home to AIM Media’s Backpacker, Climbing, SKI, and the outdoor industry trade outlet SNEWS, as well as Gear Junkie and a wide network of editors, freelance writers, and influencers contributing to hundreds of outlets and channels, Momentum will be partnering with other PR agencies and individual brands to bring product launches, news and experiences to outdoor, active lifestyle, and mainstream consumer media nationwide.

“At a time when brands need extra support and new ways to reach media and consumers, we’re accelerating our media event schedule by hosting virtually as well as in person when and where possible,” said Alycia Cavadi, Momentum’s president and founder.  “We’re taking our expertise in media relations and events and extending it to platforms that will help us broaden our reach for our clients and best serve our media network who are always looking for new stories to share. To that end, we’ll be joining forces with like-minded and forward-thinking PR agencies and brands to offer even more stories and value.”

 Momentum has served as PR agency of record for many outdoor and active lifestyle premium brands, while also reaching crossover markets like natural foods, wellness and marine. The agency is also proven in successfully reaching “more than outdoor,” serving clients in various markets including golf and housewares. 

 Updates to the dates, times, brands and media participants will be found on a soon-to-launch “upcoming events” page at www.momentummediapr.com. For updates as-they-happen, subscribe to Momentum’s newsletter at www.momentummediapr.com/contact.

About Momentum

Originated in the outdoor and snow sports markets since 2001, Momentum has differentiated itself for reaching both endemic markets and a much broader base of active lifestyle, style, fashion, and mainstream media and influencers.  Current clients include BOGS footwear, Darn Tough Vermont, ECCO Outdoor, Flowbuilt Manufacturing, Noto Group Executive Search, Stanley-PMI, Superfeet, and Turtle Fur.                       

Based in Boulder and Boston, Momentum is strategically located in close proximity to outdoor and active lifestyle media as well as New York’s broader fitness, fashion and general interest media base.               

The agency has also served as PR agency of record for many more top-tier brands in the active markets, including Teva, Mammut, Icebreaker, Lole, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Eastern Mountain Sports, Mustang Survival, aladdin, Outdoor Industry Association, Justin’s, Sea to Summit, Petzl, and Leave No Trace.  To learn more about Momentum Media PR’s services and capabilities, visit www.momentummediapr.com.

prAna, creator of the Clothing for Positive Change movement and leader in sustainable, outdoor fashion, released a statement from brand President, Russ Hopcus, in response to the coronavirus global pandemic.

The statement reads:

With the continuing spread of COVID-19 we will be closing all prAna stores for two weeks — from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. We believe we must do our part to limit the spread of this virus and help in the recovery of our communities.

Our number-one priority is the safety and well-being of our people—our staff and our customers. We will continue to pay our staff throughout this period and offer our products to you online.

We appreciate your support and know that together we will get through this unprecedented time.

The retailer has six stores located in Boulder, Denver, Portland, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Manhattan Beach.

For updates, please visit prana.com.

About prAna
Clothing for Positive Change
We inspire you to chase adventure, thrive, and stay active in your unique way. We strive to responsibly outfit those adventures with respect for the planet and its people. We commit to education and exploration in the name of progress so we can all create clothing for positive change. Whether you’re commuting to work or wandering the globe, rest assured we’ve been there and used those moments to design better and sustainably made product. prana.com