Fast track: market trends and developments in apparel and accessories at OutDoor by ISPO 2022

Fast track: market trends and developments in apparel and accessories at OutDoor by ISPO 2022

There was a sharp reduction in the numbers of exhibitors and visitors at the 2022 edition of OutDoor by ISPO, held in Munich, Germany, compared with the numbers seen at OutDoor by ISPO 2019. The reduction reflected continuing travel issues relating to COVID-19 and strategic decisions by many companies to focus on the challenges affecting their businesses—including difficulties in raw material procurement and disruptions to supply chains. Lockdowns have continued to be imposed in China and in other major textile and clothing producing countries to stem the spread of COVID-19, causing disruptions to supply chains. To add to the outdoor industry’s woes, companies throughout the supply chain are battling with sharp increases in fuel costs and commodity prices which have been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. These challenges were a major focus at OutDoor by ISPO, and they were covered in depth in a number of talks, presentations, demonstrations and round-table discussions. In addition, environmental sustainability was a major focus at the event. Reflecting this, many exhibitors presented innovative materials which had been made using alternatives to man-made fibres produced from virgin materials, including fibres derived from recycled waste materials and those derived from sustainably sourced natural materials. Several exhibitors demonstrated new methods of sustainable production, and many promoted the fact that they had been awarded various sustainability certifications. This report analyses: the key topics presented at Outdoor by ISPO; the latest product developments and innovations on show at the event; and the size and growth of the European outdoor market.