Media Release
Merino takes it to the extreme
12 February 2007
Australian Merino wool has been displayed at the world’s largest sporting goods trade show in Germany; a meeting point for some of the world’s largest sporting manufacturers, designers and retailers.
Seventeen high-performing Australian Merino products were displayed at ISPO 2007 in Munich from the 4th to the 7th of February 2007.
Extreme sports is a growing trend all around the world, and Australian Merino wool is taking advantage of its unique characteristics to offer fabrics that provide the extreme benefits required for the ultimate in sports apparel performance. The primary aim of the world’s largest sporting goods trade show, ISPO, is to intensify and strengthen the communication and support for retailers to access an array of beneficial performance and sporting products.
Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) attended ISPO for the first time in 2006, and already Australian Merino wool apparel has been included in garment ranges of leading labels such as Driza-Bone. AWI was pleased to present a collection ranging from extreme protective textiles, multi-climate buffering fabrics, and sample design products all built to benefit the extreme sports individual; at ISPO 2007.
Merino’s warmth has been a literal life-saver but its breath-ability is possibly more remarkable, buffering changes in the microclimate to maintain body temperature in a range that is optimal for performance.
AWI has taken Merino to the extremes with some of the latest technologies. From bright new whites and colour techniques through to controlled felting to increase thickness, reduce air permeability and increase strength; to the other end of the scale with feather-weight textiles that are stain resistant, quick drying, flexible and comfortable next-to-skin.
Products showcasing these new technologies were also on display at Outdoor Retailer, a major trade show in Salt Lake City, USA; during January 2007.
Mr Mark Brooks, Product Development Manager of Sports and Outdoor Wear at AWI said “performance is a huge arena for Australian Merino wool. AWI’s direct business relationships with textile technology centres, manufacturers and designers have led to extremely innovative products that heighten the extreme performance benefits that Merino provides naturally.
“All Merino innovations introduced at Winter ISPO 2007 have an advantage over other textile fibres in the performance apparel sector, with attributes like insulation, UV protection, fire resistance, durability and water repellence,” said Mr Brooks.
Over 60,000 people visited ISPO in Munich this year, travelling from countries around the world including the US, England, Japan, and wider Europe. Some of the top brands in the sports industry were present. Iconic Australian brand Driza-Bone was also present at ISPO 2007 with its new Driza-Bone Merino collection created with the assistance of AWI.
"The response to the innovative Australian Merino products displayed by both ourselves and Driza-Bone was very positive. It is encouraging to know people are aware of the innovations and applications with Australian Merino and interested in testing them for future use," said Mark Brooks.
AWI will work with retailers who were excited by the Australian Merino wool products on display, with the aim of getting these garments available for sale in 2008.
PRODUCT INNOVATIONS INCLUDE
Merino Climate
Klimeo
Klimeo is a new treatment for apparel textiles to provide fabric thermal buffering. The treatment improves the cool-touch feeling of apparel garments.
Quick Dry Merino
The latest technology can deliver new fabrics that wash "drier" and have improved stain resistance. These fabrics can provide consumers with Merino wool products that function well and are easier than ever to maintain.
Merino Coolmax®
Merino Coolmax® combines the natural properties of Australian Merino - including breath-ability, comfort and softness - with the high performance attributes of Coolmax®. Merino Coolmax® products are ideal for outdoor sports and active apparel, bringing together comfort and performance, without weight.
Merino Protect
Merino Antistatic
A new generation of wool fibres that prevent electrostatic charge accumulation, and shield the human body from harmful electromagnetic waves.
Merino WWB
Novel Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable (WWB) Australian Merino Outdoor wool garments, designed to protect against all extremes of the weather.
Nano Tech AB
Freshness is a close partner to comfort and the combination is something we all strive to achieve through the hustle and bustle of our busy days. Nano Tech AB offers a unique solution to this age-old issue, inhibiting bacterial growth and keeping garments made from Australian Merino wool fresher for longer.
Merino Stretch
Merino with Lycra®
The new fabric developed using Lycra© and Australian Merino is soft and comfortable, retains its shape well and is machine washable. Visually the fabric is appealing, with an uneven yarn look and textured affects.
Ends
For images from ISPO please contact AWI Corporate Affairs.
®Lycra and Coolmax are registered trademarks of INVISTA
Released by:
Sally Davison – AWI Corporate Affairs – (02) 9299 5155 or 0428 295 898.