The Stockholm outdoor brand Houdini Sportswear is presenting several initiatives on the way to fulfilling the brand vision „Maximum experience, zero impact, and beyond“. A first insight into the new Planetary Boundaries Assessment will be presented during ISPO. Houdini also plans to further expand the Ride Clean Initiative, a holistic concept aimed at helping skiers and snowboarders live their passion while contributing to a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature. A new shell concept based on a Polartec® fabric innovation will also be presented at the trade fair.
First Things First – knowing our influence: The new Planetary Boundaries Assessment
The first step to minimizing environmental impacts is knowing them. In 2015, Houdini initiated the groundbreaking Planetary Boundaries Assessment, a holistic business assessment based on the Planetary Boundaries Framework. Together with scientists from the Stockholm Resilience Center/Alba Eco, the institution that published the scientific framework, Houdini examined nine different aspects of its environmental impact: from climate impacts to chemical use and biodiversity.
In January 2024, Houdini will release a new evaluation based on the Planetary Boundaries 2023 update, as well as the brand’s own research and progress since the last report in 2018. A small preview of the report will be published at ISPO this year.
„We use world-leading science to assess all aspects of the impact of our business on our planet’s ecosystems. This is a very tangible way for us to improve and show our love and respect for nature.“
– Eva Karlsson, Managing Director Houdini Sportswear
A variety of solutions: The Ride Clean Initiative Houdini’s Ride Clean Initiative aims to give skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to enjoy their sport while contributing to a snow sports community that is in harmony with natural systems. Winter sports reveal a less environmentally friendly side, including toxic chemicals in skiwear and poor product design that creates waste and contributes to climate change. Houdini offers a complete layering system from underwear to outerwear and insulation that is made from recycled materials and is completely free of PFAS or other harmful chemicals. Notable news for Fall/Winter 2024 include the Ride Jacket, a minimalist all-round freeride shell jacket, and the Moonwalk Houdi, a hybrid midlayer with the perfect balance of warmth, weather protection and breathability, made with Polartec® Power AirTM Light. The Ride Clean Initiative also includes service offerings such as rental, subscription, maintenance, repair and sales of second-hand products, which challenge today’s linear business model in which products are manufactured, used and thrown away. Houdini also actively promotes a lifestyle of maximum experience and minimum environmental impact through customer events and communications efforts.
„When looking at design, we focus on the entire production system, usage and solutions for further use. Looking only at the design of a specific product ignores a large part of the overall impact, but also significant potential. With the right solutions For example, one item of clothing can meet the needs of several customers.“
– Jesper Danielsson, Chief Product Officer at Houdini
Innovation in the works: An exploration of next-generation shell layers
Houdini is pleased to present a first look at a (as of this writing) shell series for freeride and mountaineering currently in development. The clothing range is made with the next generation of Polartec® Power ShieldTM, a 3-layer shell fabric developed by Polartec®. This is now made with BiolonTM, a renewable, non-GMO-based nylon made from plants that has a 50%* lower carbon footprint than Virgin Nylon-6,6 and relies less on fossil resources. With a hydrostatic head of 20,000 mm H2O and a breathability of 20,000 g/m2/24h, the garments offer protection from the elements and breathability on par with other high-performance shell layers on the market. But what really makes the difference is the feel. Lightweight, smooth and incredibly durable, the garments follow your every move and take the comfort of shell layers to a new level. The new Shell layer series is currently in the field testing phase with prototypes and is scheduled to launch in fall 2024.
„At Polartec we believe it is everyone’s responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. The introduction of BiolonTM nylon-based fabrics marks an important step in this journey. For a long time many thought that more sustainable options „This would mean a loss in performance, such as durability. Polartec has proven that this is not the case.“
– Ramesh Kesh, Senior VP & Business Manager Polartec | Government & Defense BU at Milliken & Company
