When two Kiwi companies come together, you get shorts created by sustainable technology. The innovative Kathmandu Women’s Seeker 4-inch Shorts are now being awarded on the international stage.
Awarded at the 2024 ISPOs, the awards recognise the most outstanding products and services in sport globally and Kathmandu has been acknowledged for its sheer commitment a brand being reflected onto its products.
These Kathmandu shorts were made with carbon capture technology, advanced recycling and bio-based anti-odour.
The carbon capture technology is by far the most advanced and pioneering innovation under Kathmandu’s suite as it transforms carbon emissions into yarn, which is what the shorts are made out of.
The way the technology works is by capturing carbon from steel mills before it enters the atmosphere, then converting it into ethanol using fermentation by bacteria which results in a chemical that can be used to make polyester.
Read more: The trend of climate innovation in New Zealand
Along with the technology, advanced recycling is used as a secondary fabric and is derived from recycled plastic waste such as end-of-life car tyres.
“The highly functional shorts are an excellent example of how the need to protect the climate is creating new opportunities for innovation in the textile industry, even transforming emissions into new raw materials,” says the ISPO jury.
Kathmandu’s shorts aren’t their only product recognised by ISPO, as this is their second award.
Earlier this year, Kathmandu won an ISPO for its Feather Flight carry-on-trolley.
“In-line with our B Corporation certification, Kathmandu continues seeking ways to reduce our climate impact. By using LanzaTech carbon recycling technology, we are working to reduce our reliance on virgin fossil carbon to make new fabrics and support the recirculation of carbon-rich gases,” says Kathmandu’s General Manager of Product, Karinda Robinson.
“We are incredibly passionate about designing product that pushes industry boundaries, and to be recognised for that, on a global platform, is an honour and we are immensely proud.”
