Christchurch-based outdoor brand Kathmandu has solidified its global leadership in sustainable innovation by winning an ISPO Award for its groundbreaking Women’s Seeker 4-inch Shorts.
Announced on December 4, the ISPO Award celebrates the most innovative products in sport worldwide, positioning Christchurch as a hub for cutting-edge sustainable technology in the outdoor industry. This recognition marks Kathmandu’s second ISPO Award in 2024, following awards for its ultra-light Feather Flight carry-on trolley earlier in the year.
Kathmandu’s General Manager of Product, Karinda Robinson said, “We are incredibly passionate about designing a product that pushes industry boundaries, and to be recognised for that, on a global platform, is an honour, and we are immensely proud.”
Part of the new Outdoor Active range, the Women’s Seeker Shorts cater to the growing demand for outdoor fitness apparel. The shorts combine four-way stretch for unrestricted movement with moisture-wicking fabric for comfort.
The Women’s Seeker 4-inch Shorts by Kathmandu incorporate three innovative sustainable technologies that set them apart in the outdoor apparel market.
First, the shorts feature Carbon Capture Technology, developed in partnership with LanzaTech. This cutting-edge process captures carbon emissions from steel mills and converts them into yarn through bacterial fermentation. The captured emissions are transformed into ethanol, reducing the need for virgin fossil carbon and promoting carbon recirculation, offering a solution to one of the industry’s biggest environmental challenges.
Another key technology is Q CYCLE by Fulgar, a recycled nylon made from plastic waste, including end-of-life car tyres. This material reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional nylon production, making it a more sustainable option for high-performance outdoor wear.
The shorts also integrate Ionic+® Botanical, a citric acid-based treatment that naturally neutralises odor-causing bacteria. This eco-friendly approach eliminates the need for harmful chemical treatments, offering an effective, sustainable solution for keeping gear fresh during outdoor activities.
The ISPO Award Jury said, “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.”
The ISPO Award showcases Kathmandu’s commitment to sustainable design and further establishes Christchurch as a global innovation hub. With its headquarters in our city centre, Kathmandu is at the forefront of eco-friendly innovation, demonstrating that local vision can thrive on the world stage and set a strong example of environmental responsibility.
As a Certified B Corp, Kathmandu has led the way in sustainable outdoor apparel since its founding in New Zealand in 1987. Its products are available in 153 stores across Australia and New Zealand and online.
