Innovative materials are a key factor in the outdoor equipment sector – W.L. Gore leads the field

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achim_loffler_gore__mediumIf you ask someone from our sector to name one of the major innovations relating to the materials used for outdoor clothing and shoes, the answer given almost always is: “membrane technology”. W.L Gore leads the market in the development and application of this technology.

And as innovations will be a major issue addressed at the European Outdoor Summit – with among others the keynote from best-seller author Max McKeown focusing on this subject – we have grasped this opportunity and Achim Löffler, Global business leader for GORE-TEX® footwear from W.L. Gore will be giving an entertaining talk on the significance of innovations for the company and its success:

1.  What role does innovation play in Gore’s company philosophy?

Gore is a technology-driven company, has Product Leadership as a defining philosophy, and is focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. For each division in the company innovation and the delivery of great products is a key strategic objective.

2.  Despite being widely used from many of the best footwear companies, you just launched a new technology especially for this segment. When and how did the process start?

The GORE-TEX®brand has its roots in outdoor activities in which people participate to enjoy life and explore their surroundings. These activities include not only climbing and mountaineering but also what is widely understood with then term “hiking” – the perfect sport for people who prefer taking moderate exercise in unspoiled countryside rather than going to extremes. It was for this wide target group of hiking enthusiasts that we developed our new GORE-TEX® SURROUND™ product technology. It is durably waterproof, but also breathable all-around – a world first for hiking shoes. (more…)

Interview with Andy Schimeck, Chairman of the professional group “Outdoor” (FGO)

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as_2__mediumShortly before the EOS will meet at Lake Tegernsee, we took the opportunity to speak with Andy Schimeck (Chairman of the professional group “Outdoor” FGO) about the expectations and challenges regarding the summit as well as the future of the outdoor market.

The European Outdoor Summit begins in around two weeks. What expectations do you have for the international get-together?

 

I’m expecting a great industry gathering and a lively exchange among participants on the exciting themes our excellent speakers are covering. I also hope that the presentations can inspire us all to further develop the outdoor industry we all care about so much. The strategic impulses from Dr. Max McKeown in combination with the socio-political themes of democratic change should be of great interest to anyone working in the sport and outdoor industry, regardless of whether they are on the retail or the brand side. Dr. Kai Hudetz’s look at the future of the retail landscape is in itself reason enough to participate. Never before has retail been in such a state of transformation as it is now. In short, I expect to see a lot of participants from retail so that we, as brands of the professional group and the EOG, can work together to plan the future of the industry successfully. (more…)

Interview with Rolf Schmid (EOG): How and Why People Need to Enjoy OutDoor Activities

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The outdoor industry has experienced exceptional growth and has become one of the major players in the sporting goods business. In order to strengthen this position, the EOG (European OutDoor Group) undertakes a number of efforts that prove to be beneficial to the European industry.

At OutDoor 2014 Messe, we had the possibility to interview Rolf Schmid (EOG Chairman and CEO Mammut Sports Group): the perfect situation to understand the aims of EOG and the concrete experience of who lives at first hand the latest tendencies of the markets.

Interview: Andrea Bianchi – MountainBlog
Video shooting/editing: Matteo Menapace – Mountainblog