British sustainable outdoor brand, Finisterre, has won the Gold ISPO Outstanding Award in the Insulation Apparel category, which will be presented virtually at ISPO Munich this week, for its BioSmock, clean insulation layer that allows it to be used in a layering system or to work alone as a shell.
The ISPO Jury wrote, “The Finisterre BioSmock is the leading example of the Circular Economy in performance apparel. It’s a practical insulation layer that uses the most advanced PrimaLoft Bio technology combined with HD Wool Active Insulation to create comfort in almost every condition. Champions the end-of-life: woven compostable shell and thermoregulating insulation. When all other items are trying to reduce their environmental footprint, this garment has the potential to be climate positive through using regenerative practices.”
Finisterre’s lead designer, A. Todd, designed the water repellent and windproof BioSmock to be functional following its B Corp business platform performance direction. The garment’s outer shell is constructed using PrimaLoft’s Bio woven technology, a PFC-free synthetic material woven by Amaterrace of Japan, which is biodegradable on land and in the sea.
“HD Wool provides the insulating layer in the form of a wool/PLA compound that also decomposes safely in marine environments when microbes are introduced. HD Wool Active Insulation uses a blend of non-Merino wool known for its excellent physical durability. Furthering its naturally sustainable moisture management and thermo-regulating benefits, HD Wool Active Insulation is sourced from farmers who have started the ReGenerative Agricultural process by having their land subjected to an annual Ecological Outcome Verification set forth by the Savory Institute to show progress in Land to Market objectives — namely restoring the biodiversity of the land, improving soil health, creating better natural irrigation, and sequestering carbon,” said Finisterre.
“The team at Finisterre are incredibly passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and pushing boundaries to make the best products it can,” said Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, managing director, HD Wool insulation. “As we share these same passions, collaborating with the team on the BioSmock project was a true privilege, and we congratulate them on winning the coveted and deserved Gold ISPO Outstanding Award.”
The BioSmock offers the simplicity of design yet is functional. In addition to PrimaLoft Bio and HD Wool Active Insulation, the BioSmock lack zippers to allow it to decompose as fast as the rest of the garment. The kangaroo front pocket, where adjustments can be made from PLA poppers, serves as storage or a hand-warmer.
Photo courtesy Finisterre
