Columns
-
OpinionIndustry 4.0 in sporting goods manufacturing
Industry 4.0 transforms sporting goods manufacturing with AI, IoT, and automation, driving efficiency, sustainability and competitive growth.
-
OpinionPerformance Days in Asia: Functional Textiles Shanghai
OIC columnist Charles Ross was just at Performance Days in Munich, then flew directly to Shanghai and is now already reporting on the Functional Textiles event held there on March 11 and 12.
-
OpinionPerformance Days 2025: Europe’s biggest gathering for the Outdoor Industry until Christmas?
Our columnist Charles Ross breaks down a record-setting ingredient sourcing show in Munich, highlighting key innovations, industry trends and expert insights.
-
OpinionThe future of shows: Can there be a simple solution?
In some of his earlier columns, Charles Ross discussed the social side of trade events. Now, he turns to another aspect of such gatherings.
-
OpinionDesign: Are we just adding more stuff – or is the new season offering better potential?
OIC columnist Charles Ross says that the outdoor industry needs to rethink its dependence on selling more and more new products – a model that aligns it with fast fashion – by adopting repair, remanufacturing and service-based business models to reduce overconsumption while maintaining profitability.
-
OpinionPerformance Days speaker program: 'Certifications – which ones matter?'
Charles Ross provides valuable insights into the speaker program for the upcoming event in Munich in March in the run-up to Performance Days 2025 in Munich.
-
OpinionDay 0 at Performance Days: Should I be interested in it?
This is a good question, and our columnist Charles Ross would like to expand on it a little to make your decision easier.
-
OpinionWe are a social creature that likes to communicate in person
Charles Ross explains why exhibitions complement this part of who we are.
-
OpinionIncoming legislation: Comply – or risk trade restrictions
With Gen Z driving demand for sustainable products, the EU Green Deal sets tougher rules for clothing, electronics and batteries. Our columnist Charles Ross examines the legislation affecting our industry.
-
OpinionWool: It is everywhere
Charles Ross reports from the Performance Days Trend Forum judging sessions in Munich.
-
OpinionSlide: A trade show where there was snow and snow products
Snow-covered roads didn’t stop the British Slide & OTS Winter show, where sustainability, innovation and high-quality networking stole the spotlight.
-
OpinionIf sustainability is a major part of textiles: Who runs the classes?
OIC columnist Charles Ross welcomes the first Day 0 of Performance Days on March 4 – a professional training session for everyone in the industry who needs to be brought up to date.
-
OpinionCOP29 in Baku – Another senseless meeting?
Kai Rassmus Landwehr of myclimate shares the key takeaways from COP29, which he personally attended, highlighting business opportunities and challenges.
-
OpinionISPO has all the magic ingredients – so why not the footfall that celebrates the pulse of the industry?
Having missed Outdoor by ISPO last summer and just heard negative comments about it, I wasn’t sure what to expect at ISPO Munich in early December. However, even before the show started, my schedule was already full (in fact, overfull) for the first two days, so I was only able ...
-
OpinionBefore we sell more new stuff – can we do something about ‘broken’ waterproof shells?
The linear business model of this industry is to make-sell-disown product. This is not the much-heralded circular business model frequently spoken about. The facts are that the industry makes the most profit by selling stuff. If a product gets returned under warranty, it is often easier just to replace it ...
-
OpinionDay 0: Textile Sustainability Class 101
A deep dive into sustainability took center stage at the Functional Fabric Fair, fostering collaboration and solutions for the outdoor industry.
-
OpinionMark Held: OutDoor – a time for decisions
This message by Mark Held, former EOG President, urges the outdoor industry to embrace OutDoor’s revamped model, which offers new, cost-effective opportunities.
-
OpinionDoing the Right Thing: Perhaps the search for new loses sight of the horizon
Charles Ross discusses the shift towards PFC-free chemistry, the industry’s role in environmental impact and how brands can refocus for sustainable change.
-
OpinionMaterials Matter: The Textile Exchange conference delivers what is required from an NGO
Textile Exchange gathers global experts to advance material sustainability, tackle recycling challenges and address overconsumption in textiles. OIC columnist Charles Ross was in Pasadena and shares some insights.
-
OpinionPerformance Days: Moved up to another level?
3,838 people came through the doors to Performance Days in late October 2024, the two-day ingredient sourcing event at Messe Munich last week. The event in March of this year had a 2,999 footfall – which was a show record attendance in itself. At a time when some shows are ...
