British outdoor brand Finisterre has won a Gold ISPO Outstanding Award for its biodegradable BioSmock garment which claims to be potentially climate positive. The garment’s outer shell is constructed using PrimaLoft’s bio woven technology, a PFC-free synthetic material, which is biodegradable on land and in the sea. The woollen insulating layer is sourced from regenerative farmers committed to restoring the biodiversity of their land, improving soil health, creating better natural irrigation and sequestering carbon.
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.”
A Finisterre spokesperson explained: “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 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.
HD Wool managing director Simon Whitmarsh-Knight commented: “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.
“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.”
