The Woolmark Company and leading sports brand Adidas have teamed up to launch a design competition focusing on the development of innovative, forward-thinking products for the performance industry. The Woolmark Performance Challenge is a new annual competition for tertiary students in Europe and North America and is set to kick-start the career of the eventual winner.
The joint partners note the competition provides an amazing opportunity for tertiary students to develop innovative new product applications within the sports and performance market, using the science and performance benefits of Australian merino wool. Performance apparel is one of the fastest growing sectors in the international textile industry, growth that can be attributed to an emergence of new technologies, new sporting trends and a shift in people’s attitude towards health and fitness.
In addition, consumers are becoming more aware of the impact their purchasing decisions have on the planet and are demanding natural alternatives for their product and apparel needs. Adidas’ Senior Design Director Tillmann Studrucker explains, “At Adidas we are driven by a constant desire for innovation and its belief that anybody can and should be a creator. This unique collaboration with The Woolmark Company gives young creative students the chance to help shape the future of sport and sports culture. I am looking forward to a lot of creative designs that are considering sustainability with material innovation ideas that blend performance and style, past and future.”
Woolmark says its piece, “Taking advantage of the explosive growth in demand for sportswear and activewear, wool’s position as a technical fibre allows it to meet increasingly demanding consumer needs for comfort and performance. Wool is recognised by leading sportswear brands and manufacturers for its technical benefits including resistance to odour, superb breathability and moisture management capabilities.”
