The Woolmark Company announces 2022 Performance Challenge winners

The winners of the 2022 Woolmark Performance Challenge, an initiative by The Woolmark Company and Salomon to support ideas in the sports and performance industry, have been announced.

Participants were invited to create cutting-edge running equipment for long-distance runners in mountainous settings using merino wool and durable organic fibers as the focus of this year’s subject.

In this year’s program, which included more than 191 universities from 25 countries, a panel selected three winners from among ten finalists.

For developing “Keradapt Merino,” a waterproof fabric created from merino wool using 3D printing technology and keratin collected from earlier processing, Michael Orlow won a paid, three-month internship with Salomon.

Michael was able to answer the brief with the transfer of technology from biomedical research, according to Florian Traullé, Salomon’s R&D footwear manager, in a release. The Salomon creative team gave this as their instruction. The suggestion to blend wool with other organic fibers creates new opportunities for sustainable innovation.

As the recipient of the research grant, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti student Giulia Ciola was awarded 10,000 euros.

Ciola created a trail running kit as part of her project with the intention of preserving the equilibrium of the planet’s natural resources. She blended merino wool, milk fibers, Seacell, Crabyon, and nettle to create her “Rapid Decomposing Wool” in response to the increased demand for environmentally friendly clothing alternatives. This circular material emphasized natural recyclability.

For her idea of “Adapting to Athletes,” Chloe Jerolaman was awarded the “Adaptable Innovation Award.”

The University of Cincinnati student concentrated on creating inclusive trail running gear for athletes with disabilities. Salomon will offer Jerolaman a three-month paid internship.

Additionally, Woolmark announced that the German University of Applied Sciences Albstadt-Sigmaringen was the recipient of its Institution Prize.

As a reward for submitting the most compelling applications, the institute will get 10,000 euros.

John Robers, managing director of The Woolmark Company, said that the Woolmark Performance Challenge has quickly established itself as the world’s leading ideas platform for the sports and performance market, using cutting-edge design and the technical nature of merino wool to deliver innovative solutions to enhance the performance apparel market. The ten designs chosen by the finalists show ground-breaking, design-led thinking that can create new possibilities for the sports and outdoor industry. They urge them to explore their commercial viability.