September 23, 2024
Resource-saving innovation: Mammut Loopinsulation
The successful cooperation between the Swiss mountain sports outfitter Mammut and the Austrian rope manufacturer Teufelberger has achieved a new milestone in terms of resource conservation and performance.
With the introduction of the innovative Mammut Loopinsulation, a pioneering solution for insulation materials is being presented for the first time. This innovative insulation material is the result of joint research and development work and is obtained from production scraps generated during fiber rope manufacturing. Through a mechanical recycling process, free of chemicals, these scraps are transformed into high-quality insulation. A further step towards a more environmentally friendly future.
"With Mammut Loopinsulation, we are embracing a circular and resource-conscious approach to material reuse. This is a critical step toward the future of sustainable outdoor clothing," explains Helena Theba, Material Management Lead at Mammut.
“As a manufacturer of fiber ropes of all kinds, it is very important to us to find ways to reuse our products and raw materials. By utilising our global business partner network, we create a closed loop and the added value of the recycling process remains in Europe. After all, conserving resources is an absolute must in order to preserve our planet for future generations,” emphasises Andreas Grammer, Supply Chain Manager at Teufelberger Fiber Rope.
First milestones and challenges
For the 2024 fall and winter season, Mammut has successfully recycled 12 tons of rope scraps, converting them into valuable insulation material. A key challenge was the variation in rope diameter, quality, and color, which was overcome through innovative solutions and a robust logistics system.
"The complexity of recycling processes should never be underestimated," says Theba. "A circular economy demands significant effort and expertise."
A practical example: The Sender IN Hooded Jacket
One example of Loopinsulation in action is the Sender IN Hooded Jacket. This insulation jacket combines Loopinsulation with a recycled, wind- and water-repellent outer shell, moving Mammut closer to a fully circular, eco-friendly production process.