February 8, 2021; Shipley, UK – British sustainable outdoor brand, Finisterre, has been honoured by winning a Gold ISPO Outstanding Award in the Insulation Apparel Category, which will be virtually presented at the forthcoming ISPO Munich trade show this week. The BioSmock is a clean insulation layer, which allows it to be effectively used in a layering system but will also work as a shell.
The ISPO Jury citation reads, “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 & 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."
Finisterre lead Designer, A. Todd, designed the water repellent and windproof BioSmock to be deliberately functional following the performance direction of the company’s pioneering B Corp business platform. The outer shell of the garment is made with new PrimaLoft® BIO™ woven technology, a PFC-free synthetic material woven by Amaterrace of Japan, which is biodegradable on land and in the sea.
The insulating layer is provided by HD® Wool in the form of a wool/PLA compound that also decomposes safely in marine environments when microbes are introduced. HD® Wool Active Insulation uses a blend of non-Merino wool known for its greater physical durability. Furthering its naturally sustainable moisture management and thermo-regulating benefits, 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.
“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,” said Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Managing Director, HD®Wool insulation. “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.”
The BioSmock is designed for its simplicity to allow for greatest functionality. In addition to PrimaLoft® BIO™ and HD® Wool Active Insulation, features that separate the BioSmock from the norm include the lack of zippers as none of the biodegradable versions on the market would decompose fast enough alongside the rest of the garment. The kangaroo front pocket where adjustments can be made from PLA poppers, serves as a simple storage/ hand warming area. Finisterre’s design research and thought produced supportive marks from the judges.
The Finisterre BioSmock - the first step towards making climate positive garments - will be available for purchase Autumn Winter 2021/22 priced at £225.
About Finisterre
Born over a decade ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre designs functional and sustainable product for those that share a love of the sea.
It started in 2003 in a flat above a surf shop with an innovative fleece that was designed to keep out chill winds and warm up cold bodies. Since these early days, driven by those who have jumped on board, supported by our customers and suppliers, the brand and product has widened beyond these original beginnings. Yet from our cliff top workshop in St. Agnes, we stay true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity, always remaining committed to product, environment and people.
The name of one of the most rugged headlands that bravely bears the full brunt of the North Atlantic gales, and a former shipping forecast area, Finisterre literally means end of the earth or land’s end. The place where land ends has intrigued man for centuries, fostering both a real and a romantic relationship with the sea; a relationship that runs deep in our narrative.
Since day one we have taken a pioneering approach to making better and more sustainable product, challenging and innovating, seeking alternatives to what has gone before. We’re committed to making informed decisions about our impact on the environment and are constantly trying to push boundaries to make the best product we can. In our eyes this is gear that will be with you the longest; and the longer you have it, the more attached to it you become.
Instagram: @finisterreuk
Facebook: @FinisterreUK1
About HD® Wool Insulation
HD® Wool Active Insulation exists to bring energy, well-being and comfort by working with nature to produce active technical wool insulation. The business is built on the expertise of four generations, from farming in Yorkshire to international wool trading. Founder Jo Dawson created HD® Wool Active Insulation to propel the use of wool in the 21st century as a natural and high performing active insulation.
HD® Wool Active Insulation is natural, renewable and biodegradable whilst providing breathable, odor inhibiting comfort and unmatched moisture management in a variety of machine washable weights. HD® Wool Active Insulation is strongly positioned globally and strategically within the market, enabling management of all areas of the wool supply chain. Our unrivalled experience in the world of wool places us in a perfect position to identify ethically grown wool and provide guaranteed traceability through the Woolkeepers® quality assurance platform.
For more information, please visit us at hdwool.com or on LinkedIn