According to the recent Financial Stability Review by the European Central Bank (ECB) many euro area large and complex banking groups returned to modest profitability in 2009, and their financial performances have continued to strengthen in the first quarter of 2010. These developments, which also include backup funds well above pre-crisis levels, suggest that most of these institutions have made important progress on the road to financial recovery.

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The user and end-of-life phases deserve increased attention in the textile and apparel sectors, especially in light of their environmental impact. The knowledge we have on how the consumer deals with these phases are limited. A three year project – Textile Waste as a Resource – was launched in Norway last year taking a rather “back-ward” approach in the life cycle assessment (LCA). (more…)

In late April and luckily just in betweeen volcanic erruptions Messe Friedrichshafen’s OutDoor Team organised a press trip to the UK. The aim was to give European National Newspapers and non-core trade press an ’outdoor experience’. A group of sixteen were exposed to the beauty of the UK’s North-West, starting with a visit to the beach just north of Liverpool to see sculptor Anthony Gormley’s Another Place, followed by a drive north to Lancaster to spend a half-day at the Innov_ex conference (see seperate story). (more…)

The recent Innov_ex 2010, sponsored by the Outdoor Industries Association, took place in Lancaster in the UK, building on previous discussions that took place at the 2008 and 2009 conferences the event focused on sustainability within the outdoor industries.

Speakers at the conference covered many subjects around the theme including the varying approaches to carbon footprinting, collaborative working, how to focus on priorities and how sustainability should be part of the main company strategy not just an add on. (more…)

Zug, Switzerland – At the Annual General Meeting of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) held on Monday 8th February, the members voted in a new President and agreed to a new structure to the EOG Board.

Mark Held, Secretary General, of the EOG commented, “As the industry itself changes, the European Outdoor Group has felt it necessary to restructure to ensure the appropriate flexibility to accommodate the requirements and demands of its growing membership and the industry itself.” (more…)

At the Annual General Meeting of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) held on Monday 8th February, the members voted in a new President and agreed to a new structure to the EOG Board. (more…)

Zug, Switzerland – During 2009 the European Outdoor Group undertook key industry research, looking at consumer attitudes, providing a snapshot of the European outdoor market. To support this research, and gain an insight into consumer attitudes the European Outdoor Group commissioned Profile Outdoors Ltd to conduct two surveys in partnership with German outdoor magazines Klettern and Outdoor, and the Mammut Sports Group of Switzerland. The research set to out to address the attitudes and habits of consumers in Germany and Switzerland in relation to participation and spend, brand choice and loyalty, and sustainability and the environment. (more…)

During 2009 the European Outdoor Group undertook key industry research, looking at consumer attitudes, providing a snapshot of the European outdoor market. To support this research, and gain an insight into consumer attitudes the European Outdoor Group commissioned Profile Outdoors Ltd to conduct two surveys in partnership with German outdoor magazines Klettern and Outdoor, and the Mammut Sports Group of Switzerland. The research set to out to address the attitudes and habits of consumers in Germany and Switzerland in relation to participation and spend, brand choice and loyalty, and sustainability and the environment. (more…)

ispo, 8th February at 08.00hrs
Zug, Switzerland – The European Outdoor Group’s Sustainability Working Group (SWG) is calling on all attendees at ispo to join them for breakfast and help save the world by working together in advancing a common sustainability platform. (more…)

ispo, 8th February at 08.00hrs
The European Outdoor Group’s Sustainability Working Group (SWG) is calling on all attendees at ispo to join them for breakfast and help save the world by working together in advancing a common sustainability platform. (more…)