Impetus

IMPETUS developments

ISPO 2020 Munich

From the concept to the exhibition stand

Impetus' main objective at ISPO2020 was to clearly demonstrate its technical and multidisciplinary capacity in the development of technical products geared towards specific sporting activities, always with two main pillars in the development of sustainability and technology. Thus, the result of this
four conceptual models: urban, outdoor snowsports and health & fitness. With this we intend to show that we are concerned with the future (“we care about the future”) both at the environmental, social and economic level with regard to sustainability, which is already part of Impetus' DNA, it is already the basis of any development. In addition, we are concerned and especially attentive, in the development and application of new technologies, such as advanced structures with high mechanical resistance to cut abrasion, use of multiscale materials (nanomaterials, micro materials and macro materials), biodegradable, recycled or natural materials functionalized with original materials in natural waste and among others. A specific case of this was the presentation of the research and development project, Protechsleep in partnership with the University of Minho and financed by Compete P2020 which focuses on the development of pajamas that improve the sleep quality of sports athletes.
All developments were inspired by biomimetics and an enormous concern to respond to thermophysiological and ergonomic needs during sports practice.

Biomimicry

Biomimicry consists of the development of new technologies through the principles of the study of biological systems present in nature. This methodology, when applied as a change or even as a way of survival, is what provides Man with more alternatives with regard to his evolutionary process. Bioinspiration is a strategy that promotes the creation of new ideas. This is based on three particularly interesting and important intellectual vectors in the selection of characteristics of biological systems to try to understand and mimic, these being: the function (engineering); the design; and dissipation. In the textile sector, biomimicry is widely used for the production of textiles with camouflage capability, in the form of light, flexible nets, covers, accessories and clothing. Currently, there is a correlation between areas of natural inspiration or bioinspiration, which are differentiated according to their direct or indirect application, according to their principles and according to their final application within the scope of the concept. Biomimicry has a vast set of advantages related to many benefits observed in the natural world, such as the efficient use of resources, the design oriented to multifunctionality, the latter linking engineering with biology.

In the textile sector, biomimicry is widely used for the production of textiles with camouflage capability, in the form of light, flexible nets, covers, accessories and clothing. Currently, there is a correlation between areas of natural inspiration or bioinspiration, which are differentiated according to their direct or indirect application, according to their principles and according to their final application within the scope of the concept. Biomimicry has a vast set of advantages related to many benefits observed in the natural world, such as the efficient use of resources, the design oriented to multifunctionality, the latter linking engineering with biology.

IMPETUS developments

Types of Products

Compositions and technologies

The products have a diversified material composition based on natural fibers, recycled synthetic fibers, as well as materials with high mechanical resistance. Properties such as elasticity and fiber recovery have become key characteristics in all types of clothing, both in conventional fashion, but mainly in high performance sportswear. The selection of materials was designed based on user comfort, such as moisture management; breathability; deodorant properties; mobility / flexibility; and protection as UV protection; antibacterial; mechanical resistance (cutting, abrasion); anti-mite barriers. The diversity of materials used allows the user to have a differentiated product that presents comfort and flexibility, associated with protection and safety.
With regard to technologies, the great challenge is focused on the use of fabrics for products that relate aesthetics to protection, aimed at urban sports. Generally, these types of products are produced based on more rigid fabrics that give greater mobility limitations and less flexibility to the user, not being suitable for sports. In this sense, a set of mesh-based products has been created that can eliminate these gaps.
The mesh technology is unique because it allows products with excellent elasticity and recovery, and can present different structures, fibers and finishes. The meshes have properties associated with comfort, such as moisture management, flexibility of movement, less rigidity, which is beneficial for the user. Seamless technology meets the user's requirements from both an aesthetic and functional point of view. This is due to the fact that this technology has the ability to produce different patterns combined with different structures and raw materials. Seamless stitches are produced in a tubular shape, thus not having seams. Seamless has exclusive advantages, such as: it provides greater comfort; better aesthetics; greater smoothness; improvement in mobility / flexibility of movements. In addition to the beneficial properties associated directly with the user, it also contributes to sustainability and ecology, as it presents a reduction in process costs (energy, water), as well as a reduction in waste due to phase elimination compared to the conventional method (cutting, seam). Seamless also allows greater freedom in terms of design and applications (swimwear, underwear, conventional clothing, among others).

Sustainability

Throughout this development there was an enormous concern with sustainability, in this sense the selection of materials has always been a compromise between performance and sustainability, surface treatments such as dyeing and finishes to reduce energy consumption have been reduced as much as possible, water and chemicals. In addition, this development was concerned with designing garments that would cause the least possible waste and the shortest possible process. But above all, it was a product with greater mechanical resistance to traction, abrasion and cutting to be a much more durable product, and consequently produce less waste in the future.