The products we are buying and how we are using them not only affect our economic and social situation but the well-being of our environment. The consumption of private households alone is responsible for more than a quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions in Germany – the production of those products not taken into account. You don't have to be a prophet to imagine the environmental burden that could follow, once China, India and other aspiring countries adopt our consumptive lifestyle. Thus, changing the patterns of production and consumption has become a challenge that faces every corner of our society – from the sphere of politics down to the everyday decisions of the individual.  

On an international scale, the United Nations’ „Marrakech Process“ aims at changing   unsustainable ways of consumption and production by assisting countries in developing a long-term framework of programs. On a national level, the Ministry of the Environment has initiated a dialog process. The main goal is to take existing approaches, for example to focus on private and public spendings, and to take them to the next level – with a solid penetration of the market with sustainable products, the top runner principle (the product with the best energy efficiency sets the standard which others must follow), environmental labels such as the Blue Angel or other policies. Another idea is to develop new, practice-oriented initiatives in cooperation with individual social groups.  

The focal point in all these efforts remains the individual consumer, because his or her everyday decisions have far-reaching consequences for the environment. Aspects such as the transport distance is as crucial as the reparability or recyclability of a product or the consumption of water or energy. A high-quality ecological consumption is necessary.  

From an environmental perspective, the design of a product is of the utmost importance. About 80% of the environmental impact of a product is determined during the design stage. Therefore, product innovations can be a great tool to help reducing the environmental burden. In order to achieve this goal, there needs to be an integrated process that takes into account the total lifetime of a product with all the different stages of production and utilization.  

The public concern for environmental issues is greater than ever, and so are the chances of establishing sustainable products in the market. Many people are aware that their decisions are important – and that they can help to protect our planet and to limit the effects of climate change to a certain extent. And they are willing to contribute within their individual scope. The trend towards a „sustainable lifestyle“ changes our patterns of consumption and our markets. This is an important development for the sports goods branch, since these are the products that are supposed be used in an intact nature. 

I'm very happy to see that this year's ispo is host to a forum for EcoDesign, which is dedicated to the topic of sustainability in the field of industry and sports design. I wish you a successful event.