10 things to know about Odlo
When it comes to choosing the brands I represent, the company’s commitment to the environment and sustainability is a critical aspect. As I began researching Odlo, a European company, I was immediately struck by its sustainability practices and plans to further commit to recycling.
One example of this is, as of next winter, Odlo will switch its best-selling Performance Warm and Active Warm underwear ranges to recycled polyester. Additionally, Odlo will be making two-thirds of all its underwear/base layer products from recycled polyester or renewable natural materials. By the end of the decade, the goal is to reach 100 percent.
And not only is Odlo a leader in conservation, its products are comfortable, fit well and support the athlete. I’ve been particularly impressed with the shirts and shorts I used for training runs.
Win an Odlo hat
Speaking of training, I learned a few days ago that a race I have been training for is officially on, of course with modifications due to the pandemic. So it’s time to celebrate!
Odlo is graciously donating five hats for a contest I am running through July 18, the date of my 8-hour endurance race in Indianapolis. XX2i is donating a pair of sunglasses for the grand prize winner. I will randomly select the winners and announce them in my July 20 Monday Motivation e-newsletter. All you need to do to be eligible is to sign up for my e-newsletter at www.RunSpirited.com, have a mailing address in the continental United States and be at least 18 years of age.
I appreciate the support of Odlo and XX2i — and, of course, all my readers.
Did you know?
Here are 10 things to know about Odlo:
Odlo is not a new company. It was founded in 1946 in Norway.
It offers a range of products aimed at active adults. Product lines include Sports Underwear, Outdoor Mid and Outerlayers, Running, Cycling and Cross-Country segments.
The company projects it will recycle 350 tons of plastic bottles for use in its clothing during 2020.
It is reducing the number of polybags it uses for packaging by 50 percent.
The wool it uses is 100 percent certified mulesing-free. (Mulesing is the forced and painful removal of wool-bearing skin from a sheep’s buttocks.)
Its Virginia Down is 100 percent from certified non-live plucked sources.
Odlo’s Zeroweight Warm fabric technology uses a unique combination of windproof and water-resistant fabrics in an engineered knit. This will be seen later this year in the ultra-light Zeroweight Pro Warm Reflect Jacket and Tight for winter runners and walkers. It weighs just 130 g and packs down really small.
The new Blackcomb Futureknit, a three-layer membrane jacket, has a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm and a breathability rating of 20,000 g/m2/24 hours. This rivals the protection of heavier jackets but the Blackcomb Futureknit is extremely lightweight.
Looking ahead, Odlo is targeting even more eco-friendly actions in the next decade. By 2030, the company is aiming to reduce its pollution impact by 50 percent and use 100 percent of its synthetic fibers from recycled materials.
Company founder Odd Roar Lofterød Sr. was known for his creativity and being an unconventional thinker. His favorite saying still resonates today, “Always make sure you're one step ahead.”
And that is perfect advice, whether you are a high-performance company rooted in conservation principles or an athlete looking for an edge in superior gear and clothing.
