Eurobike, the world’s leading trade fair for the cycling industry, included Roica smart innovations by Japan’s Asahi Kasei into the race. Roica went the distance as it joined this year’s Eurobike Academy line-up and hosted an interactive panel focused on sustainability as an added value for the cycling market.

The panel titled What is Smart Innovation in the Biking Market? was held on 9 July in Conference Center East, Room London. The panel was moderated by Giusy Bettoni, CEO, C.L.A.S.S. (Creativity Lifestyle And Sustainable Synergy), a Milan based company generating global strategies and identifying new values essential for today’s knowledgeable conscious consumer. The panel shared expertise and discuss what is being done to push the boundaries of innovation. The company highlighted responsible dimensions and processes currently available.

The all-star line-up included Uwe Schmidt, Asahi Kasei’s Roica, Managing Director, who will introduce cycle enthusiasts, brands, retailers and manufacturers to the premium sustainable stretch yarn: Roica Eco-Smart and the Roica Feel Good family.

The panel also featured Laura Gambarini, Marketing and Communication Manager at M.I.T.I., which develops and creates premium and innovative stretch warp knitted fabrics with Roica Eco-Smart family for all the high-performance sports. Cycling brands recognise M.I.T.I. as the market leader for the features of its innovative fabrics.

Another panel participant was Sven Koehler, Head of Production at Maloja Clothing, an outdoor specialty brand, which developed new biking sets constructed of M.I.T.I.’s fabrics using certified yarns belonging to Roica Eco-Smart family.

Also taking part in the panel was Sergio Alibrandi, Executive Marketing Director at Sitip, which creates high-tech innovative sports fabrics that are made in Italy. Attendees learnt how the company developed its multi-panel thermal bib tights that are able to generate heat for riders that want to conquer cold winter training. Made from BeHOT fabric, the product is constructed with Roica Stretch Energy.

The audience also learnt how a leading international cycling brand Santini is using BeHOT with Roica on select products to generate additional heat – up to 2°C as the cyclist moves their body, thanks to the heat generating technology as certified by CeRism, Outdoor Sport Research Centre at Verona University.

“Spearheading the premium stretch market, Roica partners’ materials elevate new standards for high-tech performance that can enhance cycling products to compete responsibly,” the brand reports. “Roica partners excite you as they show a fantastic range of stretch essentials for cycling clothing, gear, and apparel that offer solid performance perks. Most importantly, visitors of Roica partners at Eurobike learnt about their ongoing commitment to responsible innovation and creativity.”

www.asahi-kasei.co.jp