A shared black standard to reduce unnecessary variation in the outdoor industry.
Recognising a serious shortcoming within the manufacturing world, innovative Swedish brand Haglöfs and pioneering textile company Polartec have joined forces to to introduce ‘Standard Issue Black’. Driven by the fact that black is the most used colour in outdoor apparel yet rarely the same shade from one fabric to another, countless versions of black are developed and dyed separately, creating unnecessary complexity and impact. Which is why the brands have created a pre-dyed black standard designed in order to simplify sourcing and reduce the environmental footprint associated with fabric dyeing and colour development.
During a joint material review, Haglöfs and Polartec identified more than twenty visually similar black variations in active use within Polartec’s bestselling original technical fleece series. With each requiring their own dyeing process, production volumes and resources, despite the end results appearing to be virtually identical.
Addressing this inefficiency at scale when compared to traditional piece-dyed black fabrics, Standard Issue Black reduces water use in production by over 50% and saves a minimum of 20% energy usage compared to traditional piece-dyed black fabrics, based on internal production assessment. This offers a more resource-efficient approach to one of the most widely used colours in outdoor apparel.
The initiative between Haglöfs and Polartec has been showcased by a Black Capsule — a limited collection created using existing Polartec leftover fabrics in multiple black variations. Rather than creating something new, the capsule brings these variations together to make the implications of today’s fragmented approach to black visible, whilst also allowing this partnership to set the context for a shared standard going forward.
“By standardising something as fundamental as black, we can reduce unnecessary steps in production and make better use of shared resources,” says Ramesh Kesh, SVP at Milliken & Company and Business Manager at Polartec. “Standard Issue Black™ is intentionally open to the entire industry. Our aim is to contribute to a broader shift towards shared standards in how colour is developed and produced.” Whilst for Haglöfs, the initiative also reflects a long-term approach to design and product development, where early decisions play a key role in reducing complexity and extending product lifespan.
“Colour choices have long-term consequences,” says Eva Weiss, Head of Design at Haglöfs. “We approach colour with great attention to detail, understanding how materials and construction influence a shade. By working towards a clear standard, we reduce unnecessary variation while maintaining design integrity. It’s precision with purpose, supporting longevity in both function and expression.”
Following years of successful collaboration, the two companies see Standard Issue Black as a starting point for continued dialogue and cooperation across the industry — demonstrating how shared standards can help reduce complexity, conserve resources and support more responsible product development over time. Standard Issue Black will enter production for the first time in Haglöfs’ FW26 season, marking the transition from concept to implementation.
The Black Capsule collection will be available online at haglofs.com and in selected Haglöfs stores in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Helsinki, and Åre from March 13th.
