Charles Ross
Charles Ross is a textile specialist based at the Royal College of Art in London; he has taught Performance Sportswear Design to the next generation of Outdoor Industry designers for over two decades. His mantra is “Sustainability through Longevity.”
OpinionOutdoor Impact Summit: The EOG’s gathering at Messe Munich this summer
A new EOG event in Munich brought industry leaders together to rethink sustainability, circular economy and collaboration in the outdoor industry. Charles Ross is the first to report here on The OIC about his impressions and takeaways.
OpinionThose goodwill projects: Vanity, patronage, business investment or common sense?
How are outdoor brands navigating goodwill, climate advocacy and circularity? Charles Ross looks at three leading initiatives reshaping impact in the outdoor space.
OpinionOutdoor Impact Summit: Are you confident enough to not need to attend?
What happens when the outdoor industry’s top minds gather to tackle climate, circularity and regulation? Charles Ross is sure that very important matters will be discussed at the OIS. And best of all: You can meet him there.
OpinionThe days of abundant rPET feedstock are over: What is the alternative?
OIC columnist Charles Ross explains why outdoor brands must rethink material sourcing now, as the era of easy rPET feedstock rapidly ends.
OpinionFunctional Fabric Fair, Portland: Does anybody understand tariffs over here…?
Caught between chaotic tariff policies and climate urgency, Charles Ross finds the US outdoor industry bracing for impact – and leaning into collaboration.
OpinionEOCA – What you thought you knew has changed: good to better
As Earth Day nears, EOCA quietly shifts into a more powerful role – reshaping how the outdoor industry addresses nature, risk and long-term sustainability.
OpinionPerformance Days in Asia: Functional Textiles Shanghai
OIC columnist Charles Ross was just at Performance Days in Munich, then flew directly to Shanghai and is now already reporting on the Functional Textiles event held there on March 11 and 12.
OpinionPerformance Days 2025: Europe’s biggest gathering for the Outdoor Industry until Christmas?
Our columnist Charles Ross breaks down a record-setting ingredient sourcing show in Munich, highlighting key innovations, industry trends and expert insights.
OpinionThe future of shows: Can there be a simple solution?
In some of his earlier columns, Charles Ross discussed the social side of trade events. Now, he turns to another aspect of such gatherings.
OpinionDesign: Are we just adding more stuff – or is the new season offering better potential?
OIC columnist Charles Ross says that the outdoor industry needs to rethink its dependence on selling more and more new products – a model that aligns it with fast fashion – by adopting repair, remanufacturing and service-based business models to reduce overconsumption while maintaining profitability.
OpinionPerformance Days speaker program: 'Certifications – which ones matter?'
Charles Ross provides valuable insights into the speaker program for the upcoming event in Munich in March in the run-up to Performance Days 2025 in Munich.
OpinionDay 0 at Performance Days: Should I be interested in it?
This is a good question, and our columnist Charles Ross would like to expand on it a little to make your decision easier.
OpinionWe are a social creature that likes to communicate in person
Charles Ross explains why exhibitions complement this part of who we are.
OpinionIncoming legislation: Comply – or risk trade restrictions
With Gen Z driving demand for sustainable products, the EU Green Deal sets tougher rules for clothing, electronics and batteries. Our columnist Charles Ross examines the legislation affecting our industry.
OpinionWool: It is everywhere
Charles Ross reports from the Performance Days Trend Forum judging sessions in Munich.
OpinionSlide: A trade show where there was snow and snow products
Snow-covered roads didn’t stop the British Slide & OTS Winter show, where sustainability, innovation and high-quality networking stole the spotlight.
OpinionIf sustainability is a major part of textiles: Who runs the classes?
OIC columnist Charles Ross welcomes the first Day 0 of Performance Days on March 4 – a professional training session for everyone in the industry who needs to be brought up to date.
OpinionISPO has all the magic ingredients – so why not the footfall that celebrates the pulse of the industry?
Having missed Outdoor by ISPO last summer and just heard negative comments about it, I wasn’t sure what to expect at ISPO Munich in early December. However, even before the show started, my schedule was already full (in fact, overfull) for the first two days, so I was only able ...
OpinionBefore we sell more new stuff – can we do something about ‘broken’ waterproof shells?
The linear business model of this industry is to make-sell-disown product. This is not the much-heralded circular business model frequently spoken about. The facts are that the industry makes the most profit by selling stuff. If a product gets returned under warranty, it is often easier just to replace it ...
OpinionDay 0: Textile Sustainability Class 101
A deep dive into sustainability took center stage at the Functional Fabric Fair, fostering collaboration and solutions for the outdoor industry.
