Whether surfboards, skis or hiking poles: sports equipment used outdoors must not only be stable and durable, but also function in extreme temperatures. The demands placed on the materials are accordingly high. Many sports equipment items are therefore made of aluminium and carbon fibres, but these require a lot of energy to manufacture and are difficult to recycle. The German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf (DITF) are now working with industry partners to demonstrate that bio-based materials can also perform well in outdoor sports. As part of a joint project, sustainable and durable sports poles have been developed that consist of natural fibres and a bio-based matrix.

Sports poles made from hemp fibres and a bio-based matrix

The shaft of the new hiking pole was made from regional hemp fibres. These were processed into a stable, rope-like structure using a special coating process involving a special interweaving technique. The matrix used here is a material developed by project partner Bio-Composites and More GmbH based on epoxidised linseed oil, which can be cured like a synthetic epoxy resin. This matrix is said to be up to 42% bio-based and ideally suited for the energy-efficient pultrusion process. On a laboratory scale, DITF researchers have already successfully pultruded around 16 metres of the tubular profile and manufactured the first parts. The industrial partner CG TEC GmbH has confirmed the suitability of the process for series production.

Other components of the hiking pole, such as the handle strap and attachments, are also made from natural or bio-based materials. This means that the innovative sports pole is made from over 64% renewable raw materials.

High flexural strength and damping

Initial market analyses show high potential: the poles achieve a flexural strength comparable to aluminium models and also impress with improved damping properties. The project thus not only demonstrates the performance of hemp fibres, but also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint in the outdoor industry.

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