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The German Innovation Award distinguishes cross-industry products and solutions that put the consumer at the center and offer a genuine added value that differs from previous solutions. After all: Innovations that shape the future and improve people’s lives exist in all industries. But some of these are so groundbreaking that they deserve special commendation.
Once again, the German Design Council issued awards to companies this year, honoring excellent product innovations which are firstly groundbreaking, and secondly, boast exceptional user-centered development.
ISM Heinrich Krämer impressed the jury in the competition class “Excellence in Business to Consumer” with the ALBATROS AER58 Blue Low safety shoe featuring innovative PWR Beads® sole technology.
The three-layer cushioning system used in the Workletics 3D sole is has a mid-layer made of PWR Beads® that stretches to far under the mid-foot. Individual PWR Beads® are already highly effective at absorbing impact. During the production process they are “baked together” to form a single element. This composite material can then achieve an incredible energy return of 58%. This has only been possible thanks to ISM being the first to release this material to market without needing to use a stabilizing frame structure, allowing the outstanding cushioning properties to be best exploited. The second upper layer is made of a very lightweight EVA material to provide both dynamic cushioning and stabilization. Just the right amount of grip is ensured by the two-tone, non-slip and abrasion resistant rubber outsole with wide flex grooves for optimal flexibility. The well thought-out cushioning concept further guarantees exceptionally dynamic energy absorption. The effects of impacts on bones and joints are reduced by 42%, providing a particularly high level of comfort and fatigue-free working, especially for those who cover many kilometers each day.
The PUMA Safety VIVID GH Low made of sustainable Safety Knit Green®, an outer material consisting of high-quality polyester fibers from recycled PET bottles also won over the jury of experts. With the development of sustainable safety shoes, ISM is tackling demand from partners, end customers and retail – “for a better world” – hands on.
Aside from the appearance of these safety shoes, technical aspects also play an important role. The sustainability model of PUMA Safety meets the safety requirements of Class S1P in line with DIN EN IS 20345, is ESD-compatible and therefore suitable for working with sensitive components that could be damaged or destroyed by electrostatic discharge. A lightweight fiberglass toe cap tested to 200 joules protects against falling objects. The sustainable FAP® GREEN protection against perforation made of non- metallic, extremely tear-resistant textile fibers also made from recycled PET bottles delivers a particular boost when it comes to comfort and safety.
The HRO rubber sole of the PUMA Safety VIVID GH Low, offering heat resistance up to 300°C and featuring differently shaped tread elements, ensures optimal mobility and safe contact with the ground (SRC).
Countless small air bubbles in the ultra-light EVA midsole ensure optimal cushioning and improve the foot’s rolling motion. The idCELL element integrated into the heel area consists of very lightweight EVA foam and optimally absorbs impacts and shocks when setting down the heel. A particular highlight of the sole is the integrated rotation point around the midfoot. This point comes under the most strain and load when moving around at work every day. Its reinforcement essentially minimizes friction and thus signs of fatigue.
“We consider this new award as confirmation of the work we do at BSM towards developing market- relevant products, which, aside from offering genuine added value for the wearer, also boast an outstanding, modern design. We’re delighted about that.”
says Christian Güse, Head of Marketing at ISM.
The top-class, interdisciplinary jury of experts put together by the German Innovation
Award represent a range of specialist knowledge, including from the fields of product design, marketing, IT and culture.
The German Innovation Award is awarded in a total of 40 categories, divided into the competition classes “Excellence in Business to Consumer”, “Excellence in Business to Business”, “Design Thinking” and “Aviation, Maritime & Railway Technologies”.
The German Innovation Award has been given out by the German Design Council on an annual basis since 2018.
