Polartec, a pioneer in synthetic fleece, is bringing a new approach to color management in outdoor apparel to the market. Born from a collaboration with Haglöfs, “Standard Issue Black” introduces a shared color standard for black, aiming to eliminate the ongoing production of closely similar shades. The first tangible result is the Haglöfs Buteo Mid II—the world’s first product made using Polartec Standard Issue Black—which thus transitions the new standard from the design phase to commercial production.
A new standard for black in outdoor apparel
The initiative stems from a desire to simplify and streamline the management of one of the most widely used colors in outdoor apparel. Standard Issue Black aims to reduce the need to repeatedly develop nearly identical shades of black by establishing a common color reference for brands.
The project is based on the Polartec Solution Dye platform, a standardized pre-dyeing system that allows for intervention in the sourcing and production processes. Compared to traditional piece dyeing, Polartec Solution Dye technology reduces water usage by over 50% and achieves energy savings of at least 20%*, without compromising the performance, durability, or reliability of Polartec fabrics.
Polartec Solution Dye: less water and less energy
Available starting in autumn 2026, the Haglöfs Buteo Mid II updates one of the Swedish brand’s best-known models. The jacket features soft, durable Polartec Micro Series fleece—made from 100% recycled polyester—and is offered in the new “Standard Issue Black” colorway.
Lightweight, warm, and breathable, the Buteo Mid II is designed to serve as either an outer layer or an insulating midlayer. The decision to apply the new standard to an established, high-volume model underscores Polartec and Haglöfs’ commitment to demonstrating how color standardization can streamline the development and production processes for outdoor apparel.
“Seeing Standard Issue Black reach the commercial market marks a pivotal step, as this is the stage where the idea can begin to drive tangible change,” said Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec. “Haglöfs has supported the project from the outset and chose to launch it via a product that is already well-known and widely used. The Buteo Mid II demonstrates that we can simplify an essential element like black, reduce resource consumption, and continue to provide brands with the features needed to develop distinctive, high-performance products.”
For Eva Weiss, Head of Design and R&D at Haglöfs, however, the project represents a possible starting point for a broader evolution of the sector.
Standardization and differentiation can coexist when approached in the right way. This shift reflects smarter, more conscious design: using materials more efficiently, minimizing waste, and maintaining high quality standards, while simultaneously allowing the team full creative freedom.
Available in “Standard Issue Black” and other colorways starting in autumn 2026 at Haglöfs stores and on haglofs.com, the Buteo Mid II marks the commercial debut of the new black color standard developed by Polartec. It is a project that begins with an essential color to transform how materials are developed and manufactured for outdoor apparel.
Find out more on the dedicated Polartec page.
