Polartec has recently collaborated with Haglöfs to simplify one of the most common colors in outdoor clothing, giving life to Standard Issue Black, a shared color sample for black designed as an alternative to the continuous development of almost identical shades.
Haglöfs is now bringing this concept to the market with the Buteo Mid II jacket, the world’s first product in Polartec Standard Issue Black, transforming this shared model from idea to commercial production. This fundamental launch is based on the Polartec Solution Dye platform, a pre-dyed and standardized approach to color management that allows brands to simplify sourcing and production, while reducing resource consumption. Compared to traditional piece-dyed fabrics, Polartec Solution Dye technology reduces water usage in production by over 50% and enables a minimum 20% energy savings, while maintaining performance, durability, and reliability. 
Available from fall 2026, the Buteo Mid II jacket is an updated version of one of Haglöfs’ most popular models. Lightweight, warm, and breathable, it is made from soft and durable Polartec Micro Series fleece in 100% recycled polyester and is offered in the Standard Issue Black color variant. Extremely versatile, it can be worn as both an outer layer and an insulating midlayer, maximizing its functionality. 
Statements
By deliberately choosing a highly successful and high-volume model for the first commercial application of Standard Issue Black, Haglöfs and Polartec demonstrate how a simple change can lead to a more efficient method of developing and producing outdoor clothing. “Seeing Standard Issue Black enter the commercial market is a crucial step, because this is where the idea truly starts to make a difference,” stated Karen Beattie, director of product management at Polartec. “Haglöfs has supported this initiative from the beginning and chose to introduce it through a product that people already know and wear. The Buteo Mid II jacket demonstrates that we can simplify an essential element like black, use fewer resources in the process, and continue to provide brands with everything they need to create distinctive and high-performance products.”
For Eva Weiss, head of design and R&D at Haglöfs, the launch represents a starting point for transforming the entire sector. “With the right approach, standardization and differentiation can go hand in hand. This change reflects the evolution towards a smarter and more conscious design process: it means using materials more efficiently, reducing waste, and maintaining a high quality standard, while still ensuring full creative freedom for the team.” 
