Nicolas Rochat Founder

Fibre2Fashion

28-04-2025

Our commitment to natural materials is non-negotiable
Mover is a Swiss sportswear brand dedicated to eliminating synthetic materials from outdoor apparel. Founded in Sweden in 1982 and later acquired by Swiss entrepreneur Nicolas Rochat in 2004, Mover transitioned from pioneering Gore-Tex in ski apparel to embracing natural fibres like merino wool and Ventile cotton. With the launch of Mover Plastic Free Sportswear in 2021, the brand reinforced its commitment to sustainability, creating high-performance, plastic-free garments designed for comfort, durability, and environmental harmony. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Mover continues to innovate, proving that technical excellence and eco-conscious design can go hand in hand. In a candid chat with Fibre2Fashion, Rochat discusses Mover's journey towards plastic-free sportswear, the challenges of eliminating synthetics, and the innovations shaping the future of sustainable performance apparel.
How is the industry addressing the challenge of creating high-performance sportswear without relying on synthetic materials? Are there any breakthrough natural alternatives emerging?
Many solutions already exist but have been forgotten or overlooked. Ventile, for example, is a highly weather-resistant fabric initially developed for military pilots. Made from densely woven cotton, it provides waterproof protection without synthetic coatings. Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary famously wore merino wool and Ventile when they summited Everest.
Our own TechFleece is another breakthrough. Traditionally, fleece is made from polyester and marketed as technical. Instead, we use pure merino wool, adjusting the fabric's structure to maximise breathability and warmth. The outer surface is woven, while the interior is brushed, creating a high-performance, natural alternative to synthetic fleece.
Mover initially pioneered Gore-Tex in ski apparel but later moved to natural materials. What led to this shift, and how did it align with your vision for the brand?
Our initial use of Gore-Tex was driven by the need for high-performance materials. However, we soon realised that synthetic fabrics, while marketed as technical, lack breathability, making them less than ideal for true performance. Real performance requires clothing that works with the body, not against it. This led us to explore natural fibres, which, when properly constructed, offer superior breathability, versatility, and comfort.
Our turning point came when our sailor friend Steve Ravussin returned from a voyage across the open seas with alarming findings—microplastics were present even in the most remote waters. We soon realised that a majority of these microparticles came from textiles. This revelation underscored the environmental impact of synthetics, confirming that they are not only less effective but also harmful. From that moment, our commitment to natural materials became non-negotiable.
Mover is committed to eliminating synthetic fibres from sportswear. What were the biggest challenges in developing high-performance gear without synthetics?
Two main challenges stood in our way. The first was changing perceptions. For decades, synthetic fabrics have been marketed as the pinnacle of performance due to their lightweight and water repellency. However, what people often overlook is that natural fibres can offer the same benefits—breathability, water resistance, and durability—without the toxins. The industry has created unrealistic performance benchmarks that do not align with real-life needs, making it harder for natural materials to compete on paper.
The second challenge was technical. The sportswear industry is built around synthetics, making sourcing partners, fabric developers, and manufacturers resistant to change. For instance, when we introduced our cotton yarn, our factories in Portugal initially refused to work with it because their machines were set up for synthetics. We had to convince them to change their needles. Similarly, YKK had to track down a special machine in Türkiye just to create a cotton zipper band for us. Every step required overcoming deeply ingrained industry habits, proving that innovation is not just about new materials—it is about changing mindsets.
Mover collaborated with Baur Vliesstoffe to introduce swisswool. How does this material compare to traditional synthetic insulation in terms of performance and sustainability?
Swisswool was initially developed for mattresses, but its potential for technical sportswear is remarkable. It provides lightweight warmth and regulates body temperature naturally, meaning it retains heat when needed but also allows excess warmth to escape—something synthetics fail to do. Unlike polyester insulation, which traps moisture and leads to discomfort, swisswool breathes with your body, preventing overheating. It is also naturally odour-resistant, antibacterial, and biodegradable. Plus, it supports local Swiss sheep farmers, making it a truly sustainable choice from start to finish.
Most consumers associate technical sportswear with synthetic fabrics. How do you educate your customers about the benefits of plastic-free alternatives?
By challenging industry norms. We partner with like-minded brands, even competitors, to amplify the message. Icebreaker, for instance, joined the plastic-free movement, and while the company is technically a competitor, its presence strengthens the push for change. Education is key—many still associate wool with scratchy old blankets, unaware of its modern capabilities. Through media efforts, storytelling, and transparency, we aim to reshape consumer understanding, not just by promoting natural fibres but by exposing the true impact of synthetics.
Mover has partnered with SailGP, a global sailing competition. How does this collaboration align with your sustainability goals?
The partnership with SailGP was a natural fit, they too are 'Powered by Nature'! The oceans bear the brunt of plastic pollution, and competitive sailing is directly impacted by this crisis. By partnering with SailGP, we are proving that high performance and sustainability can co-exist. More than just a sponsorship, this collaboration is about using sports as a platform to drive awareness and systemic change in the industry.
As an independent company, how do you balance growth with your commitment to sustainability and ethical production?
By staying true to our priorities. Our mission is to remain 100 per cent plastic-free, and this principle guides every decision we make. Growth is important, but it will never come at the expense of our ethics. We focus on smart, strategic expansion rather than chasing volume for the sake of it.
With increasing global regulations on microplastics and greenwashing concerns, how do you see the future of sustainable sportswear evolving?
The momentum is building. In 2024, we saw significant regulatory moves against plastic pollution—from the French Senate banning PFAS to California suing ExxonMobil for decades of deception around plastic recycling. The fight is far from over, but these milestones signal a shift. We founded Mover to prove that technical apparel can be high-performance and sustainable, and three years in, we have shown that synthetics are unnecessary. The industry is being forced to rethink its practices, and we see that as a huge win.
Mover emphasises 'buy better, keep forever'. How do your products ensure longevity, and do you have plans for a take-back or recycling programme?
Absolutely. While we have not made a big announcement, we already offer repairs—because life happens. If a customer tears a seam or gets a hole, we fix it. We are also developing a concept where each repair tells a story, reinforcing the idea that clothing is meant to accompany us through life, not be discarded. Beyond that, we carefully select durable materials like Ventile, using their recycled or organic cotton versions, while educating customers on fabric care to maximise longevity.
Many major sportswear brands are still heavily reliant on synthetics. Do you see competitors following your lead, or is there resistance to change?
We would love to see more brands move away from synthetics, but the reality is that plastic is cheap and easy to produce. Shiny synthetic fabrics have become a design choice, and many companies are reluctant to rethink their supply chains. Change is possible, but it requires a complete mindset shift. For this, brands must prioritise long-term planet and health impact over short-term profits.
With increasing awareness and regulations around microplastics in textiles, how are brands adapting their manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact?
Many brands are not truly adapting; they are simply shifting their messaging. The industry promotes recycled plastic as a sustainable solution, but in reality, plastic recycling does not eliminate waste—it just reshapes it into another form of pollution. Most plastic blends (e.g., wool mixed with synthetics) cannot be recycled and ultimately end up in landfills or incinerators. The market's current focus on recycling plastic instead of transitioning to biodegradable, mono-material solutions is a major flaw.
Many consumers prioritise sustainability but are price-sensitive. How can sustainable sportswear brands strike a balance between ethical production and competitive pricing?
One approach is optimising distribution. By focusing on e-commerce, we eliminate the need for expensive retail markups. Additionally, ethical production in Europe can be cost-effective when approached strategically. We manufacture in Portugal and ship from Spain, minimising transportation costs.
More importantly, consumers need to understand that ultra-cheap clothing comes at a hidden cost—either in unethical labour practices, environmental damage, or compromised quality. A €10 T-shirt is cheap for a reason, because someone is hurting people's health and the planet.
What steps is the industry taking to promote circularity in sportswear, such as repair programmes, take-back initiatives, or biodegradable materials?
There are positive initiatives, but many fall short. Some brands now offer repair programmes, which is a step in the right direction. However, many still blend natural fibres with synthetics, making recycling nearly impossible.
Sustainability certifications help, but they often fail to address the issue of synthetics. A 2022 report by the Changing Markets Foundation analysed over 100 textile certifications and found that most are voluntary and lack meaningful oversight.
While progress is being made, true circularity requires a shift towards natural, biodegradable materials—not just better recycling of plastic.
How can brands shift consumer behaviour away from fast fashion and synthetic-heavy activewear towards long-lasting, sustainable alternatives?
By changing their business model. They should stop using aggressive discounts to drive mass consumption. They should also stop prioritising aesthetics over function. And most importantly, they should stop misleading consumers about synthetics and recycling. Transparency and education are the only paths to real change.
What is next for Mover? Are you exploring new natural materials, production techniques, or product categories to further your mission?
Yes, we are expanding into new sports categories and developing new solutions. While we cannot share specifics yet, we are working with partners on projects that will redefine technical sportswear. Our Ventile Shell+ was already a game-changer in our collection—the first natural shell to be completely waterproof and weather-resistant—and we are just getting started.
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.