This year, Megan Beck, Business Development Manager for Rheom Materials, was invited by the Material Innovation Initiative (MII) to speak on a panel at both Texworld NYC and Texworld LA. There Rheom showcased its biobased leather alternative Shorai™ and its novel biopolymer resin Benree™ in the Next-Gen Innovation Hub. At both shows, Beck attended and spoke alongside industry leaders to discuss the state of next-gen materials. Here is a breakdown of the shows:
A Deep Dive into Sustainable Textiles at Texworld NYC
At the New York event, Beck, participated in a panel discussion titled "Exploring Innovation and Sustainable Next-Gen Materials." The panel, moderated by Thomasine Dolan Dow, addressed key sustainability barriers in fashion, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities that exist at different levels — from innovators and consumers to brands.
One of the core discussion topics was defining sustainability in the current landscape. For a material or a fiber, this means not just reducing environmental impact but also aligning sustainable solutions with brand expectations. The panel explored how technological advancements in machinery, supply chains, and chemistry have accelerated the production of sustainable materials and fibers, offering a path forward for the industry.
Texworld NYC Panel Key Takeaways
Scaling Innovation
Bringing sustainable solutions to scale comes with its own hurdles. The discussion focused on how companies can overcome these challenges and bring innovative products to market. While some brands must invest in building facilities to scale, Rheom's breakthrough lies in the fact that its materials are designed as a drop-in replacement, meaning they can seamlessly integrate with existing plastic machinery. Whether it's in injection molding or sheet extrusion capacities, Rheom’s materials work effortlessly without requiring major changes to equipment or production processes. This eliminates the costly and time-consuming need for companies to overhaul their manufacturing setups, allowing for faster adoption and scalability of sustainable materials.
Traceability
The panelists broke down the importance of transparency in the supply chain, helping brands and consumers trace the origins of the materials they use. Traceability is a key challenge, especially when balancing sustainability with market pricing. Rheom is committed to verifying the sustainability of its materials from cradle to gate, but full transparency often depends on trusting supplier-provided data. Establishing a reliable system to trace and prove material origins is essential for assuring consumers of a product's sustainability.
Dyes and Colors
How do you maintain sustainability while ensuring vibrant colors in materials? This is a challenge many manufacturers face, balancing environmental responsibility with brand requirements. Rheom addresses this by focusing on biobased pigments to maintain the highest biobased content in its materials. This approach allows Rheom to deliver an array of colors without relying on harmful chemical dyes, ensuring their products meet both aesthetic and sustainability standards.
The Rise of Next-Gen Biobased Materials at Texworld LA
In Los Angeles panel, "The Rise of Next-Gen Biobased Materials," the conversation shifted towards next-gen material supply chain integration. Focusing on what brands look for when seeking sustainable alternatives and addressing their hurdles for mainstream adoption.
Key Topics from LA Panel:
Nearshoring
With the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the concept of nearshoring — bringing production closer to home — has gained renewed interest, especially in the context of sprawling global supply chains. The further materials must travel, the higher the carbon footprint, so cutting transport emissions down is an industry priority. For example, Rheom is adopting a nearshoring strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by minimizing transport distances. While Rheom thrives within a global supply chain and continues to source internationally, when necessary, they focus on finding opportunities to localize wherever possible to reduce environmental impact without compromising on sourcing quality.
Government Regulation
One of the more pressing issues is the lack of incentives for sustainable materials. The panel suggested that tax breaks and lower duties could encourage wider adoption of eco-friendly solutions. They also called for better categorization of materials for customs and shipping, which would favor next-gen materials.
The Path Forward: Next Steps for Sustainable Innovation
Both the NYC and LA shows provided a platform for discussions on the next steps for sustainable innovation. With topics ranging from product development and global supply chain challenges to human rights and environmental regulation, it’s clear that the industry is undergoing significant transformation. Rheom's participation in these panels signals a commitment to not only exploring but driving the future of sustainable textiles. As Rheom continues to innovate, its presence at events like Texworld NYC and LA will be instrumental in shaping the future of the textile industry.
To learn more about how Rheom Materials is empowering a sustainable future, check out its website, or contact Rheom here.
