New Partnership Brings Biobased Materials to Market

Edited by The VEGPRENEUR Team

Rheom Materials, a biobased material company, and Econock, a conscious design & manufacturing studio, are announcing a formal partnership to help bring biobased materials to the market.

The partnership is debuting with the launch of their first capsule collection made with Shorai™, Rheom’s 91% biobased leather alternative, at Lineapelle in Milan, Italy.

Rather than approaching a biobased material as a novelty, the collection embraces next-gen materials in everyday life, not as an experiment but as a lived experience. Inspired by the fusion of classic Texas iconography and India’s rich artisan heritage, the capsule embodies a sense of confidence grounded in quiet strength.

The collection features ten pieces: a bomber-style jacket, an asymmetrical skirt, and multiple accessories made from Shorai. The collection is anchored by an iconic jacket designed for movement, featuring a funnel neck and dual zip closure. The asymmetrical skirt draws from Indian armored warrior traditions, subtly informing paneling, closures, surface rhythm, and is finished with biodegradable corozo fasteners. Built as a modular wardrobe system rather than isolated pieces, the collection reflects a shared belief in designing objects that adapt to daily life.

Rheom is bringing Econock on as a partner because they distinguish themselves not only as skilled artisans who know how to work with the material, but through a mission and origin story that reflects the future-facing values shared by both companies. Econock was born from the realization that true creativity doesn’t demand abundance, but intention. Founded in India, they bring together artisans, designers, and circular materials to prove that sustainability and style can co-exist beautifully.

“Our partnership with Rheom Materials represents the benchmark of responsible design where next-gen materials meet craft, creativity, and real-world scalability,” said Sanyam Kapur, Advisor, Growth & Impact at Econock

Econock also addresses a persistent challenge in the next-gen materials space: access to small-batch, high-quality manufacturing. Many brands seek to test innovative materials at a limited scale, and Econock’s willingness to work in small, handmade batches, combined with its broad design and technical expertise, makes it a critical partner in helping new materials successfully reach the market.

"This partnership removes one of the biggest barriers brands face when adopting next-generation materials.” Said Megan Beck, Rheom’s Director of Product. “By reducing friction across the supply chain, Rheom can connect brands directly with manufacturers who already know how to work with Shorai, making the transition to more sustainable materials far more accessible.”

About Rheom Materials

Rheom Materials is engineering the materials of tomorrow by creating scalable, biobased alternatives that seamlessly replace fossil fuel-based plastics. Rheom Materials produces two main products: Shorai, a 91% biobased leather alternative, and Benree™, a 100% biopolymer resin for injection molding.

Originally designed to replace leather, Shorai has evolved into the future of design. Derived from sugar and designed for end of life, Shorai is available roll-to-roll in a variety of colors, textures, backings, and thicknesses.

About Econock

Econock is a conscious design & manufacturing studio reimaging next-gen and circular materials through design innovations. Bringing together artisans, designers, and circular materials, we prove that sustainability and style can co-exist beautifully.

Recognized as ELLE Designer of the Year, Fashion & Accessories (2023) and shortlist for the United Nations & Lakmé Fashion Week Circular Design Challenge, Econock has emerged as a leading voice in circular design innovation, with creations showcased at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York.