In the latest episode of our new series with Circularise, we had the pleasure to speak to René Bethmann from Vaude. He shares profound insights about the material challenges and polymer innovations shaping the future of sustainable textiles. Especially interesting is the emphasized the distinction between true and visible sustainability, which highlights the role of certifications in building trust supply chains but also among brands and their customers. Regarding certifications, despite the hurdles and price tags attached, René shared an optimistic outlook on imminent regulations that make certifications mandatory for products entering the European market, facilitating the prevention of greenwashing and standardizing sustainable practices across the industry. Our discussion also touches upon the global impact of the textile industry and how innovations in smaller-scale facilities strategically position themselves in regions with strong customer demand but a shortage of infrastructure, enabling contributions from regions like Africa and Southeast Asia to the sustainable textile movement. Finally, the episode also offers valuable insights how a company like Vaude is pushing the boundaries in textile innovation in the evolving landscape of sustainable textile technologies.