René Bethmann holds a degree in Textile and Apparel Technology and boasts his career in product and material management with renowned brands throughout Europe. Presently, he serves as the Senior Material Innovation Manager at VAUDE, where he oversees innovation initiatives and projects pertaining to materials and joining technologies, with a particular emphasis on strategies for renewable carbon. Additionally, since 2020, he has been a consultant for the VAUDE Academy for Sustainable Management. With almost 20 years of experience in the sports industry, he has established himself as a distinguished global speaker in the domains of bioeconomy, circular economy, and innovative material technologies.