San Francisco area Event report • Committees
Next-Gen Materials: Innovating for a Sustainable Future
The FACC California Sustainability Committee hosted an engaging discussion on the future of sustainable materials, bringing together experts from technology, design, manufacturing, and innovation to explore how next-generation materials are reshaping industries and accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable future.
The panel featured Christian Butzlaff, Chief Sustainability Solution Architect at SAP, John Felts, Co-founder & CEO of Cruz Foam, Robert Fleming, Co-founder & Advisor at Artefact, and Farshad Toomadj, Lead CMF – Advanced Development at Rivian. The discussion was expertly moderated by Lucie Gouanelle. co chair of our Sustainability Committee.
Throughout the evening, speakers explored how material alternatives, regenerative processes, and interdisciplinary collaboration are driving innovation across sectors including construction, fashion, packaging, automotive, and electronics. The conversation highlighted the critical role that sustainable materials play in reducing environmental impact, improving recyclability, and supporting the transition to circular economies.
Panelists shared valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses as they work to meet climate goals while rethinking the materials used in products and manufacturing processes. From bio-based alternatives to innovative design approaches, the discussion showcased how breakthrough technologies are creating new possibilities for responsible and resilient industries.
A special thank you to our speakers for sharing their expertise and inspiring perspectives, and to SAP AppHaus for generously hosting the event at their Palo Alto offices. We also extend our gratitude to Frédéric Neema for capturing the evening through photography.
