Houston Firm Launches Sustainable Footwear Materials

Rheom Materials is introducing two bio-based alternatives designed to replace traditional petroleum-derived components.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Materials Science

Macro view of raw bio-plastic granules and sustainable leather-like textile on a laboratory table, representing new material science for footwear. — Houston-based Rheom Materials has launched a new platform of bio-based plastics and leather alternatives to reduce the footwear industry's reliance on petroleum. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you prefer to purchase footwear made from bio-based materials over traditional plastic components?

Houston-based Rheom Materials has unveiled a sustainable platform featuring Benree, a 100 percent bio-based plastic, and ShoraiDura, a leather alternative. The company aims to help footwear brands shift away from conventional petroleum-based materials.

Why it matters

The platform offers manufacturers scalable bio-based options for essential footwear components like internal structures and outer uppers. These alternatives could significantly reduce the reliance on synthetic materials currently standard in the industry.

Benree is a 100 percent USDA-certified bio-based biodegradable plastic, while ShoraiDura features 80 percent bio-based content. Both materials were subjected to testing for high-heel and athletic shoe applications.

The players

Rheom Materials

This Houston-based company specializes in developing bio-based material alternatives for the footwear manufacturing industry.

Bared Footwear

This footwear brand partnered with the materials company to conduct SATRA testing on new bio-based plastic components.

The details

Rheom collaborated with a Los Angeles-based manufacturer to create prototypes, including athletic sneakers and skater shoes using ShoraiDura. Benree has successfully passed SATRA testing for structural high-heel applications in collaboration with Bared Footwear.

2025: The company debuted its original Shorai material at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
2026: Rheom showcased a bio-based leather collection in Milan.
October 20, 2026: The official announcement platform launch.

The Big Picture

This development marks a significant shift away from petroleum-based synthetic polymers in the footwear supply chain. By introducing certified bio-based alternatives, the industry moves closer to replacing legacy materials that have long defined shoe production standards.

Consumers may soon find more sustainable options in athletic and high-heel footwear as manufacturers begin adopting these bio-based components. These materials could eventually lead to higher-quality, biodegradable shoes that perform similarly to current market favorites.

The takeaway

Companies are increasingly looking to bio-based components to meet sustainability goals without sacrificing the durability required for footwear. Brands looking to modernize their product lines should closely monitor the integration of these materials into new designs.