“The decades that I have spent in the supply chain world in different capacities has proven very useful, even for non-textile clients,” the exec said, adding, “It is amazing how the sustainability experience is relevant in different capacities and industries.”

In preparation for the Functional Fabric Fair Day 0 (Zero) Sustainability Workshop in Portland, we chatted with Dumain.

Tell us a little bit about Day 0.

Dumain: “Day 0 premiered at the FFF in April and was a success. We had about twice as many people as we expected for the first one. We have built in as much Sustainability 101 as possible, while still offering more advanced conversations for those well on their journey. Though the education is clearly a critical part of the day, building the sustainability community at the show is equally as important. For many of us that have been doing this awhile, most of our best learnings and innovations have come from a collaborative effort by the industry.  There isn’t a more affordable option to experience this kind of day.”    

In founding Fractal CSOs in 2023, what was your goal?

“Our goal was to make available the 150 years of experience that our team represents. We have seen the rise in the number of sustainability positions in the last decade that require a fair amount of experience, but there aren’t enough professionals to fill these spots. We sit in a position to support and coach some of these newer entrants.”

It says on your website that you provide fractional leadership plans to both established firms and those just starting out. Can you explain further?

“For new clients starting out, we can pick the partner who best fits the client’s needs — and adapt as needs change. We have collective experience in supply chains, retail, green building, technology, governmental work, consulting and more. So, for example, if a retail company wants help in communicating sustainability stories to their consumers, we can help. But then they might go into expansion and want green construction help, we can to that too by switching the lead partner for that time.

For the companies and professionals that are more seasoned, we serve as a partner. The sustainability field has an amazing collaborative spirit, but there is a limit of what one can share. For Fractal CSOs, one of us usually has been stuck in that spot previously, so we can critique different solutions and play out a future scenario. Then be there for additional support.”

Can you talk a little bit about best practices?

“I think best practices can be seen in how companies structure their sustainability efforts. The ones that are successful probably have a dedicated team, but as important is how they spread the responsibility throughout the organization. Whether it is tied to bonuses or part of product development requirements or responsible purchasing practices, when colleagues are responsible and empowered to have this as part of their core responsibilities, more progress is made.”

Very broadly, what do you think is the future of sustainability?

“I think the future is the eventual integration into business to such a point that it can’t be considered optional. In thinking about this lately, I realize that other business functions such as product development, marketing or accounting have been around since business began but sustainability is still so new, relatively speaking. I think this has allowed companies to consider engaging or not when they would never think to eliminate one of the other ‘essential’ parts of their business. We have seen the disproportionate shrinkage of sustainability teams with some companies this year and I think there is a day in the not-too-distant future that this won’t be an option. From consumer expectations to legislation to brand reputation, I think sustainability won’t be a choice.”

What are you seeing being implemented that’s novel today when it comes to sustainability?

“So many sustainability professionals that I talk to seem to be buried in the data, reporting and regulatory requirements of their jobs. Business seems to have gone off the path of innovation at the moment. That said, there are a few glimmers out there. I am exncouraged by the younger professionals and entrepreneurs that have realized the possibilities and opportunities that exist by applying sustainability principles to business. They are wanting and trying to do the right thing in building their businesses, which will make it easier in the long run. It is always easier to embed things from the start then to retrofit later.”

When you’re not helping companies become more sustainable, what do you like to do?

“My hobbies are all over the place at the moment! I have been learning stained glass, ceramics, quilting and pickleball recently but still finding time for gardening, cooking and travel. I am also serving on two advisory boards that are in start-up mode.”