Material ConneXion

Material ConneXion operates as a global materials consultancy, providing strategic insights and solutions to a diverse client base that includes Fortune 500 companies, design firms, and government agencies. The firm was established in 1997 by George M. Beylerian, who identified the need for a centralized materials library service while serving as vice president of marketing and creative director at Steelcase Furniture. His extensive background in design, which began in 1964 and included popularizing Italian design in the American market, informed the company's foundation. In 2011, Material ConneXion was acquired by SANDOW, a move intended to further expand its services and solidify its position in the design industry.

The company's core business revolves around a comprehensive, subscription-based materials library, which contains over 10,000 advanced and sustainable materials and processes. This library, accessible both physically at numerous global locations and through an online database, serves as a critical resource for professionals across more than 75 industries. Rather than categorizing by current use, materials are classified by their chemical composition—such as polymers, metals, and ceramics—which encourages cross-industry application and discovery. For example, the firm helped Nike adapt a monofilament sleeving, typically used for protecting PVC pipes, for use in its Air Jordan XIX sneaker. Revenue is generated primarily through subscriptions to its database and advisory services.

Material ConneXion offers a suite of services designed to integrate into a client's workflow. Its consultancy arm, ThinkLAB, assists clients with product development, from research and development to direct sourcing support. A key service is 'Material Insights,' which provides members with on-demand content, access to the material libraries, and connections with over 7,000 global manufacturers. Additionally, the 'ActiveMATTER' subscription delivers curated boxes of new material samples to clients quarterly. The company also provides 'MCX Spotlight,' a service for material manufacturers to market their products. By offering this multi-faceted support, the firm helps clients enhance the performance, aesthetics, and sustainability of their projects, bridging the gap between an initial idea and its final implementation.

Keywords: materials consultancy, material library, material science, product development, sustainable materials, design innovation, material sourcing, material database, cross-industry materials, advisory services, material engineering, product design, manufacturing support, polymers, ceramics, metals, industrial design, material research, circular economy, corporate innovation