Crafting exceptional fabrics is a true art, an enthralling journey in which every component is precious, contributing to the culmination of a genuine team effort. At Reda, everyone assumes the role of protagonist in this process, and thanks to the skills and passion of each individual, the final product is nothing less than a skillful blend of expertise and dedication, embodying the perfection that has always characterized all our fabrics.

High performance and continuous innovation stand as two essential characteristics of every Reda fabric. But where does the magic happen?

It all begins within the Research and Development department, the paramount space where technological innovation and research serve as the primary ingredients. We spoke with Daniele Zaramella, Research and Development Manager and Product Development Innovation Manager at Reda for 23 years, to gain insight into what innovation truly signifies at Reda.

"The Research and Development office is tasked with overseeing projects aimed at enhancing the inherent performance of wool. Research serves as the foundation for every product and company process, grounded in a fundamental concept: a product attains true innovation when it delivers unparalleled and inimitable performance while minimizing its environmental impact. Guided by this principle of innovation and sustainability, the R&D team initiates a range of projects and collaborations, both internally and externally, spanning diverse topics such as product and process innovation, green chemistry, the enrichment of corporate expertise, and the transfer of technological advancements, analytical tools, and skills," shares Daniele.

Curiosity, the desire to experiment and explore, and the incorporation of ever-changing variables are what render the work of the Research and Development office endlessly fascinating and consistently filled with surprises. Daniele elaborates, "In school, we are taught to conduct small experiments and observe the outcomes. Each experiment sparks curiosity and wonder in our eyes. Today, we harness those experiences and that curiosity to experiment with new products, endeavoring to rekindle that sense of wonder in those who encounter our fabrics. We are the scientists who bestow superpowers upon wool, enabling it to repel water, retain heat, withstand washing without damage, and stretch like a spring."

Over these 23 years of research at Reda, Daniele and his team have never ceased their efforts, and it is precisely this desire to experiment and their unwavering perseverance that have given rise to the exceptional performances that now distinguish Reda fabrics: "It is a creative and imaginative endeavor, where every day brings new opportunities for personal and collective growth. Research continually compels you to take action, to invent new things, and just when it seems that you've reached a dead end, a fresh idea emerges to propel you forward. It's often crucial not to fixate solely on the success of a project but to be able to approach it from various angles, addressing certain challenges that may initially appear insurmountable."

The job within the Reda Research and Development office is one that brings both satisfaction and challenges. Daniele elaborates, "The uncertainty of the outcome and the difficulty of conveying your work to others are the two most demanding aspects we confront each day. We must constantly find a way to transform failure into an opportunity for learning. In research, it's essential to generate fresh ideas from the failures of the previous day... today's research is a beautiful flower born from the ashes of yesterday."

One of the keys to the department's success? Teamwork. Daniele affirms, "Success doesn't stem solely from individual determination. Every task, whether more or less complex, involves a series of problems and potential solutions—a complex yet manageable factor. The most significant variable is the interaction among team members, which can either serve as a catalyst or a hindrance to a project's success. In every challenge, it is the collective will of the team that yields results."

If, in its early days, the Research and Development department posed a significant challenge, one that this pioneering company in the sector undertook, it has since evolved into a pivotal and strategic office, serving as a critical driver of innovation and ongoing research in the realm of performance enhancement. Daniele explains, "The establishment of the research office originated from the determination and foresight of the Botto Poala family. Creating a research and development laboratory two decades ago was a complex endeavor because no one in the textile industry had ever contemplated dedicating internal resources to the study of innovative processes. It was imperative to establish a 'hybrid' entity detached from the constraints of production, product, or seasonal scheduling dynamics. The research domain needed to be fluid, capable of adapting to the evolving times, technologies, and company dynamics. Its fluidity emanates from the transfer of technology, machinery, ideas, analytical tools, and personnel, all aimed at approaching a project from diverse perspectives."

It represents an unceasing and perpetually evolving effort, posing ever-more ambitious challenges to deliver a product that genuinely meets the demands of an increasingly discerning and socially responsible consumer.