CASE STUDY Sumitomo Metal Mining
Sumitomo Metal Mining reimagines materials to drive global innovation
SOLAMENT™ transforms a rich legacy in materials into a platform for real-world impact
5-MINUTE READ
500%
increase in business leads
5+
international design awards, including multiple Red Dot Design Awards
30+
new business leads from a single event
In a world where technology is evolving rapidly, advanced materials are driving innovation across industries by enabling smarter, more sustainable solutions. It’s in this dynamic landscape that Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., (Sumitomo Metal Mining) with over 430 years of history, is entering a new era.
Building on its expertise in mine development and smelting, the company is focused on pioneering advanced materials like SOLAMENT™ —a reimagined version of the near-infrared absorbing nanoparticle formerly known as CWO®—to help solve pressing global issues.
With the patent for CWO® nearing expiration and limited market traction, Sumitomo Metal Mining partnered with Accenture to reimagine the material as SOLAMENT™—a bold new brand designed to unlock growth, spark cross-industry innovation, and address practical applications from sustainable agriculture to energy efficiency.
A brighter brand for a broader world
A prototype that sparked global curiosity
To bring SOLAMENT™’s potential to life, the team made a strategic decision: create a consumer-facing prototype that would make the material’s benefits instantly tangible—and spark curiosity across industries.
The result was the DOWN-LESS DOWN JACKET—a sleek, solar-reactive garment that uses SOLAMENT™ to generate heat from sunlight, eliminating the need for traditional down insulation. More than just a product, the jacket became a storytelling vehicle—bringing SOLAMENT™ to life in a way that was both functional and emotionally resonant.
By presenting a clear and relatable use case, the prototype captured global media attention, significantly boosted traffic to the SOLAMENT™ site, and sparked meaningful conversations. It prompted leaders in other industries to ask: “If it can do that in a jacket, what could it do in my business?” Curiosity around SOLAMENT sparked collaborations with Millet, which incorporated the material into outdoor apparel like polo shirts.
At Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, Sumitomo Metal Mining showcased parasols and sunshades at the Sumitomo Pavilion. Other outdoor and sportswear brands are designing product ranges using SOLAMENT across textiles and consumer goods, including Snow Peak gear. It proved that SOLAMENT™ wasn’t just a material—it was a business enabler and a symbol of what’s possible when creative innovation meets strategy.
The launch of SOLAMENT™ enabled us to engage with audiences we had not previously reached. It broadened the scope of potential applications and opened new pathways for collaboration.
Atsushi Tofuku / General Manager, Innovation Strategy Dept. of Advanced Materials Division
The increase in weekly inquiries has been a clear indicator that the market now understands the value of what we offer. It’s not just interest—it’s validation that our approach is aligned with real-world needs.
Keisuke Ishibashi / Team Leader, Strategic Planning Team, Innovation Strategy Department, Advanced Materials Division
Harnessing light for agriculture
Sumitomo Metal Mining also identified agriculture as a key sector for SOLAMENT™, aiming to address urgent challenges like heat stress, crop loss, and agricultural working conditions. This strategic pivot from fashion to farming led to the development of heat-shielding greenhouse nets that block near-infrared rays while allowing visible light—reducing ground temperatures by up to 8.5°C and preventing damage such as tomato splitting. The innovation gained international recognition as the only Japanese finalist in SXSW 2025’s “What the Future” category.
SOLAMENT has also been recognized through multiple global awards for its innovative use of near-infrared sunlight absorption technology:
- 2025 Clio Award: Bronze in Innovation, design category, for its “Solar-smart Initiatives” project
- 2025 Red Dot Design Award: Product Design category for design excellence along with innovation, impact, and social relevance
- 2024 Red Dot Design Award: ‘Best of the Best’ in Design Concept for its innovative application in the DOWN-LESS DOWN JACKET
- 2024 Clio Award: Silver Clio Award in the Design medium and Bronze Clio Award in the Innovation medium for its DOWN-LESS DOWN JACKET
Growing a greener future together
Building on this foundation, the ReFarm initiative was launched to reimagine agriculture through innovation. By uniting farmers, organizations, and SOLAMENT™, ReFarm tackles climate resilience and crop protection. A single-day event in Japan generated 30+ new business leads, validating demand for SOLAMENT™-powered solutions. ReFarm is now scaling internationally—extending its reach and reinforcing a commitment to sustainable innovation.
The future of materials, powered by partnership
Sumitomo Metal Mining has already achieved measurable business growth with SOLAMENT™. Looking ahead to 2030, the company is scaling its impact and helping reshape global agriculture— enabling farming in places once thought impossible. Together, Sumitomo Metal Mining and Accenture transformed an overlooked material into a global innovation platform—proving how tradition and transformation can coexist—and how materials like SOLAMENT™ can help build a more sustainable, resilient, and connected future.
