Join us at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and virtually, for a presentation on “Addressing Microfiber Pollution Through Cross Sector Collaboration”. See program description below.

Due to growing concerns over the presence and persistence of microfiber pollution in the environment as well as their potential ecological and human health impacts, scientists from the textile industry, marine conservation, government, and academia are working together to address this critical issue. With interest initially stemming from plastic pollution research, global scientists are finding that microfibers are prevalent in all environment compartments from soil, sea, air, to living organisms, and that both non-plastic and plastic fibers could be of concern. Through cross-sector collaboration, important foundational work is being conducted to (1) define microfiber; (2) assess potential sources, prevalence and causes; (3) build standardized methodology to measure and estimate the prevalence; and (4) build recommendations for reducing microfiber pollution through sustainable textile innovation and policy solutions for a variety of stakeholders. This presentation will discuss a multi-pronged approach to drive solutions through research, prevention, and mitigation measures for microfiber pollution.

You can find a recording of the presentation at the following link:

https://vimeo.com/895002791?share=copy

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The 2023 Textile X Ocean Connector Sail Program will build off of last year's inaugural Textile X Ocean Connector Sail, bringing more experts together to talk about the most current research and solutions. Our programming is designed to encourage deep connections between attendees and help answer hard questions about textile-derived ocean pollution (i.e. microfiber pollution), climate change, textile waste, green chemistry, ocean-thoughtful material alternatives, and more.

This year's Textile X Ocean Connector Program will be 5 hours - allowing time for educational programming, connecting deeply, and putting up the sails to enjoy some sailing! Participants will have the option to assist with sailing, or we welcome you to sit and enjoy the view.

Educational activities include demonstrations of marine research techniques and participation in "Educational Tastings" - a series of short expert presentations that inspire conversation and discussion. Our tastings are facilitated by leaders at the intersection of Textile X Ocean with diverse backgrounds and a passion for knowledge-sharing.

On board, you will learn how microfiber pollution is measured, what we know about the potential sources and pathways for fiber pollution in our region, discuss solutions at the forefront of our Textile X Ocean community, and upcoming ways to get involved in furthering research and solutions.

TARGET ATTENDEES:

Target participants include a cross-sector group of textile industry experts, textile company representatives, scientists, policy makers, representatives from universities and environmental groups, students, young professionals, and other interested stakeholders. Please feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues or other interested parties that may like to join.

A range of stakeholders from industry, brands, research entities, and environmental non-profits joined the 2022 sail with many new partnerships and relationships formed. Image credit: Paige Green Photography

VESSELS:

This learning experience will be hosted on two ships, the schooner SV Seaward and the 132-foot brigantine Matthew Turner. No sailing experience is required but if you want to help the crew, you are welcome!

Rebecca Burgess, Executive Director of Fibershed, ignites attendees with a discussion about the ocean's role in the carbon cycle and how textile systems are linked. Image credit: Heather Box

AGENDA

12:30pm Attendees Arrive // Check-In with Materevolve (near the flag poles)

12:45pm Welcome from Materevolve & Sponsors on Dock

1:00pm -6:00pm On Board Programming, Expert Speaker Tastings & Networking

6:00pm Closing on Dock

6:30pm Program End

7:00pm Post-Event Gathering at PizzaHacker, Mill Valley (Optional)

EXPERT SPEAKERS & DISCUSSION TOPICS

-Dr. Susanne Brander, Associate Professor, Oregon State University: "What are the ecotoxicity impacts of microfiber pollution?"

-Dr. Lisa Erdle, Director of Science & Innovation, The 5 Gyres Institute: "What is the latest research on microfiber prevalence and textile sources?"

-Scott Echols, Chief Impact Officer, The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation: "What are key solutions for targeting zero discharge of microfibers and hazardous chemicals in textile manufacturing?"

-Rebecca Burgess, Founder & Executive Director, Fibershed: "What is the importance of soil in ocean thoughtful textile systems?"

-Dr. Sudeep Motupalli Rao, Chief Science Officer, Intrinsic Advance Materials: "How can we ensure that fugitive synthetic fibers do not persist as pollutants in the environment?"

-Margot Lyons, Director of Sustainability & Sourcing, Coyuchi: "What does it take to design and produce a Climate Beneficial(TM) product?"

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

CERULEAN LEVEL: Intrinsic Advanced Materials- CiCLO technology

Intrinsic Advanced Materials (IAM) is the company behind CiCLO® technology. IAM is a joint venture formed in 2018 between Intrinsic Textiles Group, a Silicon Valley startup, and Parkdale Advanced Materials, the innovative fibers and yarns division of textiles giant Parkdale, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of spun yarns. Our combined team is made up of superstar scientists, engineers and textile industry veterans who are outdoor enthusiasts and feel passionately about protecting our planet.

NAVY LEVEL: California Chapter of AATCC

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) was founded in 1921 to connect the global textile community and empower a more innovative, informed, and sustainable future. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, USA, AATCC has provided standards development, testing materials, educational resources, and professional networking to the global textile industry for more than a century. The California Chapter of AATCC was also a sponsor of the inaugural 2022 Textile X Ocean Connector Sail.