Materevolve Textile x Ocean Connector Project

Join us in building community and solutions at the intersection of textile sustainability and oceans!

Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade Program under Ocean Literacy for All Program.

Read about our Past Programming Here!

The Textile x Ocean Connector Project deepens connections between attendees and helps answer hard questions about textile-derived ocean pollution (i.e. microfiber pollution), climate change, waste, green chemistry, ocean-thoughtful material alternatives, and more.

Activities include facilitated networking, expert presentations, demonstrations of marine research techniques, and more.

You also learn the latest on how microfiber pollution is measured, what we know about the potential sources and pathways for fiber pollution in our region, and key upcoming ways to get involved in furthering research and solutions.

Specially curated experiential learning at sea

With expert speakers, a beautiful wooden sailboat, and a stellar crew, we promise you will have an exciting learning adventure and bring home key takeaways for your organization!

Attendees

Target participants include a cross-sector group of textile industry experts, textile company representatives, material innovators, scientists, policy makers, representatives from universities and environmental groups, and other interested stakeholders.

  • “When you're on board a ship, the conversations are just better -- more concise, more personal, more sincere, and more numerous. The tasting sessions were one of my most valuable aspects of the sail because I enjoyed the intimacy and group conversation that highlighted similar questions among participants. The intro and closing were critical because really the spirit of the day was informed by Krystle and Carolynn's enthusiasm, sparkle, wisdom, and expertise.”

  • "Connecting with scientists and research institutes was highly valuable as they presented "just the facts". So often this industry is biased towards the story they need to tell for their products to be successful. Hearing from unbiased scientists is one the most powerful ways to consider all challenges. I also believe the event invited very open and honest discussions beyond the tasting topics. There was a general mindset that no one solution is perfect."

  • "Great experience! Loved the enthusiasm of the organizers, learning so many new things, and connecting with amazing people."

  • “I loved the mix of science, policy and industry professionals who attended. I was able to interact with people both in my field and in science that I would never get to talk with in person otherwise.”

  • “There are some really innovative technologies and companies working to address textile impacts on oceans, and the people involved are deeply committed.”

OUR ALUMNI

Fibershed

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UC Santa Barbara BREN

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San Francisco Estuary Institute

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Mango Materials

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Natural Fiber Welding

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Taylor Stitch

•

Intrinsic Textiles

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Marmot

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Marine Layer

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Boardriders

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Fabletics

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Dsphere / Dhana

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Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)

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Surfrider Foundation

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UC Santa Cruz

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Plastic Pollution Coalition

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California College of Arts

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National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

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Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution

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The 5 Gyres Institute

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University of Oregon

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Coyuchi

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California Product Stewardship Council

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Google

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Bolt Threads

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Bilio

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California Cloth Foundry

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Allbirds

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Levi's

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Old Navy

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Zero Discharge for Hazardous Chemistry (ZDHC)

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Fibershed • UC Santa Barbara BREN • San Francisco Estuary Institute • Mango Materials • Natural Fiber Welding • Taylor Stitch • Intrinsic Textiles • Marmot • Marine Layer • Boardriders • Fabletics • Dsphere / Dhana • Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) • Surfrider Foundation • UC Santa Cruz • Plastic Pollution Coalition • California College of Arts • National Marine Sanctuary Foundation • Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution • The 5 Gyres Institute • University of Oregon • Coyuchi • California Product Stewardship Council • Google • Bolt Threads • Bilio • California Cloth Foundry • Allbirds • Levi's • Old Navy • Zero Discharge for Hazardous Chemistry (ZDHC) •

ALL ABOARD!

We are actively looking for sponsors for our next sail program in Spring 2026.

Contact us at krystle@materevolve.com and cbox@materevolve.com to find more about sponsorship opportunities.

All photography on the Textile x Ocean Connector Sail webpage are credited to Paige Green at Paige Green Photography.