On Friday, September 27th, set sail with us to discuss important topics at the intersection of textile sustainability and oceans.
Our 3rd annual Textile X Ocean Connector Sail Program will build off of past programs, bringing experts together to educate and discuss current research and solutions at the intersection of textiles and oceans. Our programming is designed to deepen 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.
The programming will include our signature "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.
DISCUSSION TOPICS:
Microfiber Pollution || Materials Innovation || Green Chemistry || Biodegradation || Ecotoxicity || Policy Updates || New Material Alternatives || Environmental Justice
AGENDA:
12:30 pm Attendees Arrive // Check-In with Materevolve (near the flag poles)
12:45 pm Welcome from Materevolve & Sponsors on Dock
1:00 - 1:45 pm Set Sail, Research Demos from from Dr. Susanne Brander and Dr. Win Cowger
1:45 - 2:30 pm Expert Speaker Tastings Round 1
Haley Haggerstone (Seatrees) - How can businesses be a driving force in restoring blue carbon ecosystems to address climate change?*
Anna Bateman (The Microfiber Consortium) - How do we move fiber fragmentation (aka microfiber pollution) away from a ‘niche’ part of sustainability strategies to an integral and more intrinsically connected topic?
Carolynn Box (Materevolve) - How can local, statewide and federal policy play a role in driving solutions to microfiber pollution?
2:30 - 3:00 pm Raise the Sails!
3:00 - 3:45 pm Expert Speaker Tastings Round 2
Alyssa Pace (Sway)- How do we create next-generation materials that are both regenerative and circular?
Dr. Timnit Kefela (CSU Channel Islands) - How can environmental justice be a driver for systems innovation at the intersection of textiles and oceans?
Krystle Moody Wood (Materevolve) - What are key actions that brands and material innovators can take now to address end-of-life impacts of fiber and textile production?
3:45 - 4:00 pm Sail to Dock
4:30 pm Debrief on Collaboration, ‘Offerings and Needs’ Activity, and Next Steps
5:00 pm Continue the conversation at the Post-Event Gathering at PizzaHacker, Mill Valley (Optional)
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. We have limited sponsorship tickets available - please reach out to cbox@materevolve.com to discuss.
VESSEL:
This learning experience will be hosted on Call of the Sea's schooner SV Seaward - a beautiful 82’ classic staysail schooner! No sailing experience is required but if you want to help the crew, you are welcome!
ABOUT THE SPONSORS
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 2022 and 2023 Textile X Ocean Connector Sails.
Coyuchi - Connecting people to the raw beauty and transformative power of nature since 1991, Coyuchi elevated organic home goods to pioneer conscious luxury without compromise. Drawing from the hues and facets of nature, we create indulgently soft, heirloom-quality pieces that enliven your living spaces with effortless elegance. Each element of a Coyuchi home flows with the pure restorative energy of the earth, sustainably sourced and thoughtfully crafted to inspire well-being and connect generations.
See our dedicated page for this program here.