2024 Textile X Ocean Connector Sail

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. This year, we are excited to share that we will dive deep into new material alternatives made of seaweed and kelp!

DISCUSSION TOPICS:

Microfiber Pollution || Materials Innovation || Green Chemistry || Biodegradation || Ecotoxicity || Policy Updates || New Material Alternatives || Environmental Justice

EXPERT SPEAKERS:

-Krystle Moody Wood, Founder & Principal Consultant at Materevolve

-Carolynn Box, Consultant working with Materevolve

-Haley Jain Haggerstone, Partnerships Director at Sustainable Surf's SeaTrees

-Anna Bateman, Senior Stakeholder Ambassador at The Microfibre Consortium

-Alyssa Pace, Communications Lead at Sway

-Timnit Kefela, Environmental Scientist

Additional speakers will be added as confirmed.

Materevolve's Krystle Moody Wood speaking to sustainable fashion students from California College of the Arts during a experiential learning event designed by Materevolve in 2023. Image credit: Paige Green Photography

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!

SV Seaward with the 2022 Textile X Ocean Connector participants returning from Central San Francisco Bay. Image credit: Paige Green Photography

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 - 4:00 pm On Board Programming, Expert Speaker Tastings & Networking

4:30pm Program End

5:00pm Continue the conversation at the Post-Event Gathering at PizzaHacker, Mill Valley (Optional)

ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

Together, Krystle Moody Wood and Carolynn Box have established themselves as some of the world's leading experts in microfiber pollution - an issue easily recognized at the intersection of oceans and textiles. With Krystle's background in materials innovation and sustainable textile systems, and Carolynn's background in ocean conservation and plastic pollution, this program merges both of their worlds and expertise. Krystle and Carolynn co-founded the Textile X Ocean Connector Program in 2021 to build an ecosystem of experts and passionate people together to expand beyond the focus on microfiber pollution and address all critical issues at the intersection of sustainable textiles and ocean health.

Krystle Moody Wood and Carolynn Box onboard S/V Seaward in 2023. Image Credit: Paige Green Photography.

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.