Textiles & Toxicity: A Science Social for the Microfiber Curious

TEXTILES & TOXICITY: A SCIENCE SOCIAL FOR THE MICROFIBER CURIOUS

Join co-hosts Krystle Moody Wood of Materevolve, LLC, Libby Sommer of Libby Sommer LLC, Lauren Bright of Torus Circularity and Susanne Brander of Oregon State University for a fascinating event designed to drive connection and creativity through the science of microfiber pollution and it's impact on the environment!

If you've ever been curious about the science behind microfibers, their potential toxicity, and how you can support research and solutions, then this is the event for you. Learn from experts in the field and connect with like-minded individuals across industry, academia, and environmental science. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of textiles and sustainability!

WHO IS THIS SCIENCE SOCIAL DESIGNED FOR?

Anyone interested in and/or working at the intersection of textiles and environmental impact- particularly with a focus on the topic of microfiber pollution and related topics such as ecotoxicity, textile circularity, green chemistry, chemistry management, and materials innovation.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Fashion and Textile Professionals from Design, Materials, Sustainability, Marketing and Operations
• Scientists, Academia, and NGOs attending Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) and/or in the Pacific Northwest
• Government or policy representatives
• Students of fashion, business, or related science disciplines

WHY ARE WE GATHERING?

• To drive cross learning between science and industry by highlighting key initiatives already underway to research or address ecotoxicity, green chemistry, chemistry management, and reduce microfiber pollution.
• To ignite scientists and industry leaders to join the conversation centered around data gaps and research needed for understanding ecotoxicity of microfibers, chemical solutions, and best practices.
• To generate new workstreams, funding opportunities, and key connections to advance textile sustainability and environmental science.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Krystle is the founder and principal consultant of Materevolve, LLC. - a consultancy driven to lead the evolution of our materials world. Krystle serves clients in industry, government, non-profit and academia through the areas of materials innovation, green chemistry, product development, project management, and strategy building to address many of the textile sustainability challenges impacting our material world today. Krystle’s experience includes leading the development of innovative product and materials for iconic global brands, advising material innovation startups and natural fiber growers on how to build sustainable product systems to scale, and co-authoring the congressional Save Our Seas Act 2.0 Report on Microfiber Pollution with the EPA Trash Free Water Program and the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

Libby works at the intersection of sustainability, science and corporate decision-making. From the US Environmental Protection Agency to Nike to small start-ups, she has made a career of guiding organizations to better decision-making in service of more sustainable products and companies. Her work covers many industries including cleaning products, chemicals, food, electronics, and apparel & footwear. As an independent consultant, she has advised on circularity, life cycle assessment, green chemistry, biodegradation, and human rights for NGOs, brands, and start-ups.

Lauren Bright has interwoven over a decade of product creation, supply chain, green chemistry, and business expertise into a "collective impact" consultancy, Torus. As Founder and Principal Consultant of Torus, she has architected, directed, and provided technical guidance to various industry-leading projects and initiatives in next-generation materials, biomimetic nutrient flows, circularity, regenerative agriculture, and equity-centered systems which are grounded in action, implementation, and the importance of place. Her multinational collaborative efforts span brands, innovators, value chain partners, research institutions, government organizations, municipalities, and NGOs.

Dr. Susanne Brander received a Ph.D. in Toxicology and Pharmacology from UC Davis in 2011. She is an Associate Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University and also currently serves as a Senior Scientist for the Environmental Health Sciences' Action Science Initiative. Brander’s research is interdisciplinary and focuses on the occurrence and biological effects of stressors, such as micro and nanoplastics, endocrine disrupting compounds, other emerging contaminants, and climate change, on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Brander has served on the board of directors for the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, North America and is a member of the Green Ribbon Science Panel advisory team for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. She also advises on microplastics at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Program and is on the steering committee of the Scientists Coalition for the UNEP Global Plastics Treaty negotiations.

ABOUT THE VENUE:

Kinship is Portland’s coworking studio designed for fashion entrepreneurs and creatives. Kinship's space brings together the tools and community you need to grow your ideas — from industrial sewing machines, cutting tables, and communal desks to a content creation studio and conference rooms. Whether you’re here with a monthly membership or just dropping in for a day pass, Kinship is your place to design, collaborate, and connect. At Kinship, we believe creativity thrives in community. We’re here to support independent designers, makers, and fashion professionals with an inspiring, well-equipped space that makes the work feel possible (and a little more fun).

A special thanks to our title sponsor Oregon State University.

Refreshments provided by Liquid Death.

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