Part 2 - Collaborating to Solve Sustainability Challenges: A Macroanalysis of Microplastics

From climate change to the adverse effects of forever chemicals, we are facing a number of pressing sustainability issues. Solving these global challenges will require paradigm shifts and a move from ‘silo thinking’ to ‘impactful collaboration’. Microplastics are a prime example because they are gaining increased attention due to their prevalence in the environment and the growing number of reports on human health; however, there is uncertainty on their effects. The science and knowledge around microplastics are still developing, and finding solutions will need a nuanced, long-term approach as well as collaborations across value chains, industries, academia, legislators and more.  

This webinar series will explore the importance of collaboration when tackling microplastics and highlight innovative work taking place to better understand and reduce the long-term adverse impact of microplastics. In Part 2, we are thrilled to be joined by ZDHC and Algenesis. ZDHC is committed to phasing out hazardous chemicals in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear value chains; Scott Echols will cover the connection between fiber/material shedding during product use and chemical pollution. Stephen Mayfield from Algenesis will discuss how transitioning to biodegradable materials can eliminate persistent microplastics and share a case study of how their plant based, low carbon and biodegradable Soleic urethane technologies are used in Blueview footwear. 

Interested in listening to other installments of this webinar series? Click here. 

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Speakers 

Scott Echols, 

Chief Impact Officer at ZDHC

Scott Echols is the Chief Impact Officer at ZDHC, where he leads global efforts to advance sustainable chemical management across the textile, apparel, and footwear industries. With over 35 years of experience in environmental and product chemistry, Scott focuses on developing innovative strategies to measure and mitigate the environmental impacts of chemical use, driving progress in areas such as water stewardship, biodiversity, climate change, and circularity. His work builds collaborative networks with key stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions at scale, including the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero program.He holds advanced degrees in Chemistry and Textile Chemistry, including a Master’s from North Carolina State University, and is based in Asheville, North Carolina.

Stephen Mayfield, PhD

Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Algenesis Materials

Stephen Mayfield, PhD was a Distinguished Professor of Biology at UC San Diego, and the director of the California Center for Algae Biotechnology. His research focuses on the molecular genetics of green algae, and on the production of high value recombinant proteins and bio-products using algae as a production platform. Steve received BS degrees in Biochemistry and Plant Biology from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and a PhD in Molecular Genetics from UC Berkeley. Following a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Geneva (Switzerland) he returned to California as an assistant professor at the Scripps Research Institute where he remained for 22 years, becoming the Dean of Biology before joining UC San Diego in 2009. In addition to running his research group and university research center, Steve also founded Rincon Pharmaceutical in 2005, Sapphire Energy in 2007, and Triton Health and Nutrition in 2012.