The Design for Transformation Initiative at The Biomimicry Institute sought to identify methods for turning textile waste into new, often non-textile products using biological (rather than chemical) processing. As part of this, the initiative wanted to know the impact of dyeing, finishing and other chemical applications on the potential biological breakdown of textiles.

Outcomes: Working with a graduate student at the University of Leeds (UK), I reviewed the literature on the biodegradability of textiles and their toxicity as they break down. I summarized our findings in three short info-sheets for a broad industry audience.

A confidential client with an early-stage technology was preparing for their next fundraising round. They planned to target funders focused on solutions for climate change. Those funders required that the technology show potential for a sizable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across an entire market.

Outcomes: We conducted a quick, cost-effective life cycle assessment (LCA) that successfully addressed the data availability and quality challenges inherent to LCAs for new technologies. I devised a method to assess market-wide carbon impacts, guided them through industry-specific LCA needs, and represented them in investor discussions. They successfully secured funding with a climate-focused VC as their lead investor.

Fashion for Good (FFG) and The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) envisioned a series of workshops on the topic of microfibres. The general aim was to clarify areas of common understanding, identify additional information needs, and highlight opportunities for innovation.

Outcomes: With just a few weeks to plan and organize the workshop, Dr. Lisa Erdle from 5 Gyres Institute agreed to co-facilitate. Together we interviewed expert researchers and arrived on a focused agenda. An invited panel of those experts shared critical information on four aspects of microfibre toxicity stakeholders need to factor into their research and actions. The results of the workshop will soon be published in a comprehensive report co-sponsored by FFG and TMC.