The hidden plastics in your closet | Phoebe Yu | TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch

Problem Statement & Impact - The fashion industry relies heavily on polyester, a plastic derived from fossil fuels, which constitutes 60% of all textiles [1] - Synthetic textiles contribute to 35% of global microplastic pollution [3] - Polyester production reached 78 million tons last year, enough for 10 new polyester t-shirts for everyone on Earth [3] - Microplastics from textiles are found in water, air, food, and even human bodies, including lungs, bloodstreams, and placentas [4] - Failure to address fashion's plastic problem will hinder efforts to fix overall plastic pollution by 2040 [4] Innovation & Solutions - Companies are developing elastic made from bamboo fiber and natural rubber, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, offering 11% better stretch without fossil fuels [5][6] - Alternative leathers are being created using grain to mimic collagen, avoiding PU and PVC plastics [6] - Seaweed is being transformed into antimicrobial and flame-resistant textiles [7] - Enzymes are used to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into cellulose fibers [7] - Some brands demonstrate that high-performance sportswear can be made entirely of natural fibers [7] Sustainable Practices & Considerations - New materials must be assessed to ensure they are not more harmful than existing ones [8] - Diverse farming systems that restore and enrich the soil are needed, avoiding monocropping [9] - Sourcing should prioritize existing farmlands, waste streams, and regenerative crops, avoiding deforestation [9] - Harmful chemicals should be avoided, seeking safer alternatives [9] - Materials should be designed for a full life cycle, with biodegradability as a starting point [10] Scaling & Adoption - Solutions must be easy, affordable, and desirable for both consumers and brands [11] - Innovations should fit into existing systems, avoiding massive overhauls or costs [11] - Governments should provide incentives and regulations to support true transformation [11] - Collaboration is essential among innovators, brands, manufacturers, and policymakers [11] Company's Approach - The company uses biomimicry and green chemistry to accelerate natural processes [12] - Regenerative crops and agricultural waste are converted into high-cellulose biomass using enzymes and bacteria [12] - Green chemistry is used to transform biomass into fully biodegradable fibers [13] - This closed-loop system creates value for farmers, fiber makers, and brands [13]