***You, like us, will be only too aware of the fast-developing situation with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our attendees and staff is our priority and, with this in mind, we’re sorry to announce that the Addressing the Challenges of Microfibres event is postponed. We know that you value these face-to-face networking opportunities, however, we must follow the latest advice issued by the UK government.

A new provisional date has been set for 17th December and we hope you are still able to join us.***

Background:

Microfibres are an issue of growing concern given their ubiquitous and persistent nature. Synthetic fibres and filaments often make the most durable and technical materials, and as such are widely manufactured and used for a variety of purposes. However, these materials shed fibres throughout their lifetime which can become easily and widely dispersed. The majority of focus on microfibres to date has considered synthetic microfibres from polymeric (plastic-based) textiles. However, it is increasingly recognised that a wide range of anthropogenic fibres including modified cellulose and dyed natural textiles such as cotton are also widespread throughout the environment, with unknown consequences for human and animal health. Due to their common manufacture, different characteristics and multitude of applications, microfibres pose a huge multidisciplinary challenge with respect to preventing or reducing their release and understanding any associated hazards they may pose.

The workshop:

This workshop will bring together the key players working to address the microfibre issue across industry, academia and policy to discuss the current research, challenges and solutions. The workshop will combine presentations and discussion sessions to discuss solutions and collaborative approaches to progress this field.

Speakers:

Dr. Imogen Napper, University of Plymouth. ‘Plastic Microfibres: The Journey from Washing Our Clothes to the Ocean’

Dr. Miranda Prendergast-Miller, Northumbria University. ‘Microfibres in soil: effects on earthworms and their potential toxicity’

Dr. Richard Blackburn, University of Leeds. ‘Synthetic vs. Natural microfibres – which should we be worried about?’

Dr. Denise M. Mitrano, Eawag – Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology. ‘Reducing Microplastic Fiber Emissions to Waterways: From Textiles to Water Treatment Technologies’

Dr. Neil Lant, Procter & Gamble. ‘Laundry microfibre research: identifying near-term improvements en-route to a longer-term solution’

Sophie Mather, The Microfibre Consortium. ‘Fibre Fragmentation: Facilitating cross industry action to impact product change’

Agenda:

Please click here to view the agenda.

***Statement of Intent***

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