Microplastic pollution is a growing concern in the textile industry, yet natural fibers like cotton are often misunderstood in this conversation. Do they truly biodegrade? How do chemical finishes impact that process? And how does cotton compare to synthetic fibers when it comes to end-of-life environmental impact?
In this session, Dr. Jesse Daystar will outline the scale of plastic leakage in the apparel industry, followed by Dr. Martin Hubbe’s deep dive into the first comprehensive literature review on cellulose and cotton biodegradation. Together, they will set the record straight and equip apparel supply-chain professionals with the latest scientific insights.
Featured Presenters:
Dr. Jesse S. Daystar Chief Sustainability Officer, Cotton Incorporated Author, The Global Apparel Industry Is a Significant Yet Overlooked Source of Plastic Leakage (Nature Communications)
Dr. Martin A. Hubbe Professor & Buckman Distinguished Scientist, North Carolina State University Lead author, “Cellulose Fiber Biodegradability: A Review of the Existing Literature” (BioResources, 2025)