WORLD GROUP FOUNDATION FUNDS THE CREATION OF
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY MICROFIBER ACTION ALLIANCE
Microplastics pollution is ubiquitous across oceans, freshwater, air, and food chains, affecting wildlife and humans globally. Estimates suggest that on the ocean surface alone there are 15 trillion microplastics that weigh approximately 105,000 tons. Microplastic pollution is in our bodies, raising serious questions about health risks.
While sources of microplastics are many, one source of particular concern is the proliferation of microfibers in the garment industry at the point of manufacturing. Synthetic microfibers are a subset of microplastics. Some estimates suggest that microfibers account for up to 30% of ocean microplastic.
World Group Foundation made a multi-year grant to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support the creation of the Microfiber Action Alliance (MAA). The MAA is a coalition of leading apparel brands who are joining with The Nature Conservancy to reduce microfiber pollution in the textile sector. Founding coalition members include Nike, Patagonia, Under Armour, Cotopaxi, REI Co-op, and Lululemon. TNC will develop measurement tools to drive data collection along the supply chain of coalition members, ultimately designing evidence-based solutions that can meaningfully reduce microfiber pollution.
Learn more:
Microfiber Action Alliance Website
nature.org/microfibers
TNC Press Release
View the press release
Additional Media Coverage
Textile World featured the launch and included additional quotes from participating brands:
Read the Textile World article
Sourcing Journal Exclusive
Read the Sourcing Journal article
TNC Social Media Posts
World Group Foundation is the philanthropic arm of World Group. We direct our philanthropy to the communities where our employees work and live. We are moved by our employees’ philanthropic interests and support their volunteerism and charity. We also make grants that support our company values and corporate initiatives.