Audience: Open industry. All apparel and footwear industry professionals, regardless of AAFA membership, are encouraged to participate.
Description:
Microplastic and Microfiber pollution in the water supply is a growing concern, especially in the textile and apparel industries. Several US states have drafted, and in one case, approved, laws to address microfiber contamination. AAFA and members engaged with U.S. state law makers to advocate for the use of credible and concrete research in the development of solutions to the microfiber issue. NGO's have also turned their focus on this topic, creating messaging campaigns to consumers on the environmental and human health impacts of synthetic microfibers in our waterways. Many brands and textile suppliers are now developing alternative solutions.
Attendees of this webinar will:
- What are microfibers, where might they be coming from, and what are the impacts on the environment?
- Microfiber research and updates on regulatory actions by US states and EU
- Discussion of new approaches/strategies by apparel manufacturers and brands
- Actions you can take
Speakers:
Rick Horwitch
Vice President - Global Retail Lead & Supply Chain Strategy
Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services
Rick Horwitch is Vice President, Global Retail Lead and Supply Chain Strategy, for Bureau Veritas – Consumer Products Services. Bureau Veritas is the world’s oldest and one of the largest providers of Quality, Healthy, Safety, Environmental, and Sustainability (QHSES) services. Bureau Veritas’ customers include 48 of the top 50 retailers in North America and 41 of the top 50 retailers in the world. Rick’s focus is on developing Supply Chain Risk and Quality Management (SCRQM) and Sustainability solutions, as well as strategic partnerships and alliances which help their customers protect their brands, reduce cost, and improve cycle time. Rick has over 35 years’ experience in the consumer products industry covering all facets of business – sourcing, sales, marketing, and operations with companies such as Warnaco, Kurt Salmon Associates, and Deena. Rick is a graduate of Tulane University. He is married, has two children and lives in Calabasas, CA.
Robert Cimini, P.E.
Senior Project Engineer
Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services
Bob is a consumer product engineer with over 25 years of experience in both consumer product testing and manufacturing. Experienced in developing and executing testing plans to solve a wide range of client product issues. Specializing in food contact products, furniture, witness testing and in-field support.
In his current role, Bob is responsible for developing and implementing custom testing services for clients. Provided proposals to clients who desired non-standard testing such as Failure Analysis, Comparative Analysis, and Research and Development. Recognized as local expert for developing ah-hoc testing protocols. Responsible for reviewing and writing Design Evaluations and Technical Opinion Letters for new product designs for premium and hardline type products.
Bob has a BS in Mechanical Engineering, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Bob is a Licensed Professional Engineer and a member of AERC.
Moderator:
Kristen Kern
Government Relations Representative
AAFA
As a Government Relations Representative, Kristen leads the AAFA Sustainability portfolio, working with government and industry professionals to further environmental sustainability in the apparel and footwear industry. She also leads the AAFA Product Safety portfolio, collaborating with stakeholders to create best practices and regulation for safe, quality products for consumers. Kristen holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Design, and French, with a minor in Chemistry from Virginia Tech.
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