CRRA2021

Special Project Manager

Dr. Joanne Brasch holds a PhD in Textile Economics and Environmental Analysis from the University of California, Davis. With more than 13 years of academic work experience, Dr. Brasch held lecturer and research appointments at UC Davis, CSU Sacramento, and Donghua University in Shanghai, China. She currently works at the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) to lead projects promoting a circular economy using Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). She is appointed by CalRecycle to two advisory committees for carpet and mattress recycling with the position of Vice Chair on both.

Post-Consumer Textile Characterization and Program Recommendations for CA

Clothing shouldn’t be disposable, but that is often how it is treated. In fact, textile waste is the 5th most common material found in California’s single-family waste stream and a costly burden on thrift stores of all sizes. The California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) led a post-consumer textile waste study to characterize the garments not selling in local thrift retail before being baled and sold with rag and luxury garments mixed. The results of the study indicated a high reuse potential without major modifications and some garment categories were deemed more recyclable than others.

President

Franco Rossi is the president of Aquafil USA responsible for the company’s growth strategy and operations across the country. Rossi has implemented Aquafil’s innovation and circular economy strategy in the U.S., including the recent openings of Aquafil’s two carpet recycling facilities, one in Phoenix, Arizona, and one in Woodland, California, that can each process up to 36 million pounds of carpet annually which is equal to the weight of 27 Airbus A380 planes. Rossi serves on the board of the Carpet and Rug Institute, as well as on the CARE board and the California Advisory Committee to CalRecycle.

Recycling Nylon into High-Fashion Garments and Accessories

Aquafil, a global nylon manufacturer is an international leader in recycling nylon 6 waste into pure nylon 6 pellets that can be used to make new products including Speedo swimwear, Stella McCartney handbags, and nylon carpets. As a company, they invested time and money, and partnered with nonprofit groups that retrieve abandoned nylon fishing nets and bring them to Aquafil for recycling, all in an effort to clean up the ocean and recycle these waste products.

General Counsel & Director of Sustainability

I am working at the intersection of law and business to find creative solutions to tackle climate change and support a century old manufacturing business. I understand that everything is connected and that we can accomplish more when we collaborate. I am excited about the circular economy.

Helping Organizations Achieve Sustainability Goals through Better Textile Management

Regent Apparel is using its 100 year history of apparel manufacturing experience to develop B2B textile solutions that support the environmental goals of tomorrow. They are incorporating recycled materials into their product line and working with both customers and suppliers to develop suitable workwear fabrics that do not rely exclusively on virgin materials. Regent is also engaged in pilot take back programs that support emerging textile recycling technologies.

Director of Donations and Aftermarket

Challenges with textile sorting and opportunities for expansion

Goodwill San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin’s guiding principle is that everybody deserves a second chance—and everybody deserves access to training, job opportunities, and support to succeed in our economy. Goodwill collects post-consumer goods, including textiles and clothing, and faces opportunities to expand sorting and grading through new technologies, job creations, and strategic collaborations.

Special Project Manager

Dr. Joanne Brasch holds a PhD in Textile Economics and Environmental Analysis from the University of California, Davis. With more than 13 years of academic work experience, Dr. Brasch held lecturer and research appointments at UC Davis, CSU Sacramento, and Donghua University in Shanghai, China. She currently works at the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) to lead projects promoting a circular economy using Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). She is appointed by CalRecycle to two advisory committees for carpet and mattress recycling with the position of Vice Chair on both.