Field Notes: Fashion’s Making WavesEditor's note: WWD Field Notes is a column featuring the latest technology, B2B and business solution news.

[Collection]Plastic has a bad rap. And for brands and retailers responding to consumer-led demand for sustainability, solutions centered on the removal and recycling of ocean plastic pollution for fashion products has risen to the surface. The Fashion Institute of Technology’s Textile Ocean Plastics Pollution Initiative, a student-led and multipronged educational program, recently escorted students aboard the American Princess Cruise boat from Riis Landing in Breezy Point, Queens, to experience ocean pollution first-hand. FIT said much of marine pollution is created by disposable plastics, microplastic fibrils and other marine textile debris from both synthetic and natural textile products and fibers. Jeffrey Silberman, professor and chairperson at FIT’s Textile Development and Marketing Department, told WWD, “We became aware of microfibrils from synthetic fibers that are polluting the food and water supply, and noticed also that the textile and fashion industries are doing a lot to create and add to the problem but are doing very little to try to fix it.” Its TOPPI program aims to “expose students to current and ongoing scientific research, and enables them to explore the response from textile companies, brands and retail organizations,” FIT said, and offers regularly scheduled sustainability-themed outings for students to further increase engagement and awareness. Artie Kopelman,

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