ProgramsNYU Wagner Capstone: Social Impact, Innovation & Investment (Fall 24'-Spring 25')ProjectsLonely Whale Plastic Innovation Prize

Project Title: Lonely Whale Plastic Innovation Prize

Lonely Whale

Details
Project Title Lonely Whale Plastic Innovation Prize
Project Topics Corporate Social Responsibility Research & Development
Skills & Expertise Market Research Qualitative Research Supply Chain & Logistics Project Management
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
The Lonely Whale Plastic Innovation Prize is seeking bio-based, degradable alternatives that can compete with the most common synthetic fibers for performance wear/apparel on the market. 

Synthetic textiles dominate global production. Over half of all textiles are made with synthetics and polyester is the most widely used fiber in the world. These materials shed hundreds of thousands of microfibers with every wear and wash, contributing up to 35% of microplastic pollution. While synthetic fibers negatively impact the environment, the performance qualities and low cost of polyester, elastane, and Nylon 66 continue to propel its market growth.

By amplifying and awarding innovation, we can help advance its adoption. Currently, biobased polyester is estimated at around 0.01% of overall polyester production. The greatest challenge remains price parity and scale. Pending policy reforms in the EU and the US underscore the urgent need to advance biobased alternatives and innovation. We aim to increase use of biosynthetic alternatives by championing courageous innovators going toe to toe with synthetic performance fibers.

The Prize follows the successful conclusion of the inaugural TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize, powered by Lonely Whale and will convene global brands, innovators, investors and environmental leaders to achieve an ambitious mission: vet, award, and scale biologically degradable alternatives to synthetic textiles used to create performance wear.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  • Regulatory and Policy Review:
    • Regulatory Landscape: Examine existing regulations and standards related to biodegradable materials and synthetic textiles, identifying gaps and opportunities for influencing policy.
    • Policy Recommendations: Develop policy recommendations that support the adoption and development of biodegradable textiles.
  • Consumer and Industry Insights:
    • Consumer Behavior: Conduct surveys and focus groups to understand consumer attitudes toward biodegradable textiles and willingness to pay a premium for sustainable alternatives.
    • Industry Adoption: Engage with industry stakeholders to assess the potential for adoption of biodegradable textiles, identifying barriers and incentives.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
By focusing on these research elements, NYU graduate students can provide valuable insights and recommendations that will enhance the effectiveness and impact of Lonely Whale's second Plastic Innovation Prize program. 
Activities outlined above will help us achieve the following measurable results:

  • Increased number and/or quality of entrants from the first prize (64)
  • Expanded network of industry and nonprofit partners for the prize
  • Published investor briefing to encourage engagement/capital 
  • Published policy briefing for industry leaders to catalyze adoption 
  • Formalized report out / white paper on consumer and industry interest

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Program Kickoff

 Sep 12 2024 Event

Teams

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