The ocean plastics alternative

David Bayliss is MD of ADVANSA, a leading European polyester supplier based in Germany, recognized for its high-tech and sustainable branded fibres. David was part of the management group that made an MBO of ADVANSA from Sabanci in 2011 and which is, since 2020, part of a global polyester group with Asia Pacific Fibres (APF) in Indonesia. Previously, David held a range of Sales & Marketing positions at DuPont, and before that ICI, working in 4 different countries (UK, F, E, D). A dual French/British national, David splits his time between ADVANSA’s office in Paris and the company HQ in Hamm, Germany.

François Devy, with two decades in technology, has dedicated the past eight years to textile circularity. From managing a spinning factory to founding Infinite Athletic, famous for its circular mission, he now spearheads the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE for cleaner oceans. This fully vertical ESG ecosystem unites communities, heroes, partners, manufacturers, and brands with a transparent approach to a shared environmental goal. Together for a clean ocean, the initiative collects degraded ocean plastic, transforming it into circular textile applications for fashion, sportswear, furnishing, automotive, and more.

Sophie Bramel is a freelance journalist who has been writing on smart textiles, sportswear and fashion for the past twenty years. Consultant Technical Editor for World Sports Activewear (WSA), she has also authored several books on the history, development and future of functional fibers and fabrics.