Partner Spotlight: Stitching Sustainability into Stretch Fabric – A Conversation with Friedmans’ John Baguley

How a UK-based fabric specialist is supporting ocean conservation with Healthy Seas

Our Partner Spotlight series brings you behind the scenes of our collaborations, shining a light on the individuals and businesses working with us to protect the ocean. In this edition, we spoke with John Baguley, Head of Marketing at Friedmans, one of Europe’s leading specialists in stretch fabrics and a long-standing supporter of Healthy Seas.

Friedmans brings sustainability to the forefront of textile innovation, blending performance with purpose through fabrics made from recycled materials like ECONYL®. Their partnership with Healthy Seas supports our mission to remove ghost fishing nets from the seas and repurpose them into high-quality materials with the help of our partners. But beyond corporate goals, it’s also about personal values—and that’s where John’s story begins.

Q&A with John Baguley

What is one small habit everyone can adopt to help reduce ocean pollution?

Ensure any plastics—especially plastic bags and bottle tops—are binned or recycled correctly.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about marine pollution?

The depth at which pollution is found shocked me. A recent survey revealed that ocean pollution is more common in deep waters (over 2,000 feet/610m), and includes not only fishing gear but also plastic bags, shoes, glass bottles, and even tires. It’s astonishing how far our waste can reach.

What’s the most memorable thing you’ve experienced with or thanks to Healthy Seas?

Listening to the “Marine Conservation Happy Hour” podcast episode with Healthy Seas really struck a chord with me. The discussion about ghost fish farms was both eye-opening and inspiring. It’s great to see that kind of content gaining attention—even better when it’s already on your personal Spotify list!

If you could send one message to the world about ocean conservation, what would it be?

Our oceans are the lifeblood of the planet. They provide oxygen, food, and climate regulation. By protecting marine biodiversity and ecosystems, we’re also protecting our own future.

Can you share a moment when you felt truly hopeful about the future of our oceans?

I always feel hopeful when I see organizations like the Marine Conservation Society sharing positive ocean news on LinkedIn. It’s a great reminder that change is happening, even if it’s step by step.

What’s the most incredible transformation you’ve seen as a result of ocean cleanup efforts?

Any of the Ocean Cleanup efforts: The Ocean Cleanup or any of the Healthy Seas cleanups. The cleanups done by Healthy Seas and partners like Ghost Diving really stand out. The “Ghost Farms” operation with Hyundai, or the UB-88 shipwreck cleanup in the US—seeing these environments restored is incredibly powerful.

How has your work with Healthy Seas changed your perspective on sustainability?

As a business that works extensively with performance and stretch textiles, we’ve always been acutely aware of the environmental challenges associated with synthetic fibres. Partnering with Healthy Seas has reinforced the urgency of addressing waste within our industry, not just through responsible production but through active circular solutions.

If you could solve one ocean-related issue instantly, what would it be?

I’d remove all ghost nets. They are devastating to marine life, especially mammals and turtles. Tackling that threat would have a huge impact on ocean health.

How do you see your industry evolving to support ocean sustainability in the next decade?

The textile industry is shifting toward circular models. One key challenge we must solve is the release of microplastics during washing. That means designing fabrics that are both high-performance and low impact across their entire life cycle. Sustainability means eliminating waste by design.

What’s one thing you’d love to do with Healthy Seas in the future?

One key initiative we’d love to explore with Healthy Seas is amplifying awareness around ocean conservation and the role of responsible textiles in protecting our planet. People often don’t connect what they wear with ocean health—but the link is real and urgent.

Why This Partnership Matters

Friedmans is more than a fabric supplier. With innovative products made from recycled materials—they’re showing how even the most technical fabrics can embrace sustainability. Their commitment goes beyond sourcing materials; it extends to advocating for better practices across the textile industry.

Partnering with Healthy Seas has allowed Friedmans to connect their values with tangible impact. From raising awareness to supporting marine conservation efforts, they’re demonstrating that textile innovation can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility.

Let’s Make Waves Together

At Healthy Seas, we believe every partnership can be a force for good. Whether you’re in fashion, automotive, textiles, or beyond—your company can play a role in restoring ocean health and promoting circularity.

Ready to join us? Let’s talk about how we can collaborate to clean up our seas and turn waste into opportunity. Read more about our partnership here.

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👉 If you’d like to meet another one of our inspiring partners, check out the first episode of the series featuring Elvira Herrera from Hyundai Motor Europe.