The Scale of the Microplastic Crisis
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that do not biodegrade. These tiny particles originate from various sources, but synthetic textiles contribute up to 35 per cent of microplastics in the ocean, making fashion one of the largest polluters. The alarming scale of this issue calls for immediate attention.
- Every time we wash synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, tiny plastic particles shed from garments, making their way into waterways, oceans, and even our food chain.
- The microplastic crisis has far-reaching consequences, including harming aquatic life, contaminating drinking water, and even ending up in human bodies.
How Do Synthetic Fabrics Shed Microplastics?
Washing & Laundering: Each machine wash can release up to 700,000 microfibres from synthetic garments into wastewater. Wear & Tear: Fibres break off as clothes degrade, especially in high-friction areas. Manufacturing Waste: Fabric cutting, sewing, and production processes contribute to microplastic pollution. Improper Disposal: When synthetic clothing degrades in landfills, it sheds microplastics into soil and waterways.
| Source | Contribution to Microplastic Pollution |
|---|---|
| Washing & Laundering | Up to 700,000 microfibres released per machine wash |
| Wear & Tear | Fibres break off as clothes degrade |
| Manufacturing Waste | Fabric cutting, sewing, and production processes contribute to microplastic pollution |
| Improper Disposal | Microplastics shed into soil and waterways when synthetic clothing degrades in landfills |
The Impact of Microplastic Pollution
Oceans & Waterways: Microplastics accumulate in marine environments, harming aquatic life. Food Chain: Fish, shellfish, and even agricultural crops absorb microplastics, which humans consume. Drinking Water: Studies have found microplastics in bottled and tap water worldwide. Human Bodies: Recent research suggests microplastics are detected in human blood, lungs, and even placentas (the organ that nourishes the baby during pregnancy).
The Hidden Costs of Synthetic Textiles
Polyester production emits 3 times more CO2 than cotton. Fossil fuels (petroleum-based materials) are required for synthetic fibre production. Synthetic dyeing processes release toxic chemicals into waterways. Wastewater from textile mills often contains heavy metals, formaldehyde, and carcinogenic dyes. Unlike natural fibres (cotton, wool, hemp), synthetic fabrics take hundreds of years to degrade, continuously releasing microplastics during their lifespan.
How Brands Can Mitigate Microplastic Pollution
1. Rethink Fabric Choices
Switch to Bio-Based Alternatives: Brands can opt for bio-synthetic fabrics such as bio-polyester made from plant-based resources. Invest in Natural Fibres: While not perfect, organic cotton, hemp, and Tencel shed fewer microplastics. Blended Fabrics with Low Shedding Rates: Develop innovative blends that reduce microfibre release. 2. Improve Textile Manufacturing & Finishing
Enhance Fibre Durability: Higher-quality fabrics release fewer fibres over time. Pre-Wash Fabrics Before Sale: This removes loose fibres before garments reach consumers. Develop Low-Shed Weaving Techniques: Tight-knit textiles shed fewer microplastics than loosely woven fabrics. 3. Promote Microplastic Capture Technologies
Encourage Use of Washing Filters: Brands can partner with companies that create filters like the Guppyfriend Bag and PlanetCare filters. Integrate Catchment Filters in Washing Machines: Advocate for legislation requiring microfibre filtration in washing machines, similar to policies emerging in France. 4. Support Circular Fashion & Clothing Longevity
Promote Durable Design: Encourage high-quality, long-lasting clothing to reduce turnover and waste. Expand Clothing Take-Back Programmes: Brands like Patagonia and Levi’s offer repair and resale programmes to extend a garment’s lifecycle. 5. Invest in Textile Recycling Innovation
Chemical Recycling for Synthetic Fibres: Advancements in polyester recycling (like Carbios and Worn Again Technologies) can break down old garments into raw materials for new textiles. Mechanical Recycling Improvements: Support research into reducing fibre degradation during recycling processes. 6. Increase Consumer Awareness & Education
Label Clothing with Fibre Shedding Information: Transparency helps consumers make informed decisions. Provide Washing Guidelines: Recommend lower-temperature washing, delicate cycles, and full loads to minimise fibre shedding. Encourage Use of Microfibre Filters: Promote awareness of laundry bags, filters, and devices that reduce microplastic pollution.
The Role of Policy & Regulation
Governments and policymakers play a crucial role in addressing microplastic pollution. Several initiatives are already taking shape:
France’s Microfibre Filter Mandate (2025): Requires all new washing machines to include microfibre filtration. EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles: Aims to improve circularity and regulate synthetic fibre pollution. California’s Microplastic Reduction Policy: Focuses on reducing microplastic emissions from textiles and industry. UN & Global Regulations: International discussions are pushing for stricter microplastic pollution policies.
Conclusion
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that brands, policymakers, and consumers work together to address the microplastic crisis. By adopting sustainable practices, investing in textile innovation, and promoting education and awareness, we can mitigate the devastating impact of synthetic textiles on our environment. The time for action is now.
