Microfibres are everywhere: our food, water, and even the air we breathe. As a subset of microplastics, an estimated 35 percent of all plastics that end up in our oceans come from textile microfibres, of which the fashion and apparel industry is a major contributor. Worryingly, latest research indicates that microplastics are harmful to human and marine health, though the extent of its impact is yet to be fully grasped.
While there are consumer solutions that can reduce the amount of microfibres shed during washing such as lint traps, we also need to look upstream at the manufacturing processes in order to truly tackle the problem from end to end.
Can we reduce the amount of microfibre shed when our clothes are made? How can we understand the impact of manufacturing processes on microfibre shed?
This project, Tackling Microfibres at Source, a partnership by Forum for the Future with Ramatex Group, Nanyang Environment and Water Resources Institute (NEWRI), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), sets out to develop solutions to reduce microfibre shedding during the manufacturing process.
By understanding which manufacturing processes have the greatest impact on microfibre shed, we provide opportunities for industry innovation and the development of pioneering solutions that can tackle microfibre pollution. Doing so will enable steps towards a more just and regenerative fashion industry, where waste and pollution are designed out.
Investigating opportunities to reduce microfibre pollution from the fashion industry
The project's latest report, Tackling Microfibres at Source: Investigating opportunities to reduce microfibre pollution from the fashion industry through textile design and manufacturing innovation, presents findings from Forum's 21-month long research and investigative process, and shares recommendations for how textile manufacturers, brands and retailers can take active steps to reduce microfibre pollution.