Microplastics in clothing: research into reducing textile fibres

New measurement method maps textile microplastics

To help reduce microplastic emissions from textiles, it’s therefore important to have a uniform method for measuring these tiny plastic particles, as also described in TNO’s 2021 advisory report. The new measurement method for microplastic fibres is now a reality.

This new method for the quantitative measurement of microplastic fibres has been applied to various water samples. Testing was first done on reference samples, followed by water samples from industrial laundries.

The results of this study show that the method developed is suitable for properly measuring and distinguishing between the two polymer types most commonly used in clothing: polyester and nylon (polyamide). It can then determine the differences between the two materials in relation to fibre release.

The effects of detergent, fabric softener, washing temperature, and the amount of water on fibre and microfibre release can also be identified. In addition to testing material and washing parameters, the method can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, such as the effect of a washing machine filter.

Is this an important issue for your organisation? Or are you curious as to how this model can help make your production process more sustainable? We’re keen to help you think of solutions. Contact Tim Bulters.

Stakeholder network for reducing microplastic fibres

Since 2021, TNO has been collaborating with the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat (Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management), and the stakeholder network ‘Iedereen draagt bij’ (Everyone contributes) to further elaborate, develop, and apply this new measurement method.

This network, consisting of stakeholders from the clothing, washing machine, and detergent industries, together with knowledge institutes, water authorities, and NGOs, has the common goal of reducing the release of tiny plastic particles from clothing. The development of the new measurement method is a big step towards reducing environmental pollution from microplastics.

This will help network partners discover how to efficiently prevent microplastics from entering the environment when clothes are manufactured and washed, or during wastewater treatment. The stakeholders involved want to take these steps because they stand for quality, sustainability, circularity, and knowledge development.

Information on textile value chain key to more effective approach

Unlike car tyres, for example, textiles remain in circulation for a long time. Clothing can be washed, giving off microplastic fibres in the process, for decades after production. Moreover, plastic fibres in textiles cannot easily be replaced by other materials in all cases.

Source control of microplastic fibres through improved material selection, among other methods, is expected to be an effective approach towards reducing microplastics. However, this development will take time and cannot be applied to the clothes we already use today.

For this reason, it’s desirable to look at possible measures through the entire life cycle of textiles, from production and use to water treatment.

By measuring which microplastic fibres (qualitative) are released to what extent (quantitative) at which step in the chain, we’ll gain knowledge that’s needed to take the next steps towards reducing microplastic fibres from textiles.