Microplastics in clothing: how can you play your part?

What are microplastics from textiles?

Clothing – but also carpets, blankets, and curtains – is often made from synthetic textiles. Examples include polyester, acrylic, or nylon (polyamide). Plastic pellets are first melted and pushed through small holes to form plastic fibres, which are then knitted or woven together.

When the textile wears down, for instance in the washing machine, tiny pieces of fibre break off. These ‘microfibres’ are a specific type of microplastic. By measuring fibre release and understanding what influences it, TNO contributes to a world with fewer microplastics.

Insight using TNO’s measurement method

TNO has developed an innovative measurement method (pdf)  to accurately detect and quantify microplastic fibres from clothing. Using advanced spectroscopy and microscopy, differences between materials such as polyester and nylon can be identified, as well as the influence of detergents, temperature, and filters.

This method makes it possible to accurately test the effectiveness of solutions that reduce microplastic emissions. Together with partners, TNO works on practical applications and behavioural change to reduce the environmental impact of textiles.

Preventing microplastics in wastewater

Within the Microtex consortium, TNO will conduct research between 2026 and 2030 into the release of microfibres in wastewater – and what we can do about it. By measuring the effects of, for example, filters and innovative textile materials in real-life use situations, we learn how to reduce microplastics in water.

Small parts, big impact

TNO makes science tangible and brings research to places where you wouldn’t expect it: at Lowlands 2025, we presented a futuristic cleanroom in the middle of the second-hand clothing market. Here, festival visitors could step into the shoes of a researcher. They felt the differences between natural and synthetic fabrics and could even measure the particle emissions from their own synthetic clothing thanks to TNO technology.

What can you contribute?

What you wear is more than style: it affects the environment. As a consumer, you can help reduce this pollution. Make your clothing last as long as possible by buying consciously and repairing what you can. Choose second-hand clothing more often, and only wash your garments when necessary, at lower temperatures and with a full machine. With small, conscious choices, you can make a big difference.

Reduce microfibre loss with TNO

TNO helps companies make their textile products more sustainable by precisely mapping out how and why microplastics are released. We investigate the role of polymer types and production methods, and we test materials in realistic use conditions. With our scientific insights, companies can directly see which factors influence emissions and where improvements are possible.

Depending on the research question, we combine various advanced measurement techniques to fully map microfibres and microplastics. We provide advice and tools. This provides clear insight into the impact of materials, washing processes, and innovative solutions.

Is this an important theme for your organisation? Or are you curious how this measurement method could help you further improve the sustainability of your production process? We would be happy to think along with you.