Microplastics in clothing: how can you play your part?

Discover the invisible impact of your clothes in the Microplastics Cleanroom at Lowlands

TNO makes science tangible. We bring research to places where you don’t expect it, like festivals. At the Lowlands festival, we will have a futuristic cleanroom, in the middle of the second-hand clothes market, where you can step into the role of researcher yourself.

Feel the difference between natural and synthetic fabrics, put on a lab coat, and measure your clothes for microplastic emissions. Thanks to TNO research, you can instantly see how many particles your outfit releases into the air. With a leader board, interactive games, and conversations with TNO experts, you will gain not only insights, but tips as well. Find out how you can make a difference.

Making polluting clothes more expensive and sustainable clothes more attractive

Unlike car tyres, textiles have a long lifespan: garments are washed repeatedly, releasing plastic fibres into the environment. But synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon are difficult to substitute without compromising functionality.

That is why governments are focusing on better and more innovative materials. For existing clothing, additional measures such as financial incentives and transparency are needed to accelerate the transition to more sustainable clothing.

Recently, the first step was taken to speed up the move to more sustainable materials. Companies and environmental groups are looking to introduce a tax on plastics from fossil fuels in products such as clothing and electronics. This ‘circular lever’ would increase the cost of using new, polluting plastics, while exempting recycled and bio-based materials from these charges.

For example, a T-shirt made of 100% polyester (a commonly used synthetic fibre) could become up to €3 more expensive. If the garment were to contain two-thirds recycled material, then this would drop to €1. Fully sustainable clothing would be completely exempt from this levy. The principle behind this is that the polluter pays, so that sustainable choices ultimately become the norm.

How can you play your part?

What you wear is about more than style. It’s about how it affects the environment, fibre by fibre. As a consumer, you can help tackle this pollution. Opt for second-hand clothes more often or clothes made of natural materials such as cotton, linen, or wool. Wash your clothes only when really necessary, at lower temperatures and with a full drum. That is how you can make a big difference to the environment with small, conscious choices.

Understanding microplastic fibre loss: the TNO measurement method

TNO has developed an innovative measurement method to accurately detect and quantify microplastic fibres emitted from clothing. Advanced spectroscopy and microscopy can be used to identify differences between materials such as polyester and nylon, as well as the influence of detergents, temperature, and filters. This method allows for targeted testing to see how effective solutions can be to reduce microplastic emissions. Together with partners, TNO is working on practical applications and behavioural change to reduce the impact of textiles on the environment.

Is this issue important to your organisation? Or are you curious as to how this measurement method can help make your production process more sustainable? We’re keen to help you come up with solutions.