Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium have unveiled a new report, “Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation,” shedding light on fibre fragment pollution and offering actionable insights for the textile and waste management industries. The report highlights the importance of an industry-wide, unified approach encompassing responsible manufacturing, waste management, and policy intervention.
Fibre Fragmentation: A Growing Environmental Issue
Pollution from fibre fragments occurs across all textile types—both synthetic and non-synthetic—throughout a product’s lifecycle, including manufacturing, consumer use, and disposal. These tiny fibres have been discovered in diverse environments, from the Arctic to Mount Everest, and in hundreds of species. While synthetic microplastics often dominate discussions, the report reveals that approximately 70% of fibres found in environmental samples are non-synthetic, like cotton. This finding underscores the need for an inclusive strategy to address fibre pollution.
Kelly Sheridan, CEO of The Microfibre Consortium, shared her perspective: “Partnering with Fashion For Good has helped to unite the project partners behind the ongoing need for alignment on closing fibre fragmentation knowledge gaps. With this rallied support, we can build on the existing state of knowledge and make great strides in addressing urgent topic challenges for a future of informed, science-led and integrated mitigation action.”
Sources of Fibre Fragmentation
The report pinpoints multiple sources of fibre shedding:
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Manufacturing:Â Fabrics made from shorter staple fibres (e.g., cotton) shed fragments more readily than continuous filament fibres, and loose structures release more than tightly woven ones. The dyeing stage alone can contribute up to 95% of fibre emissions during production.
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Consumer Use:Â Washing and drying textiles are major contributors, with variables such as wash temperature, detergent, and machine type influencing shedding rates.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Solutions
Rather than a single solution, the report advocates for a comprehensive strategy, addressing the issue across the textile value chain:
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Responsible Design:Â Developing fabrics with lower shedding rates using advanced yarn construction, processing, and finishing techniques.
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Industrial Filtration:Â Installing advanced filtration systems, such as ultrafiltration membranes, in manufacturing facilities to capture fibre emissions.
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Consumer Interventions:Â Promoting the use of washing machine filters, sustainable laundry practices, and public awareness campaigns.
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Innovation:Â Supporting new technologies that balance environmental benefits and overall impact.
Effluent treatment plants (ETPs) are vital in capturing fibre fragments, though the high costs and energy demands of advanced methods like ultrafiltration may hinder widespread adoption. For smaller textile manufacturers, cost-effective options like well-maintained secondary clarifiers can still significantly reduce fibre pollution.
Katrin Ley, Managing Director of Fashion for Good, emphasised: “Fibre pollution is a challenge that the industry faces as a whole, so we are partnering with The Microfibre Consortium to contribute to the foundation of data that will help us better understand the root causes of fibre fragmentation.”
The Call for Policy and Regulation
Despite growing awareness, regulatory progress remains limited. The report calls for policies to address fibre pollution holistically, targeting all fibre types—not just synthetics—and all lifecycle stages of textiles. Initiatives like extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks are proposed as pivotal steps toward industry accountability.
This collaboration between Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium represents a significant stride toward science-driven solutions for fibre fragmentation, aiming to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for the textile industry.
