Synthetic Fabric's Pollution: Plastic's Dark Side

The world is facing a plastic pollution crisis, and synthetic fabrics are a major contributor. When synthetic fabrics are washed, they release microfibers, which are a form of microplastic. These microfibers are released into the water supply and can eventually reach the ocean, where they are ingested by marine wildlife and even humans. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are now about 60% of the material that makes up our clothes worldwide, and their popularity is due to their affordability and versatility. The washing of synthetic clothes has been identified as one of the main sources of marine microplastic pollution, with a single load of laundry potentially releasing hundreds of thousands of fibers into the water supply.

Washing synthetic fabrics releases microplastics

The wearing and washing of textiles made from synthetic (plastic) fibres is a recognised source of microplastics in the environment. Synthetic fabrics tend to release the highest amounts of microplastics in the first 5-10 washes, with pre-washing releasing more microfibres than soaping and rinsing.

Microplastics are released every time you wash your synthetic clothes. The mechanical and chemical stresses that fabrics undergo during a washing process in a laundry machine lead to the detachment of microfibres from the yarns that constitute the textile. The release of microplastics from synthetic clothes is one of the main sources of primary microplastics in the ocean.

The microfibres released during washing range from 124 to 308 mg for kg of washed fabric, depending on the type of garment washed. This corresponds to a number of microfibres ranging from 640,000 to 1,500,000. Some textile characteristics, such as the type of fibres constituting the yarns and their twist, influence the release of microfibres during washing. For example, yarns made of filament fibres with a high twist could contribute to the reduction of microplastics released during washing processes of synthetic clothes.

Textile materials are one of the primary sources of microplastic pollution. The washing procedure is the most significant way that textile products release microplastic fibres. The number of microplastic fibres released increases along with the thickness and weight of the fabric. Recycled polyester was found to release more microplastic fibres than virgin polyester under the same conditions.

To mitigate the release of microplastics, it is necessary to understand the reasons for the differences in the amount of microplastics released by different fabrics. By focusing on the physical and chemical properties of fabrics, we can identify the factors that ultimately affect fibre release and work towards reducing the environmental impact of synthetic fabrics.

Synthetic fabric blends release microplastics

Synthetic fabrics are a major source of microplastic pollution. The wearing and washing of textiles made from synthetic fibres release microplastics into the environment. These microplastics are ingested by marine wildlife and can even end up in our food chain.

A study by Imogen E. Napper and Richard C. Thompson, published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin in 2016, found that a typical wash could release 700,000 fibres from a single garment. Another study estimated that a single load of laundry could release hundreds of thousands of fibres from clothes into the water supply. These fibres are less than 5 millimetres in length, with diameters measured in micrometres (one-thousandth of a millimetre). They can pass through wastewater treatment plants and pose a threat to marine organisms.

The release of microplastics from synthetic fabrics is influenced by the fabric's physical and chemical properties, such as tensile strength, bending, and compression. The type of fibres constituting the yarns and their twist can also impact the release of microplastics during washing. For example, a polyester-cotton blend shirt will shed more fibres than a shirt made from only polyester.

The production processes of synthetic fabrics may also contribute to microplastic pollution. The application of abrasive friction during manufacturing can lead to increased microplastic formation. By using alternative production processes or textile construction methods, the release of microplastics during use could be reduced.

To address the issue of microplastic pollution from synthetic fabrics, consumers can opt for clothing made from natural fibres instead of synthetic ones like polyester and nylon. However, it is important to note that even textiles labelled "100% natural" can contain chemical additives, and truly natural clothing may be more expensive. Additionally, consumers can be mindful when washing synthetic clothing, as the first 5-10 washes tend to release the highest amounts of microplastics.

Fabric characteristics influence microplastic release

The wearing and washing of textiles made from synthetic fibres are recognised as significant sources of microplastics in the environment. Synthetic fabrics tend to release the most microplastics in their first 5-10 washes. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), 176,000 tonnes of unintentionally formed microplastics are released into European surface waters annually due to the abrasion and weathering of plastic products.

The washing of synthetic textiles has been assessed as the main source of primary microplastics in the oceans. Wash trials on commercial clothes have been performed to gain reliable data about the release of microplastics and to identify possible influences of textile characteristics on the release. Results showed that the type of fibres constituting the yarns and their twist influenced the release of microfibres during washing. Clothes with yarns made of continuous filaments, high twist and low hairiness released fewer microfibres during washing.

The use of washing powder tends to induce more shedding than liquid detergent, possibly because the powder granules work as an abrasive, damaging the fibres. On the other hand, the use of fabric softener results in lower microfibre shedding, possibly by reducing friction and fibre damage during washing. The type of washing machine also has an influence, with top-loading models inducing significantly more shedding than front-loading ones, likely due to greater abrasion during tumbling.

Long wash cycles and high temperatures increase wear and tear and damage fabric structure, resulting in high levels of microfibre release. Since synthetic fabrics release the most microplastics in their first washes, pre-washing at manufacturing plants could capture a large share of the released microfibres. By using alternative production processes or textile construction methods, microfibre release during use could be further reduced.

Synthetic fabric production processes cause microplastic release

The production processes of synthetic fibres, yarns, fabrics and products may be responsible for increased microfibre release. Abrasive friction during production is a significant factor in microplastic formation. Alternative production processes and textile construction methods can reduce microfibre release during use.

The textile manufacturing industry is a major source of microfibre pollution, especially with inadequate industrial wastewater treatment. Synthetic fabrics tend to release the most microplastics in the first 5-10 washes, so pre-washing at manufacturing plants could capture many released microfibres.

Washing and drying synthetic textiles are major sources of microplastic pollution. The mechanical and chemical stresses that fabrics undergo during these processes cause microplastic release. Fuzzing and pilling are states in which fibres break and form fine hairs due to external friction, contributing to microplastic pollution.

The type of washing machine, detergent use, and temperature can influence the amount of microplastic release. Wastewater treatment plants can filter out a large share of microplastics, but not all. Inadequate sewage and wastewater treatment systems will emit microplastics into the aquatic environment.

Synthetic fibres are a major source of microplastic pollution

Synthetic fibres are a significant contributor to microplastic pollution. The wearing and washing of textiles made from synthetic fibres are recognised sources of microplastics in the environment.

Microplastics are released from synthetic clothing every time they are washed. The mechanical and chemical stresses that fabrics undergo during the washing process cause microplastics to be released into the water. These microplastics are then discharged into the environment through wastewater. Studies have found that a single load of laundry could release hundreds of thousands of fibres from clothing into the water supply. The microfibres released during washing range from 124 to 308 mg for every kg of washed fabric, depending on the type of garment.

The production processes of synthetic fibres may also contribute to microplastic pollution. The application of abrasive friction during production can lead to the release of microfibres. The use of alternative production processes or textile construction methods can help reduce microfibre release during use.

Textiles made from synthetic fibres are estimated to contribute 35% of the microplastic pollution in the world's oceans, making them the largest known source of marine microplastic pollution. This pollution is a significant environmental problem, with microplastics accumulating in the food chain and being ingested by marine wildlife and humans.

To address the issue of microplastic pollution from synthetic fibres, it is necessary to understand the factors that affect the release of microplastics, such as the physical and chemical properties of the fabric. By studying these factors, we can work towards reducing the release of microplastics during the washing and drying processes.

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