Sustainability Solution - Microfibre Shedding Test

Microfibre pollution is of great concern within the clothing supply chain. Every time, we wash synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, acrylic or spandex, very small pieces of plastic break off and flow down the drain into the rivers and oceans. Microfibres are mistakenly ingested by marine animals and cause hazardous effects to aquatic species.

Washing of textiles is considered to be a large source of microplastic pollution with an estimated 35% of primary microplastics entering oceans from the laundering process. This is “causing 16 times more pollution than microbeads from cosmetics, which are now banned from products in the UK”, according to environmental charity Hubbub.

In light of the current research and evidence the questions your company and customers will be asking are:

• Does the clothing sold contribute to the microfibre pollution issue?
• What actions are we taking as a business?
• Are our garments made from fibres that shed excessively during washing?
• How is industry seeking to minimize the damage from microfibre pollution?

By benchmarking using analytical evaluation you will better understand the impact your garment fibres are having upon the marine environment.

Intertek has developed a bespoke scientific method for microfibre shedding test which leads to an improved understanding of the impact of clothing upon the marine environment. This is achieved by analysing wastewater produced during a simulated domestic laundering process. The specimens will be tested under appropriate conditions, temperature and abrasive action such that the microfibre loss is similar to that occurring in home laundering. The abrasive action is a result of the frictional effects of fabric against canister, the low liquor ratio and the impact of the steel balls on the fabric.

Your Benefits

• Give you clearer understanding of microfibre shedding status of your product after laundering
• Support your selection of fabrics with less microfibre shedding and more ocean-friendly
• Assist to set up and classify your green fabric database with microfibre shedding data