Plastic seems to be omnipresent in our lives — from drinking straws and food wrappers to toys and packaging — permeating our wardrobes as well. Our closets are filled with materials containing synthetic fibers like polyester, acrylic, and nylon. These are not static; they continuously shed plastic microfibers into the environment.
Each time we wear, wash, or tumble dry our clothes, countless tiny plastic fibers are released. A single wash cycle can exude millions of these fibers, many of which slip through wastewater treatment plants and directly into local water systems, eventually reaching the ocean. This results in aquatic creatures ingesting the microplastics, which subsequently enter the food chain and affect larger animals and humans as well.
Natural textiles aren’t exempt from this issue either. They may shed fibers and be treated with chemicals that leak into ecosystems. However, polyester, dominating the fiber industry, is the largest culprit, comprising two-thirds of global fiber production.
With Earth Day approaching, many reflect on how they can lessen their environmental footprint. Rachael Z. Miller, who started Vermont’s Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, asserts that everyone contributes to this pollution problem through their clothing choices but also has the power to make a change.
Simple lifestyle adjustments, like washing clothes less frequently or opting for cold water, can decrease fiber shedding. Elisa Tonda from the UN Environment Programme emphasizes the need for textiles to be manufactured and utilized sustainably — designing garments that shed fewer microfibers and boast durability could be part of the solution.
Taking proactive steps involves reconsidering laundry habits. Ocean Conservancy’s Anja Brandon recommends washing clothes infrequently to minimize friction. She advises using cold water, full loads, and shortening wash cycles to prevent fiber fragmentation, while air drying clothing where possible.
Miller devised the Cora Ball, a tool mimicking coral filtration, to reduce clothing impact during wash cycles. It not only reduces garment interaction but also collects microfibers, with profits aiding the Rozalia Project. Another strategy involves using special laundry bags designed to trap synthetic fibers.
To identify clothes that shed excessively, Miller suggests a practical approach: pressing clear tape against a garment and inspecting any fibers left on white paper. Clothes like fleece, which are loosely knit or woven, are more prone to shedding. Instead of discarding such items, she advises wearing them for indoor activities only or layering them outdoors, while being mindful about acquiring more shedding-prone garments.
In recent times, filters designed to capture microfibers can be integrated into washing machines. Samsung Electronics collaborated with Patagonia and Ocean Wise to launch such a filter in 2023 for international markets. Bosch followed suit in Europe. France became the first country to legally require new machines to include microfiber filters, although rollout has been delayed. Efforts to introduce similar mandates in the U.S. have not succeeded yet. Despite attempts in states like California and Oregon, concerns about cost and effectiveness persist.
On the industry front, several major brands such as Adidas, Nike, Patagonia, and Under Armour are examining their materials closely. Partnered with The Microfibre Consortium, these brands work collaboratively to understand and mitigate fiber loss.
Patagonia stands at the forefront, heavily invested in reducing synthetic fiber dispersal in the environment. They initiated research over a decade ago to explore this issue and have since been selecting materials and dyes wisely, working on innovative filtration solutions, and perfecting their production procedures.
Their commitment is exemplified in their “better sweater” range that utilizes recycled polyester, reducing shedding by about 40%, supported by initial factory prewashing techniques. Vice President Matt Dwyer expresses confidence that the industry is making significant strides, observing that the level of awareness and proactive solutions have evolved considerably in recent years.