It ain't fashion, if it ain't sustainable

Kelly Sheridan

Microfibre Pollution / Key Drivers

5 March 2025

3 minutes

Fibre fragmentation is a significant topic of concern across the industry, with studies highlighting the potential threat to ecosystems and human health.

Project Launched to Mitigate Fibre Fragment Pollution by Addressing Root Causes and Data Gaps

Fashion For Good and The Microfibre Consortium have launched a ‘Fibre Fragmentation Project’ which aims to offer a snapshot of the issue of fibre fragmentation through the lens of the textile and fashion industry, unpacking various aspects of this complex issue.

Staff Writer

Microfibre Pollution / FibER Hub

23 January 2025

2 minutes

Even microfibres from fabrics considered ‘natural’, such as cotton, can have a negative impact on the environment, as manufacturing processes introduce chemical dyes and finishes to the fabric so that it is no longer in its natural state.

New Research Hub to Probe Extent and Environmental Impact of Microfibre Loss from Textiles

A newly established collaborative research hub in North East England will explore the extent and environmental impact of microfibre loss from textiles.

Staff Writer

Microfibre Pollution / Status Report

24 September 2024

3 minutes

Microfibres have been found in human intestines, placental, blood and lung tissue although knowledge of the toxicological impact of microfibres is still incomplete. However, there is sufficient evidence that microfibres pose physical, chemical and biological risks when they enter the environment.

Industry-Wide Engagement Crucial to Tackling Micofibre Pollution, says Status Report

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) has released a new report on efforts being made to address fibre fragmentation from textiles, also known as microfibre pollution, and showcases industry progress to address the issue even as it exhorts industry-wide engagement to address the multi-faceted challenge.

Staff Writer

Microfibre Pollution / Fragmentation Test

6 November 2023

2 minutes

Over 40 delegates to the Textile Exchange conference embarked on a field trip to King's College London, where they were shown the TMC Test Method in action by PhD student Alice Hazlehurst. The TMC Test Method utilises James Heal’s Gyrowash to assist in measuring microfibres released from simulated domestic laundering.

First Public Demonstration of Fibre Fragmentation Test Held in UK

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) along with specialist test instrument manufacturer James Heal conducted the first public demonstration of a test method for fibre fragmentation from fabric.

Staff Writer

Microfibre Pollution / East Africa

5 May 2023

3 minutes

Researchers teamed up with the Flipflopi project, an initiative which uses the world's first recycled plastic sailing dhow, a handmade boat constructed from materials found on African beaches.

Textile Microfibres Found to be Ravaging Kenyan and Tanzanian Coastlines

A field research study has found that microfibres are ravaging the coastlines in the East African countries of Kenya and Tanzania. It also found that most of the microfibres came from natural fibres.