Faser splinters mean the decay of textile fibers into smaller parts, for example when washing or wearing clothing, but also when coloring. The release of tiny parts of synthetic fibers, namely microplastics, is particularly harmful. You can accumulate in ecosystems and pollute them as well as water. They also harm the living beings native to the water by getting into their food chain and thus also reaching people. Microplastics can also absorb and transport pollutants.
A new study by the global sustainability initiative for good and The Microfibre Consortium has examined the most important causes of fiber chilling. “Behind the Break: Exploring fibre fragmentation” wants to question the main causes and assumptions, close data gaps and validate test methods.
The project brings large fashion brands and manufacturers together, including Adidas, Bestseller, C&A, Inditex, Kering, Levi Strauss & Co., Norrona, On, Paradise Textiles and Positive Materials. Under Armor joined the project partner. Tests are carried out in three laboratories from Paradise Textiles, Under Armor and the Impact+ Network of the Northumbria University in Great Britain to examine the fiber splinters in three types of fabric such as cotton tissue, cotton tissue and polyester knit.
Understand the causes of the fiber chill splintering
“Fiber pollution is a challenge that faces the entire industry. Therefore, we work with the Microfibre Consortium to contribute to the data basis that will help us better understand the causes of fiber chilling. The focus on various test methods will enable us to reduce uncertainties, to take a common direction and to set priorities for future research and initiatives within the industry, ”commented Katrin Ley, Managing Director of Fashion for Good, in a press release.
In order to determine the most effective approaches to combat fiber chips at the source, the project follows a five -track approach: improvement in test methods, strengthening data correlation, promoting improvements, support for interest groups and influencing existing methods.
In this way, test techniques should be validated and refined in order to ensure accuracy, reliability and agreement with industrial standards, compared the results of different methods in order to identify deviations, uncover discrepancies and to establish clearer data connections. Research will also deal with the restrictions of current methods, expand databases and support better design and supply chain practices. In addition, partners and industrial actors are to be equipped with practical strategies to reduce fiber chips through an improved design and improved production. After all, the project should provide valuable insights into contamination and fiber structures in order to develop effective regulations and guidelines.
“With this study, we proactively take action against the release of microfibers. Our goal is to use data -controlled knowledge to improve our processes, our product design and our procurement practices and thus contribute to a less environmentally harmful industry. The cooperation between the interest groups is crucial to accelerate our progress in the direction of a more sustainable future, ”explains Lucie Anne Martinol, head of textile innovation at ON, in the press release.
“Positive materials are convinced that reducing the fiber fragmentation requires innovation in every phase. Our partnership with Fashion for Good and the Microfibre Consortium at ‘Behind the Break’ is of crucial importance, since we not only aim to reduce the release, but also ensure that our materials meet the high standards that our customers rely on. It is about finding a balance in which responsibility for the environment drives the innovation and does not affect, ”adds Elsa Parente, Co-CEO and CTO of positive materials.
The “Behind the Break” report can be downloaded from the Fashion for Good website.