4 Micro-Plastic Pollution Solutions Companies Are Using To Be More Sustainable
The clothing industry is the second largest polluter of freshwater resources due to microfibre pollution from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
We're experiencing nothing short of a Microplastic Pollution Crisis in the textile industry.
There are a number of reasons for this but a HUGE one is that synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon are shed during washing and end up in oceans, lakes, and rivers, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. These tiny plastic particles severely impact marine life and ultimately enter the food chain.
To address this crisis, sustainable brands are taking action with a number of innovative solutions.
From improvements in the manufacturing process all the way to circular recycling programs for when an item has had its wear.
Read on to learn how different companies are making an impact, but also... how you can too!
- Using Biodegradable Polyester Fibres to Reduce Microplastic Shedding
One solution brands are using to reduce microplastic pollution is incorporating biodegradable polyester fibres like CELYS™ into their products.
CELYS™ fibre is a brand new polyester that is biodegradable under industrial composting conditions. It’s the world's first certified compostable polyester fibre for textile applications-95.4% biodegradable within 179 days according to TUV Rheinland lab report. Unlike traditional polyester which can shed up to 1.7 grams of non-biodegradable microfibres per wash. Yes, That is in every single wash.
By replacing regular polyester with CELYS™, brands can significantly lower the microplastics released from their products.
● CELYS™ fibre features a cotton-like touch, low pilling, quick-drying, natural wicking and breathability.
● It’s versatile, used in suits, dresses, baby clothing, jackets, underwear, denim, sportswear, shoes, and home textiles, etc.
● CELYS™ aims to reduce environmental impact by offering a biodegradable alternative to traditional polyester.
Early adopters of biodegradable fibres like CELYS™ can establish themselves as leaders in sustainability and gain a competitive advantage with eco-conscious consumers.
By incorporating revolutionary materials such as CELYS™, brands are taking actions against microplastic pollution and doing their part to ensure a greener future for the planet. As sustainable alternatives become more mainstream, every company has a responsibility to explore how they can reduce waste and their environmental footprint. Biodegradable polyester fibres are an effective solution and important first step.
- By Implementing Closed-Loop Recycling Systems
Closed-loop recycling systems are a sustainable solution used by some brands to reduce waste from textile production. In closed-loop recycling programs, materials are reprocessed and reused repeatedly, staying in constant circulation. This helps minimise the need for raw materials and natural resources required to produce new textiles.
This in turn prevents used clothing from ending up in landfills or incinerators. The donated or discarded garments are collected and broken down into their core fibres which can then be respun into new yarns and fabrics.
The recycled fibres are of super high quality, allowing brands to create new sustainable collections from the recycled materials.
Not only does this prevent microplastic pollution but recycling even just one t-shirt can save 2,000 litres of water!
We're seeing many brands launch take-back programs to collect used clothing and textiles from customers to feed into the closed-loop recycling system. Often these involve Incentives like discounts on future purchases to encourage consumer participation.
Let's look at some of our high-street favourites...
River Island: As part of their sustainability campaign, The Kind Society, they offer a Take Back Scheme in partnership with Reskinned, where customers can donate items in exchange for a gift voucher.
Marks and Spencer (M&S): M&S has a UK-wide preloved school uniform shop in collaboration with Oxfam and eBay. They also run a Shwopping scheme, collecting over 36 million items, raising funds for Oxfam.
John Lewis: Their Fashion Cycle initiative allows customers to return clothing for resale or recycling, rewarding them with a discount on future purchases.
Closed-loop recycling programs like these help reduce the environmental impact of textile waste in landfills and microplastic pollution from synthetic fibres. It allows natural resources like cotton to be used more efficiently and helps make sustainable fashion more accessible and affordable.
We love seeing how forward-thinking brands are implementing closed-loop systems to do their part in creating a greener, circular economy for the textile industry.
- By Installing Water Filtration Systems
To reduce microplastic pollution, some brands are installing advanced water filtration systems in their manufacturing facilities. These systems filter out tiny microplastic fibres, microbeads and other contaminants from wastewater before it’s released into the environment.
With today’s technology however, It is now possible for brands to use highly efficient self-cleaning water filters for ALL water used in their production process, including wet processing, boiler, cooling, and effluent water. These filters can remove particles down to 1 micron in size, including microplastics. By filtering production wastewater, manufacturers can ensure nearly 100% of microplastics are captured before the water leaves their facility.
Other brands are adopting reverse osmosis systems, which use semi-permeable membranes to remove ions, molecules and larger particles from drinking water. In textile manufacturing, reverse osmosis is used to filter dyes, chemicals and microplastics from wastewater. The denim industry in particular has started using reverse osmosis to improve sustainability.
Some additional solutions include:
● Biomimicry-based water recycling systems that mimic natural processes to filter and recycle wastewater.
● Microfibre filters that can be installed at the back of washing machines to capture microfibres before they enter wastewater.
● Improved wastewater treatment using ozonation or membrane bioreactors to break down microplastics and other contaminants.
By adopting advanced water filtration and recycling systems, brands can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics released in their manufacturing waste streams. Over time, these investments in sustainability will help curb the growing problem of microplastic pollution in the environment.
- Educating Consumers About Sustainable Fashion and Laundering
Educating consumers about sustainable fashion and laundering practices is vital in reducing microplastic pollution. By understanding how our clothing choices and washing habits impact the environment, we can effectively make better decisions and push for change.
There are a number of public education campaigns aiming to change consumer behaviours by teaching proper garment care and raising awareness about the effects of microplastic pollution.
For example, ThredUp plans to calculate customers’ “environmental footprint” based on their shopping and laundry habits. The company hopes this personalised information will motivate people to make more sustainable choices.
Other brands are focusing on educating people about microfibre pollution from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. These tiny fibres shed during washing and end up in waterways, accumulating in oceans and water supplies. Some tips for reducing microfibre shedding include:
- Wash full loads of laundry and avoid overloading the machine. This reduces the friction that causes fibres to break off.
- Use cold or warm water instead of hot. Higher heat causes more shedding so stick to washing your garments at 30ºC or 40ºC where you can.
- Avoid fabric softener which coats fibres and increases shedding.
- Opt for an Eco-friendly detergent, free from plastic micro-beads. These “microplastic-free” formulas use natural cleansing agents and omit polluting particles.
- Consider using a microfibre filter or ball that collects fibres in the wash. Products like the Cora Ball and Guppyfriend bag can capture a large portion of microfibres.
6. Better yet, opt for purchasing and wearing clothes made from sustainable fibres.
How many of these do you already practice?
Conclusion
Have a think about your favourite brands, what they are doing to tackle this urgent problem?
The solutions are out there, and many fibre brands like CELYS™ are pioneering technology to make fashion more sustainable but they need support from the consumers to keep making a difference.
As a consumer, you have the power to drive change.
Together, we can all make a difference through the daily choices we make and the products we use. Choose to support brands that are taking steps to reduce microplastic pollution by choosing their sustainable and innovative products.
By understanding how our choices impact the planet, we can work to find solutions so that future generations do not inherit an ocean filled with plastic.
