Microplastics from textile sources
Understanding the characteristics of microplastics shedding from stimulated domestic laundry through quantification
Pollution at microscopical levels from plastic-derived products has become a global problem. Microplastics are any particles of plastic fragment smaller than 5 mm. Polluting our environment every day, microplastics contain or carry hazardous chemicals that have a negative impact on nature and human health, and so their ingestion through water, or foods such as fish or shellfish, is of particular concern. One of the sources responsible for unleashing microplastics into the environment is domestic washing of garments. During the washing process, clothing sheds tiny plastic microplastic fibres.
These microplastic particles are neither retained by washing machines nor filtered during the processing of wastewater, and end up in rivers and oceans as a result. Once these particles enter the aquatic environment they interfere with the food chain, creating potentially longer-term risks for living organisms and entire ecosystems.
With rising concern among government bodies, NGOs and consumers about the impact of the fashion industry on the environment, it has become more important than ever for industry players to take serious action against microplastics pollution.
Download White Paper
Microplastics white paper highlights
Definitions and overviews
- What are microplastics?
- Harmful effects of microplastics on oceans and other water environments
- Shedding of microplastics from the domestic garment laundry process
- Lack of industry standardisation and technical solutions
Eurofins microplastics shedding quantification
- Background
- Method summary
Result analysis of Eurofins microplastics shedding quantification
- General behaviour of textile samples
- Characterisation of microplastics shedding
Summary
- The textile and polymer industries face a significant environmental challenge with microplastics. Addressing this issue requires cooperation across the supply chain to minimise risks to health, future generations, and the environment.
- Efforts should focus on developing standards, assessing impacts, and creating solutions, including manufacturing durable products and reducing microplastics in water bodies.
About Eurofins Sustainability Services
At Eurofins, we understand creating a sustainable business model is critical to the future success of businesses and the long-term development of our planet. For this reason, Eurofins Sustainability Services provides help and support to our customers along the value chain. The goal is to ensure our customers fully understand their supply chain and where the most significant impacts occur. We believe businesses can operate in sustainable ways that enhance their economic output.
By focusing on products and materials manufactured in a way that does not deplete natural resources, create a negative impact on the environment, or harm people directly or indirectly involved, businesses embrace sustainability in a meaningful way.
Learn more by visiting sustainabilityservices.eurofins.com
