The study, which is called ‘Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation,’ investigates what prompts fibre fragmentation and aims to challenge existing assumptions, fill in knowledge gaps and verify testing methods.
By addressing the issue at its origin, the project aims to enhance the textile industry’s understanding and reduce fibre fragment pollution.
The initiative has garnered support from fashion brands and manufacturers, including Adidas, Bestseller, C&A, Inditex, Kering, Levi Strauss, Norrona, ON, Paradise Textiles, and Positive Materials. Under Armour has also joined as a project partner.
The testing phase will focus on the analysis of cotton knit, cotton woven, and polyester knit fabrics at three laboratories, namely Paradise Textiles, Under Armour, and IMPACT+ Network from Northumbria University.
Fibre fragmentation has emerged as a critical issue within the fashion industry due to its potential risks to ecosystems and human health. This urgency has led to various efforts aimed at capturing fibre fragments before they enter the environment. However, these efforts are often applied downstream rather than addressing the problem at its source.
The report hopes to share a deeper understanding of fibre fragmentation’s root causes and mechanisms and provide an overview of fibre fragmentation from the perspective of the textile and fashion sector.
It delves into fibre fragmentation’s definitions, sources, pathways, root causes, test methods, solutions portfolio, biodegradation, toxicity, and regulation.
Fashion for Good managing director Katrin Ley said: “Fibre pollution is a challenge that the industry faces as a whole, so we are partnering with The Microfibre Consortium to contribute to the foundation of data that will help us better understand the root causes of fibre fragmentation. The focus on different testing methods will allow us to reduce uncertainty, take a common direction and set priorities for future research and initiatives within the industry.”
The project aims to pinpoint effective measures to tackle fibre fragmentation at its inception by:
- Enhancing test methods: Refining testing techniques for consistency and industry standard compliance
- Strengthening data correlation: Analysing results across various methods to identify inconsistencies and establish more definitive data connections
- Driving improvements: Addressing current methodological limitations, expanding databases, and fostering improved design and supply chain practices
- Supporting stakeholders: Providing partners with actionable strategies for reducing fragmentation through design and manufacturing improvements
- Informing policy: Offering insights into contamination and fibre structures to inform effective regulations and policies.
The Microfibre Consortium CEO Kelly Sheridan said: “Partnering with Fashion For Good has helped to unite the project partners behind the ongoing need for alignment on closing fibre fragmentation knowledge gaps. With this rallied support, we can build on the existing state of knowledge and make great strides in addressing urgent topic challenges for a future of informed, science-led and integrated mitigation action.”
In November last year, Fashion for Good unveiled its collaborative effort with Bestseller, On, and other fashion brands to drive the fashion industry’s transition away from fossil-fuel-based polymers.
