In a significant milestone for the textile industry and environmental sustainability, The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) and James Heal, a specialist test instrument manufacturer, joined forces to unveil a pioneering test method for fiber fragmentation from fabrics. The groundbreaking demonstration took place during the Textile Exchange Conference from October 23 to 27, capturing the attention of industry professionals and researchers alike.
TMC’s Innovative Test Method
The newly introduced TMC test method, a result of a collaborative effort between the University of Leeds, the European Outdoor Group, TMC, and a broader stakeholder network, addresses a pressing issue in the textile industry: fiber fragmentation. This process sees minute quantities of fibers, often referred to as microfibers, being shed from textiles at various stages of their lifecycle.
What makes this method unique is its utilization of James Heal’s Gyrowash, an instrument originally designed for assessing color fastness in laundering fabrics and leather. By using Gyrowash, the TMC test method effectively measures microfibers released from fabrics during simulated domestic laundering.
The Environmental Impact of Microfibers
Microfibers, tiny threads released during washing, are a hidden menace to the environment. Each year, tons of these microfibers from natural and synthetic textiles, including cotton and polyester, find their way into the environment through wastewater, soil, and air pathways. Despite their small size, microfibers are persistent and can carry added chemicals, posing a potential threat to organisms and even humans.
While their exact ecological consequences remain under scrutiny, evidence of their impact is mounting. Researchers from the UK’s IMPACT+ Network, led by Northumbria University, have drawn attention to the fact that microfibers are not currently considered in life cycle assessments, making their environmental damage somewhat “invisible.”
Pioneering Demonstrations
PhD student Alice Hazlehurst, a researcher at The University of Leeds, took center stage at the Textile Exchange Conference, presenting the TMC test method to a captivated audience of over 40 delegates. Hazlehurst was a key contributor to the award-winning paper “Quantification of Microfiber Release from Textiles during Domestic Laundering,” published in January 2023.
Helen Warburton, technical textiles specialist at James Heal, expressed optimism about the impact of the Gyrowash in promoting environmentally conscious testing within the textile industry. “We hope it will make a difference in helping the textile industry to recognize and reduce its impact on environmental pollution through relevant testing,” she said.
A Call for Industry Action
TMC research director Kelly Sheridan emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academia and the industry to combat microfiber pollution effectively. “The Microfibre Consortium bridges the gap between academia and the industry. It is only through such science-led, industry-aligned action that together we will be able to combat microfiber pollution in the environment,” Sheridan noted.
The public demonstration of this groundbreaking test method offers a ray of hope for the textile industry, setting a path toward more sustainable practices and increased awareness of the environmental impacts of microfibers. As industry leaders and researchers come together to address this pressing issue, the future of textiles appears more environmentally conscious and responsible.