Microplastics and Textile Fibre Fragments Testing

WHY ARE MICROPLASTICS A CHALLENGE IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY?

As the world struggles to put an end to plastic pollution, one major source of plastic is less obvious: microplastics from clothes.

The majority of clothing is made from synthetic fibre cloth like polyester, nylon and acrylic, which account for about 50% of the total fibre market. When such synthetic textiles are washed, it sheds tiny fibre fragments (less than 5 mm in length) which are commonly termed as microplastic.

Fragments from these non-degradable textile fibres, when accumulated, could pose a serious harm to the environment and all organisms living underwater. A disruption in the food chain of which humans are a part is only one among microplastics’ effects.

Recognising the magnitude of the problem involves manufacturers in the textile industry to adhere to microplastics testing standards in an attempt to curb plastic pollution for good.

WHY IS MICROPLASTICS TESTING IMPORTANT?

Determining the release of microfibres from the textile washing procedure enables businesses to move towards sustainable action by reducing the appropriate amount of microplastic pollution, based on their textile products’ contributions to the environment.

Textile washing procedures result in the expulsion of microplastics in the ocean and other various bodies of water.

By testing the extent of shedding of textile fibres, appropriate actions can be undertaken to reduce microplastic pollution through sustainable means.

HOW CAN TÜV SÜD PREVENT MICROPLASTICS RELEASE?

TÜV SÜD is well-equipped to provide testing services for fibre fragment released by textile fibres through washing by utilizing the following test methods:

• AATCC TM212-2021 - Test Method for Fibre Fragment Release During Home Laundering

• ISO 4484-1:2023 - Textiles and textile products — Microplastics from textile sources — Part 1: Determination of material loss from fabrics during washing

With these testing services, you will be able to assess your textile products and to what extent would contribute to microplastic pollution, in order to adapt reduction practices.

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WHY CHOOSE TÜV SÜD?

Microplastics and textile fibre fragments testing services are performed in our fully-equipped softline laboratories. We can help support your company’s shift to sustainable actions through reducing microplastic pollution.

TÜV SÜD is universally regarded as a leading independent and impartial third-party service provider. By partnering with us, you’re given access to top-tier service from our decades of experience, acclaimed track record in quality assurance, and extensive work in textile product testing. With our far-reaching global network of testing centres, you are assured of timely, expert support wherever you do business.