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Microplastics testing

Reduce microplastic pollution generated from the clothes you manufacture.
Pictogram in .SVG for Clothing Microplastics

What is microplastics testing?

The plastic pollution problem is well documented, but one source is less obvious: microplastics from clothes. When synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon and acrylic are washed, they shed tiny fragments (less than 5 mm in length) of plastics, known as microplastics. These can enter our waterways and pose serious harm to the environment and all organisms living underwater. They can also accumulate in the food chain and endanger human health.  

This is where TÜV SÜD’s microplastics testing services come in. Our experts measure the extent of shedding of microplastics from textile fibres. This helps businesses move towards sustainable textile practices by taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of microplastics released by their products. It ensures that you can make accurate environmental claims to comply with global regulations and access more markets. It also helps businesses earn trust among environmentally conscious consumers. 

Why microplastics testing is important

Determining the release of microfibres from the textile washing procedure helps businesses move towards sustainable textile practices by reducing the amount of microplastic pollution they contribute 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, businesses can undertake appropriate actions to reduce microplastic pollution through sustainable means. 

How TÜV SÜD can help you with microplastics testing

TÜV SÜD has an acclaimed track record in quality assurance and extensive experience in textile product testing. 

Our global network of hundreds of experts supported by state-of-the-art laboratories means we conduct our testing with the highest degree of professionalism and conformance to international guidelines and standards. 

Our international network enables us to offer certification and auditor engagement services on every continent, certifying organisations’ compliance on a global scale.  

Get started with TÜV SÜD 

Request our services for your microplastics testing needs.
Start your journey with us.

What our microplastics testing service includes

TÜV SÜD provides testing services for microplastics released by textile fibres during washing by using the following 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 determine the extent to which they contribute to the environmental impact of microplastics, in order to adopt sustainable textile practices. 

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