A partnership of prominent fashion brands and industry organisations, including Fashion for Good and The Microfibre partnership, has launched a study to investigate the root causes of fiber fragmentation in textiles. The study, titled “Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation,” aims to close data gaps and confirm testing procedures in order to better understand and control microfibre contamination.
Adidas, Bestseller, C&A, Inditex, Kering, Levi Strauss & Co., Norrona, ON, Paradise Textiles, Positive Materials, and Under Armour are among the brands involved in the project. Testing will take place in labs at Paradise Textiles, Under Armour, and Northumbria University’s IMPACT+ Network. The study will concentrate on examining fiber fragmentation in knit, polyester, and cotton woven textiles.
In particular, “Behind the Break” will look into how manufacturing procedures—like various dyeing techniques—affect fiber fragmentation. Along with strengthening data correlation across approaches and addressing shortcomings in existing methodology, the project also seeks to validate and improve testing processes. By doing this, the initiative hopes to educate future laws and policies and give stakeholders useful tactics to lessen fragmentation through better design and manufacturing processes.
“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.” said Katrin Ley, Managing Director at Fashion for Good.
“By conducting this study, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing microfibre release. Our goal is to leverage data-driven insights to improve our processes, product design, and sourcing practices, thereby contributing to a less polluting industry. Collaboration across stakeholders is crucial to accelerating our progress toward a more sustainable future.” said Lucie Anne Martinol, Textile Innovation Lead at ON.
The partnership highlights how crucial it is to address microfibre pollution with a coordinated, science-led strategy. In order to support a more sustainable textile business, the project partners want to produce data-driven insights to enhance procedures, product design, and sourcing methods.
