A newly established research hub in North East England aims to uncover the environmental ramifications of microfibre loss from everyday textiles. Dubbed the Fibre-fragmentation and Environment Research Hub, or FibER Hub for short, this initiative is rooted in a collaborative effort between Northumbria University and The Microfibre Consortium (TMC). The FibER Hub is setting out to measure and analyze the extent of microfibre shedding during various lifecycle stages of fabric, particularly focusing on washing and drying processes, which have been shown to significantly contribute to this problem.
Microfibres, which are tiny strands of synthetic or natural fibers, pose a severe environmental threat, entering ecosystems and harming wildlife when they leak into soil, air, and waterways. Given the scale of textile production and consumption, mitigating microfibre pollution is essential for fostering environmental sustainability. Previous studies have pointed to the alarming reality that clothing releases microfibres throughout its entire lifespan— from manufacturing to everyday use. Even fabrics that are marketed as ‘natural,’ such as cotton, are not exempt; the processes involved in dyeing and finishing these materials introduce chemicals that disrupt their ecological integrity.
With state-of-the-art facilities, the FibER Hub seeks to provide comprehensive data on the nature and quantity of microfibres released from fabrics. Researchers will rigorously test a diverse range of materials under different conditions, aiming to capture real-world shedding rates in various contexts, such as household laundering as well as industrial laundry settings. This multifaceted approach is designed to deepen understanding of the environmental impacts associated with textile microfibre loss, as existing research has primarily concentrated on domestic washing.
Indeed, microfibre shedding is not merely an issue of washing clothes but encompasses a broader spectrum that includes the entire lifecycle of a textile product. The importance of such research was highlighted recently when findings revealed that fibres shed from clothing during laundering could have severe repercussions on aquatic ecosystems, endangering wildlife and entering the food chain. Therefore, the FibER Hub aims to extend the current body of knowledge by investigating other scenarios where textiles shed microfibres, such as during the manufacture, use, and disposal of garments.
For this project, a critical partnership has been formed with TMC, a science-led nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling the microfibre challenge. TMC actively engages with the global textiles industry and aims to promote science-informed change while addressing microfibre pollution through initiatives such as the Microfibre 2030 Commitment and Roadmap. With 95 signatories, including prominent brands and NGOs, TMC serves as a crucial link between academic research and the commercial textile supply chain, fostering collaboration that drives effective change.
The FibER Hub has emerged as a significant component of the IMPACT+ project, a multidisciplinary network that aims to reshape the metrics used to measure and assess environmental impacts within the fashion and textile sectors. Launched in 2023 and funded by UK Research and Innovation, the IMPACT+ initiative brings together academics from Northumbria University, King’s College London, and Loughborough University, promoting expertise in areas including water quality, air pollution, soil contamination, and the intersection of forensic science and environmental sustainability.
Among the key figures leading the research endeavor is Dr. Alana James, a principal investigator at the FibER Hub. Dr. James emphasizes the strategic importance of these interdisciplinary collaborations, stating that the project intends to negotiate solutions that aim to ameliorate microfibre shedding at its root cause, seamlessly integrating scientific findings into industry practices. Leading with a fresh perspective, this study aims to provide actionable insights that could help fashion brands evolve and adopt more sustainable practices.
In her capacity as Chief Executive Officer at TMC, Dr. Kelly Sheridan stresses the transformative potential of the FibER Hub. She acknowledges the essential role of combining Northumbria’s technical expertise with TMC’s industry focus. Together, they aspire to build extensive datasets on fibre fragmentation that could inform brands about the best fiber qualities for reduced environmental impact.
The scope of this work has substantial implications for future fabric design. By emphasizing sustainable textiles, the FibER Hub hopes to guide the industry towards creating materials that shed fewer microfibres throughout their lifecycles. Targeted interventions could not only enhance fabric properties but also make a notable difference in overall sustainability efforts that correlate with rising consumer awareness regarding environmental issues.
The collaboration also includes partnerships with global fashion brands such as Barbour, Montane, and ASOS, alongside sustainable companies like Agogic and This Is Unfolded. By collaborating with a diverse array of industry representatives and stakeholders, the FibER Hub seeks to employ a multifaceted strategy that would address microfibre pollution holistically. This ensures that their research findings can translate into practical applications that benefit the industry and the environment alike.
In addition to major fashion retailers, they welcome input from campaign groups such as Fashion Revolution and WRAP, as well as local authorities like Newcastle City Council. This multi-sector approach underscores the recognition that the microfibre issue is a collective challenge that requires broad stakeholder involvement to achieve meaningful change. By engaging various players in the textile ecosystem, the FibER Hub aims to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the microfibre dilemma and stimulate dialogue on sustainable textile development.
As the FibER Hub ramps up its operations and research, the implications of its findings are keenly anticipated. The research not only addresses pressing environmental concerns but also opens pathways for developing more ecologically sound fabrics in the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and textiles. As this innovative project takes shape, it stands poised to become a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against pollution and its many environmental ramifications, solidifying its role in paving the way for a more sustainable future in the textiles industry.
In summary, the FibER Hub represents a revolutionary stride towards understanding and mitigating textile microfibre pollution. The research effort is backed by strong academic and industrial collaboration, promising important insights that could radically inform future practices within the fashion sector. Significantly, this initiative encapsulates a shift towards prioritizing sustainability in textiles, ensuring that the industry becomes increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, thus fostering a more responsible approach to fabric production and consumption.
Subject of Research: Microfibre shedding from textiles and its environmental impact
Article Title: Understanding the Environmental Impact of Microfibre Loss: The Study at Northumbria University’s FibER Hub
News Publication Date: October 2023
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Image Credits: North News/Northumbria University
Keywords: microfibres, textile pollution, environmental impact, sustainable textiles, FibER Hub, Northumbria University, The Microfibre Consortium, IMPACT+ project
