Tackling Microfibres at Source

The Challenge

Microfibres are everywhere: our food, water, and even the air we breathe. As a subset of microplastics, an estimated 35 percent of all plastics that end up in our oceans come from textile microfibres,¹ of which the fashion and apparel industry is a major contributor. Worryingly, latest research indicates that microplastics are harmful to human and marine health, though the extent of its impact is yet to be fully grasped.²

While there are consumer solutions that can reduce the amount of microfibres shed during washing such as lint traps, we also need to look upstream at the manufacturing processes in order to truly tackle the problem from end to end.

Can we reduce the amount of microfibre shed when our clothes are made? How can we understand the impact of manufacturing processes on microfibre shed?

Our Solution

This project, Tackling Microfibres at Source, a partnership with Ramatex Group, Nanyang Environment and Water Resources Institute (NEWRI), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), sets out to develop solutions to reduce microfibre shedding during the manufacturing process.

By understanding which manufacturing processes have the greatest impact on microfibre shed, we provide opportunities for industry innovation and the development of pioneering solutions that can tackle microfibre pollution. Doing so will enable steps towards a more just and regenerative fashion industry, where waste and pollution are designed out.

Learnings and insights from this project will be disseminated across the fashion industry pre-competitively in order to accelerate change and support manufacturer-driven innovation in Southeast Asia. It will also highlight the role of manufacturers as changemakers that can make a positive difference to environmental issues caused by the fashion industry.

Our Role

We act as a convener, bringing together manufacturers, members of the scientific community and key players in the fashion industry to collaborate and co-create solutions to mitigate environmental and social impacts.

Neither brands nor manufacturers can solve the problem of microfibre pollution alone; hence, we are facilitating a multi-sector approach in tackling this challenge to enable different actors to investigate and understand the complexity of the microfibre challenge. The project is guided by a strong emphasis on ensuring just and regenerative outcomes—a future where planetary and human health are secured, social systems are fair and equitable.

Tackling Microfibres at Source builds on the insights from Circular Leap Asia, our programme to empower fashion manufacturers in Asia to adopt and scale circular solutions.

Investigating opportunities to reduce microfibre pollution from the fashion industry

2 February 2023 – Our latest report, Tackling Microfibres at Source: Investigating opportunities to reduce microfibre pollution from the fashion industry through textile design and manufacturing innovation, presents findings from our 21-month long research and investigative process, and shares recommendations for how textile manufacturers, brands and retailers can take active steps to reduce microfibre pollution.

Download the report

Read the technical research report

In partnership with

This project was made possible through the support of UNDP’s Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC), funded by Sida and Norad—a unique new mechanism that has been designed to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, by identifying, financing, advising and mentoring truly innovative approaches to ocean and coastal restoration. We are also partnering with Ramatex Group, a leader in the textiles industry and world-class manufacturer for textiles and garments.

Get Involved

To find out more about how you can get involved in the project, please contact Karen Sim [email protected]

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