The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) and ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme (ZDHC) have joined forces to release a snapshot guidance that sets out to help tackle microfibre loss in the textile industry.
It has been determined that microfibres, which are microscopic particles lost during the textile lifespan, pose a harm to the environment. Microfibers can have a natural, artificial, or synthetic origin. To enable supply chains, brands, and retailers to take action against all microfiber pollution, TMC and ZDHC have created recommendations jointly.
Key features of the action plan outlined in the document include:
- Communication and build awareness, such as sharing the guidance
- Reduced formation, such asrequest/research to reduce process times
- Reduced emissions in effluent, such as making sure TSS is reviewed and meets ZDHC foundational wastewater requirements
“Microfibre pollution has a proven environmental impact on water systems and ecosystems. The actions described in the guidance are all quick wins that the textile industry can implement now, there is no need to wait to take action in reducing the environmental impact of microfibres in your supply chain,” says Janne Koopmans, Head of Collaboration with ZDHC.
Kelly Sheridan, Research Director of The Microfibre Consortium, adds, “Mitigating microfibre pollution will only be possible through concerted collective action, using a portfolio of approaches.”
