Combatting Microfibre Pollution with Innovation
Combatting Microfibre Pollution with Innovation
It is often the unseen that has the most pronounced impact on the environment. A seemingly invisible threat that has the potential to shape our future is looming above us. We are doing our planet irrevocable damage. Our earth needs help. And we need to save it from ourselves.
Microfibre pollution is real and is becoming even more tangible with each passing day. Environmentalists are losing sleep over it, and with reason. Frantic calls for urgent measures are becoming louder and more frequent. Something needs to be done.
Thankfully, the message is finally gaining worldwide attention. Responsible businesses are eagerly searching for ways to tackle this issue.
Read on as we discuss innovative steps that can and are being taken to combat this imminent problem our planet is facing.
What is Causing Microfibre Pollution?
A seemingly harmless task causes this form of pollution, one that is part of our daily chores: the household laundry. The clothes we wear and the home textiles we use all contribute to the presence of plastic particles in the environment. Tiny particles, mainly microplastics, are washed away with the dirty water from our washing machines into the wastewater that enters the water bodies. From here, these microscopic particles can take various routes. They enter the ocean and are ultimately ingested by the aquatic life, thus entering the food cycle.
A whopping 35% of the plastic found in our oceans is released from textiles. A case study of microfibre pollution found tiny plastic particles from laundering synthetic textiles to be a major contributor (almost 90%) of primary microplastics in the ocean. The synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic used in fast fashion are non-biodegradable. This means that these fibres do not decompose over time and instead accumulate in the ecosystem.
These inconspicuous microscopic particles are completely capable of disrupting the balance of nature. From freshwater habitats to marine environments, the reach of this menace extends beyond our imaginings.
Something clearly needs to be done. Steps must be taken to control, if not reverse, this menace.
At such a time, innovative technologies are a source of hope. Many practical and viable solutions are being designed to help change the textile industry’s practices and steer it towards sustainable practices.
Governments worldwide also need to step in and pass regulations that can play a major role in controlling microfibre pollution.
Innovative Measures That Can Help Tackle Microfibre Pollution
Innovative measures can play a primary role in addressing this complex challenge. There is no limit to how this can be achieved.
- Innovation in Fabrics and Textiles:
Developing fabrics that shed fewer microfibres during use and washing is a way to help combat the problem. However, innovative textiles, like CELYS™ compostable fibre, are taking the lead in showing the way toward sustainable practices.
CELYSTM compostable polyester biodegrades 95.4%fibre fully degrades into carbon dioxide and water vapour within 180 days under industrial composting conditions according to lab test results. This revolutionary development is the answer to all the plastic pollution woes the industry is having to face.
- Innovative Filtration Technologies:
New and advanced filtration systems can be introduced in washing machines and wastewater treatment plants. These filters should be able to capture microplastics before they enter water bodies. Such innovations in filtration can significantly reduce the impact on the environment.
- Washing Machine Modifications:
How the washing machine works also makes a difference. Washing machine designs that reduce the turbulence and friction in the drum can offer an immediate solution. At the same time, front-load machines allow for a gentler wash. It is also believed that using cold water during washing will ensure a reduced amount of microfibres being shed from the load.
- Microfibre-Capturing Accessories:
Luckily there are innovative accessories in the market that can be easily added to washing machines to capture these particles. These come in the form of laundry bags, filters, or microfibre-catching balls. When placed within the load, these accessories attract and catch them when released from the clothing so they do not enter the ecosystem. They provide an extra layer of protection against the release of microplastics.
These steps are sure to help in their own individual capacities. However, a multi-faceted approach can do wonders. Innovation at various stages of the textile lifecycle will be extremely effective in controlling microfibre pollution. This way, we can make way for a cleaner and greener environment.
CELYS™: An Innovative Solution to Microfibre Release
CELYS™compostable fibre does not just offer a solution to the problem at hand; it is the beginning of a sustainable approach toward fashion. This innovative fibreabric has helped bring microfibre release to a minimum and has set new standards for textile production that are eco-friendly and sustainable.
CELYS™ fibre can outperform standard PET fibres any day. It comes with easily breakable ester linkages that result in rapid degradation of the textile when it is exposed to a suitable environment.
The unique chemical structure of CELYS™ polyester fibre gives it a great combination of attributes. Fabrics made with CELYS™ fibre areThe fabric is soft to the touch and is quick to dry. It can be dyed at lower temperatures and is a naturally breathable material. And these qualities go a long way in making it a perfect fit for all textile applications.
The innovative CELYS™ polyester fibre is not only completely compostablebiodegradable but also a great source of inspiration for the fashion industry.
Final Word
Nobody can deny that non-biodegradable pollution is a serious concern and not even a distant one; it is a present reality demanding immediate attention on all our parts.
Clearly, a lot needs to be done with absolute urgency. Thankfully, we know the way forward. It is only the adoption of sustainable practices that will help us curb the issue.
By giving us revolutionary fibresabrics like CELYSTM, technology and innovation are helping in a major way. Using this fibreabric will help us lessen our carbon footprint and our environmental impact.
CELYS™ compostable fibre is the leader in sustainable innovation. It has come up with the perfect answer to the microfibre pollution concern.
But we also need to address the bigger picture. This means addressing the entire lifecycle of textiles. From design and manufacturing to usage and disposal, each process should be reviewed and revisited. Encouraging a circular economy is the key.
We would like to see the fashion world place a strong emphasis on recycling and responsible waste management. Let’s bring down the adverse effects of microfibre pollution on our ecosystems and pave the way for a future with responsible choices that harmonise with our planet.
