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The Impact of Fabric-based Microplastics
Invisible to the naked eye but still present all around us are hidden prowlers, the microplastics. They have us surrounded from all sides; they are in the air we breathe, in the food we eat, and even in the clothes we wear. As we go about our daily lives, we are unknowingly ingesting these microplastics all the time. And they are causing some serious health hazards.
So what are these microplastics, and where are they coming from? Exactly how harmful are they? And most importantly, is there anything we can do about them?
Read on as we explain what these microplastics are and the extent of havoc they are wreaking on the environment.
What are Microplastics?
These minuscule particles are now among the favourite subjects of discourse among environmental enthusiasts. They are the most common form of microfibres present in the environment. Fragments of plastic, less than five millimetres in size, are now occupying every nook and cranny of our households, and most of us are not even aware of it.
Microplastics are formed as a result of the breakdown of more oversized plastic items or from industrially manufactured products. They are also shed from synthetic materials such as packaging, cosmetics, beauty products, and textiles. Concerns are being raised due to the potential environmental and health implications these microplastics are causing.
Like any plastic, these microplastics do not decompose into smaller harmless particles for hundreds to thousands of years.
Their presence in the environment causes pollution at various levels; when in the oceans, they are ingested by marine life; when in the air, we breathe them in; on land, they end up in landfills and cause land pollution. In fact, more than half of the microplastics that are released stay on land in the form of sewage sludge.
Fabric-based Microplastics
Fabric-based microplastics are the tiny particles of plastic that come from the breakdown or shedding of synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These minuscule plastic particles are released into the environment during all the different stages of the life cycle of fabric products, including their manufacturing, washing, use, and even disposal.
Polyester is among the world’s most commonly used textiles. Its pervasive presence, and that of other synthetic fibres in our daily lives, is mainly due to its widespread use in the fashion industry. Known for its versatility, affordability, and durability, this synthetic fabric has become an integral part of all of our wardrobes. From casual wear to high-end fashion, the popularity of polyester is undeniable.
That’s not all. The synthetic material, polyester, is also the raw material of choice in the production of upholstery and carpets. However, its serious impact on the environment deserves our immediate attention.
Release of Microplastics from Polyester Fabrics
With each wear and wash of polyester garments, tiny microplastics that result from the breakdown of polyester fibres escape into the water and quietly enter our environment. A study from the European Environment Agency emphasised that about 3 million tonnes of primary microplastics are released annually into the global environment. Even just the wearing out of fabrics with time results in an increase in microfibre shedding.
It is safe to assume that fast fashion accounts for a significantly high level of microfibre release into the ecosystem. This problem arises from the use of predominantly synthetic fibres in these garments, which, given their short lifespan and rapid wear and tear, compound the problem manifold.
The consequences of our clothing choices thus extend beyond just aesthetics and comfort. It is critical that we pay heed to the environmental footprint we are leaving due to the choices we are making.
Microplastics in the Food Chain
The problems do not just end there. What’s even more worrisome is that these microplastics effortlessly enter our food chain.
- Stormwater runoff from urban areas is actually carrying vast amounts of microplastics from land into water bodies, causing contamination of the water.
- Once in the ocean, these particles can be ingested by marine life, being consumed from the smallest plankton to the largest fish and marine mammals.
- The plastic particles build up in the tissues of these organisms.
- Predators in these food chains, such as fish or marine mammals, can then ingest a higher concentration of microplastics when consuming prey, leading to bioaccumulation.
- Humans, at the top of the food chain, ultimately end up consuming this menace.
- Quite disturbingly, microplastics have also been detected in many sources of drinking water, including tap water and bottled water.
The Revolutionary CELYSTM Compostable Polyester
As the textile industry frantically struggles with the challenge of microplastic release, innovative solutions have started emerging. One revolutionary advancement is the development of CELYSTM, a certified compostable polyester fibre by INTIMITI AUSTRALIA PTY LTD. Unlike conventional synthetic fabrics, CELYSTM undergoes a rapid breakdown process that reduces the fabric completely into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass under industrial composting techniques.
That does not in any way mean that CELYS has compromised the quality of the fibre. CELYSTM polyester has a naturally soft and luxurious cotton feel to it. It can take up water immediately, and the many naturally formed channels in this polyester can carry water away from your skin really fast. The unique molecular structure of CELYSTM has gone a long way in solving the anti-pilling problems faced by regular PET fibres.
These pioneering steps have given us a fabric that has many versatile applications. From suits and jackets to shoes and upholstery, CELYSTM can do it all.
With these groundbreaking steps taken by CELYS, we can witness a shift towards responsible textile practices. CELYS has provided the fashion industry with a workable solution to the formidable challenge of fabric-based microplastics.
However, a crucial need is to empower consumers with knowledge about sustainable fabric choices. By consciously opting for biodegradable materials like CELYSTM and supporting brands committed to eco-friendly practices, consumers contribute directly to the reduction of fabric-based microplastics.
Conclusion
Now, more than ever is the time to act. Consumers, industries, and policymakers are all in this together. They all have a collective responsibility to combat the impact of fabric-based microplastics.
As an innovative solution, CELYS™ stands as the front-runner of change. Adopting technologies like CELYS, which significantly reduce microplastic release, is a huge step toward a sustainable future.
