Call to Industry
We believe cross-sector collaboration is essential for finding sustainable solutions for microfiber pollution. Behind the scenes, organisations, researchers and industry have started to work together to understand more about the microfiber problem. We aim to bring more people together to boost their impact and communicate findings through the #WhatsInMyWash campaign so we can all start to be a part of the solution. If you'd like to join a growing collaboration working to tackle this issue, please get in touch.
I am a retailer
We believe that part of the solution lies in changes to the manufacturing of our clothing. Commit to making clothing out of higher quality fabrics which are less likely to release microfibers. Consider joining Plastic Soup Foundation’s Microfiber Steering Group or joining the Microfiber Consortium which is headed up by the European Outdoor Group who are working with a coalition of brands to create solutions and further understanding.
Communicate #WhatsInMyWash messages to your customers so they can take better care of clothing to reduce the likelihood of microfibers shedding. Join the conversation here.
I make fabrics
Commit to designing and producing fabrics that release less microfibers, are more sustainable and are a better quality. Provide advice to your clients about which fabrics will be a more sustainable choice. Join the conversation here.
I'm a white goods manufacturer
Explore how filters could help trap microfiber release in household washing machines. Communicate #WhatsInMyWash messages to your customers so they can take better care of clothing to reduce the likelihood of microfibers shedding. Join the conversation here.
I make laundry products
Experiment with different ingredients and enzymes that could reduce the release of microfibers from clothing in washes. Provide #WhatsInMyWash messages to your customers so they can take better care of clothing to reduce the likelihood of microfibers shedding. Join the conversation here.
I'm a waste water treatment plant
Plants filter a good amount of microfibers (65–92%) but still release a significant volume of waste into the environment. Set targets to limit microfiber pollution and tackle the remaining number of microfibers that do get released. Communicate #WhatsInMyWash messages to your customers so they can take better care of clothing to reduce the likelihood of microfibers shedding, and reduce water use too. Join the conversation here.
I'm a researcher
We need to build upon what we already know. Experiment with different fabrics/ filters/ types of detergent/ test auxiliary coatings. Develop further research into the impact of microfibers on the health of humans and ecosystems. Ensure research is comparable and scalable. If you have further research, please let us know.
