European washing machines throw two garbage trucks full of microfibers into the sea every day – Fashion

With each wash, thousands of microfibers are released, which end up in rivers via sewage and eventually end up in the oceans. Within science, there is a growing belief that these fibers can be even more harmful than microbeads, the microscopic pieces of plastic that end up in the sea in ever-increasing quantities.

Researchers from Northumbria University worked with detergent manufacturer Procter & Gamble on a study on the environmental impact of microfibers. Their analysis showed that an average of 114 mg of fiber per kilogram of dust was released during a standard washing cycle. With around 35.6 billion washings produced annually in Europe, an estimated 12,709 tons of microfibers are released from washing machines, the researchers said. This corresponds to two garbage trucks per day.

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The researchers also discovered that this amount can be greatly reduced if a shorter and colder cycle is chosen. A 30-minute washing cycle at 15 degrees Celsius produces 30 percent less fiber than a standard 40-minute cycle at 40 degrees. If families opt for cooler, faster washing, they would keep up to 3,813 tons of microfibers out of European waterways each year.

“This study has shown that consumer choice can have a significant and immediate impact on microfiber pollution.”

The study also showed that the economical types of washing machines also release significantly fewer microfibers. New clothing releases more microfibers than older clothing, and softeners don’t seem to have a direct impact.

Forensic expert

It is striking that the scientists received help from a forensic expert, who usually deals mainly with murder cases. Among other things, the expert helped the team avoid cross-contamination of fibers from other sources and introduced forensic testing methods, such as spectroscopic techniques to study the structure and composition of the microfibers released.

The researchers found that 96 percent of the fibers released were natural and came from materials such as cotton, wool and viscose, while synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and acrylic made up only 4 percent. Natural fibres collapse much faster: previous research has shown that cotton fibres fail for three-quarters after eight months. Polyester fibres, on the other hand, have been reduced by only 4% after the same period.

More research

“This study has shown that consumer choices in the way they wash their clothes can have a significant and immediate impact on microfiber pollution,” said Neil Lant, a researcher at Procter & Gamble. “They won’t solve the problem, but they can deliver a meaningful reduction in the short term, while other solutions such as washing machine filters and less polluting clothing are being developed and commercialized.”

Lead researcher John Dean, professor of analytical environmental sciences at the University of Northumbria, is also calling for more research into cleaner technology. “Finding the ultimate solution to the microfiber load released during washing is likely to require significant action both in the textile production processes and in the design of washing machines,” he says.

Scientists are thinking in particular of filters in the washing machines and additional interventions to make the machines with water as economical as possible. It is also believed that before washing by the textile manufacturers to remove most of the loose fibers already.

With each wash, thousands of microfibers are released, which end up in rivers via sewage and eventually end up in the oceans. Within science, there is a growing belief that these fibers can be even more harmful than microbeads, the microscopic pieces of plastic that end up in the sea in ever-increasing quantities. Researchers from Northumbria University worked with detergent manufacturer Procter & Gamble on a study on the environmental impact of microfibers. Their analysis showed that an average of 114 mg of fiber per kilogram of dust was released during a standard washing cycle. With around 35.6 billion washings produced annually in Europe, an estimated 12,709 tons of microfibers are released from washing machines, the researchers said. This corresponds to two garbage trucks per day. The researchers also discovered that this amount can be greatly reduced if a shorter and colder cycle is chosen. A 30-minute washing cycle at 15 degrees Celsius produces 30 percent less fiber than a standard 40-minute cycle at 40 degrees. If families opt for cooler, faster washing, they would keep up to 3,813 tons of microfibers out of European waterways each year. The study also showed that the economical types of washing machines also release significantly fewer microfibers. New clothing releases more microfibers than older clothing, and softeners don’t seem to have a direct impact. It is striking that the scientists received help from a forensic expert, who usually deals mainly with murder cases. Among other things, the expert helped the team avoid cross-contamination of fibers from other sources and introduced forensic testing methods, such as spectroscopic techniques to study the structure and composition of the microfibers released. The researchers found that 96 percent of the fibers released were natural and came from materials such as cotton, wool and viscose, while synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and acrylic made up only 4 percent. Natural fibres collapse much faster: previous research has shown that cotton fibres fail for three-quarters after eight months. Polyester fibres, on the other hand, have only degraded 4 percent after the same period.” This study has shown that consumer choices in the way they do their laundry can have a significant and immediate impact on microfiber pollution,” said Neil Lant, a researcher at Procter & Gamble. “They won’t solve the problem, but they can bring a significant reduction in the short term, while other solutions such as washing machine filters and less polluting clothing are developed and commercialized.” Lead researcher John Dean, professor of analytical environmental sciences at the University of Northumbria, is also calling for more research into clean technology. “Finding the ultimate solution to the microfiber load released during washing is likely to require significant action both in the textile production processes and in the design of washing machines,” he says. Scientists are thinking in particular of filters in the washing machines and additional interventions to make the machines with water as economical as possible. It is also believed that before washing by the textile manufacturers to remove most of the loose fibers already.