What to know about microplastics and textiles
Short answer: Microplastics are released from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon during washing. Cellulose fibers like viscose and cotton also shed fibers, but these are not plastic and break down differently in nature.
What microplastics are
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles released when synthetic textiles are worn and washed in an ordinary washing machine. The particles are so small that treatment plants cannot catch them all, and they break down very slowly in nature afterwards, often over decades. See facts about bamboo for more background on the fiber.
Cellulose fibers are not plastic
Viscose, cotton and lyocell belong to the group of cellulose fibers, which come from plants rather than oil. The fibers that shed from them during washing are not plastic and behave differently in nature than synthetic fibers do. This is an important distinction when discussing microplastics from clothing and textiles generally.
Blends still release fibers
If a blend contains polyester or elastane, synthetic fibers are still released at every wash, regardless of how small the share is. This applies even when most of the fabric is cellulose, since the synthetic threads shed just as easily. bamboo underwear for men is an example where you should check the share before buying.
Fewer washes means less
Regardless of material, the most is released during washing, especially in the first washes of a new item, when loose fibers sit least firmly. Fewer washes therefore reduce the total amount of fibers released over the garment's lifetime. Read washing and care for practical everyday advice and new purchases.
What you can read on the label
The content declaration shows how large a share of the fabric is synthetic, listed as a percentage next to the fiber name. This is the easiest way to assess a garment before buying it, without having to guess. See bamboo underwear for women for examples of pure cellulose without additions.
Wash at a lower temperature
A lower wash temperature and a gentle spin setting generally wear on the fibers less, whether the fabric is synthetic or cellulose based. This applies to most everyday textiles, and it also extends the garment's lifespan considerably, so you need to buy new items less often and reduce the impact over time.
A wash bag can help
A fine mesh wash bag for synthetic textiles can catch some of the fibers that would otherwise follow the wastewater out into nature. It is a simple step, but it does not solve the problem for fabrics without synthetic content, where the bag has no effect on the amount released.
Tumble drying increases wear
Tumble drying wears on the fibers more than air drying, increasing the amount of fibers released at the next wash, because heat and movement weaken the textile. Air drying is therefore a gentle choice for both the environment and the garment's durability over time, and it also saves electricity at home.
Look at your whole wardrobe
Microplastics from clothing are a question of the sum of washes over time, not individual items you own right now. Choose cellulose fibers where it fits your everyday life, and take good care of the synthetic items you already own, so they last as long as possible without needless wear.
Frequently asked questions
Does bamboo viscose release microplastics?
Pure viscose is cellulose and not plastic. If the blend contains elastane or polyester, synthetic fibers are still released during washing, regardless of how small the share is.
When is the most released?
During washing, especially in the first washes of a new item. Fewer washes reduce the amount of fibers released regardless of which material is involved.
How do I see the share?
In the content declaration, where the fibers are listed as a percentage next to the fiber name. This applies to both new and older garments you already own.
See our range of bamboo dresses.
