An Accelerator Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Funded Project
Feasibility Study:
Quantification of Airborne Fibre Fragment Emissions from Textile Surface Abrasion
In collaboration with:
Fibre fragments, commonly known as microfibres are an under-researched environmental impact caused by the fashion and textile industries.
Fibres are released through fragmentation in air, water and soil environments, with high levels of loss occurring during the manufacturing process and consumer use of textiles.
This project addresses key challenges facing sustainable manufacturing and design interventions for circularity. Data generated from testing using an industry-standard test method will empower brands to be able to choose fabrics which shed less, driving future innovative advancements in textile manufacturing.
The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) have pioneered an industry recognised test method for fibre loss quantification during laundry, however, there remains a critical gap in the knowledge of fibre fragment loss in air.
TMC have evidenced an industry need for the development of such a test and are working with their signatories to gather momentum across the industry. The AKT funding will enable TMC to address a critical industry need whilst supporting the sector’s transition towards scalable circular solutions.
Why do we need this research?
This project addresses key challenges facing sustainable manufacturing and design interventions for circularity. Fibre fragmentation contributes significantly as a barrier to the sector meeting circularity targets in 2050 and remains a critical need to drive innovative action and collaboration.
What solution will be developed?
The key innovation generated by the AKT will be the development of an effective test method for the quantification of microfibre emissions to air during abrasion.
What impact will this have?
Data generated from testing using an industry-standard test method, will empower brands to choose fabrics which shed less throughout different stages of their lifecycle, driving future innovative advancements in textile manufacturing.
What's next?
The project has received a further £10k of internal IP and commercialisation funding for a further 5 months of work to take place. Two part-time research assistants are working in the lab. One in environmental science and the other in product design as well as Principal Investigator Alana James.
Signatories of The Microfibre Consortium will be provided with an opportunity to get involved in the research, to gather industry input which will help to guide future work.
