The Fibre-fragmentation &
Environment Research Hub
In collaboration with:
What is the FibER Hub?
The FibER Hub is a newly established research hub which explores the full extent and environmental impact of microfibre loss from textiles.
A partnership between Northumbria University and The Microfibre Consortium (TMC), it further develops work currently being pioneered by TMC. The collaboration aims to bridge disciplinary knowledge between environmental science, forensic science and design.
Based in the Northumbria School of Design, The FibER Hub features state-of-the-art equipment which allows researchers to understand exactly what and how much fibre a fabric sheds at each stage of its lifespan.
Going forward, it will host extensive testing of a wide variety of fabrics to determine the level of microfibre loss under different conditions and the associated environmental impacts.
The Focus
Microfibres as an overlooked and unmeasured environmental pollutant.
Interdisciplinary collaboration with design and environmental science enabling our research to reduce fibre shedding at the root cause.
Implementing insights and applying research directly within an industry setting.
Approximately 35% of the primary microplastics in the ocean originate from textiles
Fibre fragments have been found in almost every environment on earth
Studies have shown potential negative effect on the environment, organisms & human health
“Through this collaboration, the TMC research team will provide direction to relevant research informed by industry needs, to go beyond what is possible today and create robust, wide ranging and comprehensive lifespan data on fibre fragmentation”
Dr. Kelly Sheridan
CEO – The Microfibre Consortium
The FibER Hub Future:
Behind the Break