The fashion sector’s ecological strategy is worsening pollution. New research reveals that recycled polyester releases more microplastic pollution particles during washing than virgin polyester.
The results of the new research, carried out by the non-profit organization Changing Markets Foundation, contradict the argument that recycled polyester from single-use plastic bottles contributes to reducing pollution, and has led brands such as Adidas, H&M and Puma to replace virgin polyester with recycled polyester.
Showing evidence that textile materials do not release microfibers equally, the study warns of the fashion industry’s growing dependence on synthetic fibers, particularly recycled polyester, and how this dependence is worsening microplastic pollution.
Dangers of recycled polyester
On average, the recycled polyester creates 55% more pollution particles by microplastics during washing than virgin polyester (less brittle), in addition to the particles appear almost 20% smaller and therefore more capable of spreading in the environment causing damage, according to the investigation.
A single washing cycle can release up to 900,000 microplastic fibersresearchers warn, expressing concern about the spread of microplastics in the environment, namely in soil, air, water and living organisms.
The fashion industry has been selling recycled polyester as an environmentally friendly solution, but research shows that This is worsening the pollution problem by microplastics, he said Urska Trunk from the Changing Markets Foundation, cited by Lusa, in a statement from the organization.
The study focused on a relatively small number of clothing items from five major brands, testing tops, dresses or shorts sold by Adidas, H&M, Nike, Shein and Zara, and the results only provide an indication of likely pollution rates.
According to Changing Markets, this study is the first to compare brands in terms of microplastic pollution, reminding the organization that these brands, according to recent research by the organization, are among the largest producers and users of synthetic fabrics in the world of fashion.
