A sector alliance that was formed to tackle issues relating to microplastics has completed the next phase of its project to develop a harmonised industry standard for the supply chain.
The Cross Industry Agreement (CIA) has revealed the results of a fibre fragmentation trial that has been carried out in advance of establishing a CEN Standard (from the European Committee for Standardisation).
In 2018,
five industry organisations joined forces to tackle the issue of microplastics, and signed the Cross Industry Agreement. The initial signatories were the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E.), European Man-Made Fibres Association (CIRFS), European Outdoor Group (EOG), EURATEX, the European apparel and textile industry confederation, and the Federation of the European Sporting goods Industry (FESI).
The microfibre shedding test method was developed thanks to the joint efforts and cooperation of experts from 28 European, American and Asian organisations; the result was handed over to CEN in 2020. Since then, representatives from the CIA have been working with CEN to fine tune details to meet the requirements for a CEN Standard.
Frédéric Van Houte, director general of CIRFS, said: “The standardised test method will be a major step forward. Not only will it help to correctly assess microplastics shedding from textiles, but it will also allow the industry to explore measures to reduce it.”
Jérome Pero, secretary general of FESI, added: “Our members have been impatiently waiting for a standardized test method for microplastics shedding from textiles which will shed light on microplastics emissions. Thanks to the efficient and collaborative efforts of the Cross Industry Agreement and the research community this will soon become a reality, allowing companies and policy makers to make relevant choices to ultimately tackle microplastics emissions.”
Image: Filter paper showing fibre fragment collection following filtration of wash liquor - image courtesy of Henkel
