Microfibre Consortium calls for action to close data and knowledge gaps
Campaign body The Microfibre Consortium (TMC), which works to encourage brands and retailers to take steps to control fibre fragmentation and microfibre pollution from apparel, has published a progress report.
Last year, TMC announced a roadmap for achieving zero impact of fibre fragmentation from textiles to the natural environment by 2030. Its full update report is available to read here, but one clear message is that TMC wants more organisations to engage with its 2030 commitment and to “close data and knowledge gaps” to increase the pace of progress.
There are now more than 80 participants in the TMC initiative, including some of the world’s largest textile and apparel companies. Signatories are contributing to a sustained programme of work aligned to the roadmap. All signatories are required to support the roadmap, particularly in the delivery of testing to measure fibre fragmentation and enable root-cause understanding. The progress update offers insights into the portfolio of global materials tests that have already been completed.
It confirms that the majority of target milestones for 2021 and 2022 are on track or have been achieved. These milestones include a biodegradability report, preliminary manufacturing guidelines and a glossary to help standardise the terms used when discussing fibre fragmentation.
TMC executive director, Sophie Mather, commented: “The publication of this progress update is a key moment. We call on the industry to increase testing and to fund and participate in research. We will continue to create a robust textile-science perspective. We welcome opportunities to engage with those willing to support this vital work.”
