TMC: rPET ‘no more likely’ to fragment than virgin polyester
After carrying out tests on 251 different fabrics, new research from UK campaign body The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) has found that mechanically recycled polyester (rPET) is no more likely to lead to fibre fragmentation from clothing than virgin polyester.
TMC’s results could be considered contrary to existing industry opinion.
After conducting their tests, using its own method, TMC-affiliated researchers called for more data through more extensive sampling.
Its findings did suggest that there were discrepancies between variables, such as with virgin and recycled fibres, however, although these did not translate across different yarn sizes, fabric weights and constructions.
TMC research director, Dr Kelly Sheridan (pictured), told how “thousands of individual data points”, obtained via its signatories, were analysed to reach their final conclusions.
“The findings demonstrate that fibre fragmentation is no worse for fabrics made with mechanically recycled material compared with those made from virgin polyester and we have substantial data to back up that conclusion,” she explained.
Find the full report here.
Check out 'No quick fix for fibre fragmentation' in WSA's latest issue.
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