TMC and ZDHC unite to combat microfibre release
The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) and the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Roadmap to Zero Programme (ZDHC) have joined forces to release a snapshot guidance document designed to help tackle microfibre loss in the textile industry.
Microfibres, tiny particles which are lost during the textile lifecycle, have been identified as an environmental threat.
Microfibres can be of cellulosic, man-made cellulosic or synthetic origin. TMC and ZDHC have co-developed guidance aimed at empowering supply chains, brands, and retailers to take effective measures against all microfibre pollution.
Payal Luthra, global apparel and textiles lead and the World Wide Fund for Nature, said: “Microfibre emissions are a persistent pollutant, and a global threat to both nature and people. But solutions exist.
“TMC and ZDHC are taking the lead in outlining concrete, no-regrets steps that brands and suppliers can follow today to mitigate fibre fragmentation and emissions during production. WWF urges the apparel and textile industry to follow this clear guidance, because we need immediate, coordinated action to tackle this enormous challenge to our planet’s health.”
Dr Kelly Sheridan, research director of The Microfibre Consortium (pictured), added: “Mitigating microfibre pollution will only be possible through concerted collective action, using a portfolio of approaches. The actions we have outlined can be adopted by the supply chain today, which will have an immediate impact on protecting our environment and taking responsibility as an industry.”
The guidance can be found on The Microfibre Consortium website and on ZDHC’s website.
Read more about this topic in WSA issue 3 2023.
