TMC publishes research on ‘root causes’ of fibre fragmentation

09/04/2025
A new report by The Microfibre Consortium seeks to shed light on fibre fragmentation in finished fabrics. The technical research report, ‘Root Cause Analysis: Unravelling the Root Causes Behind Fibre Fragmentation in Textiles’, focused on identifying the specific fabric characteristics that influence fibre loss during the initial cycle of domestic laundering. It is based on data from The Microfibre Data Portal, which contains standardised test results using the TMC Test Method.

Drawing on the results of 1,000 different fabrics tested, the report outlines key characteristics that contribute to fibre shedding. These include yarn and fabric structure, mechanical and chemical finishing and dyeing. Fabrics found to shed fewer fibre fragments had hydrophobic finishes as opposed to hydrophilic treatments. Among the mechanical processes, cire, shearing and fewer brushing passes were found to release lower levels of microfibres compared to brushing, compacting and tumbling.

Marking what Dr Kelly Sheridan, CEO of The Microfibre Consortium, said is “a significant milestone in the fashion and textile industry’s efforts to address the challenge of fibre fragmentation”, the report was made possible by the collective data contributions of the Consortium’s signatories. “We’re proud to lead this global effort, but the path forward depends on continued collaboration and the sustained support of companies that sign the Microfibre 2030 Commitment. With this data, we’re closer than ever to meaningful solutions.”

The report can be downloaded here.