Yes, the fact is that most of your clothes contain “plastic”. Look at the label and what it says: polyester, nylon, lycra, elastane, and acrylic. These are common materials in our clothes and are usually called synthetic fibres. Synthetic fibres almost always come from fossil oil that is not renewable. Through chemical processes, we develop a spinning solution called granules. From this granulate, we make so-called filaments, i.e. long threads, which are either used as they are or cut short, imitating natural fibres and then spun into threads. Then, we can use the threads/yarns to weave or knit fabrics to make clothes or other textile products [1].
Small particles detach from these textiles with each wash. Some of these pass the treatment plants’ filters in the form of microplastics and reach our oceans. Synthetic fibres from washing (Swedish households) are estimated to release up to 17 tonnes of microplastics into the ocean yearly [2]. Unfortunately, the number is increasing with the growing clothing and textile industry.
But as always, we can all make a difference, in several ways, to reduce just these emissions:
• Air fresh the clothes rather than wash them.
• Use your clothes longer and buy used. New clothes release more fibre.
Use a wash bag or a particular wash ball that catches the fibres.
• Never use more detergent than instructed. Even detergents contain microplastics.
Most importantly, to minimize the amount of microplastics in the ocean, use natural materials like wool, cotton, and linen. Also, only wash when it’s necessary.
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