The fact that our oceans are teeming with plastic is likely undeniable to most. We have all probably heard of the giant plastic islands floating around the Pacific Ocean. But the visible plastic on the surface makes up only 1 per cent of the 12 million tonnes of plastic in the oceans yearly [1]. The majority of all plastic sinks to the bottom and spreads. In the water, larger plastic particles decompose slowly into smaller parts – until they finally become so-called microplastics.

Microplastics have no established definition, but plastic particles generally are between 1 nanometer and 5 millimetres in size [2]. These tiny particles do not decompose for several hundred years and are almost impossible to capture [3]. Due to their diminutive size, microplastics can travel great distances through water currents and air. These minuscule plastic particles are ubiquitous across the globe, extending their reach to even the remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctica.
The largest global source of microplastics in the oceans is plastic objects thrown ashore, which end up in the sea via stormwater, watercourses and air. It is easy to stop at the fact that the problem with plastic is about littering in the environment because that is what we can see. But a large amount of plastic also reaches the oceans directly as microplastics, and these sources are often invisible.
SYNTHETIC TEXTILE FIBERS ARE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR OF MICROPLASTIC IN SWEDEN’S OCEAN. WHEN THESE FIBRES ARE WASHED, THEY RELEASE SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF MICROPLASTICS [2]
About 30 – 40% of the textiles we consume in Sweden are estimated to be made of synthetic fibres. The most common synthetic fibres are polyester, nylon, acrylic and polypropylene fibre [3]. Commonly, we manufacture polyester and other synthetic fibres, which belong to the category of plastics, using crude oil as the primary source.
Textiles undergo continuous wear and tear during usage and washing. These processes lead to the detachment of minute particles from the materials, which disperse into the environment. Moreover, these particles are carried away with the wastewater during the laundering process. While natural fibres like cotton and wool naturally decompose if released into the environment, the microparticles shed from synthetic fibres persist over time. This longevity raises significant concerns among researchers and environmental organizations regarding potential long-term repercussions.
Among different textiles, fleece is the primary contributor to microplastic release. However, it’s worth noting that other polyester garments also release substantial amounts of microplastics.

In addition to the microplastic being difficult to degrade, we often find dangerous chemicals hidden in these tiny particles. When making synthetic fibres, we add various chemicals to give the plastic the desired properties. For example, we use emollient phthalates in plastic printing on clothes. There is e risk of those chemicals leaking when the plastic breaks down. According to the EU, several common textile additives are classified as dangerous for the environment or human health. For example, they may be carcinogenic or toxic to aquatic organisms [4].
OF THE MICROPLASTICS THAT COME TO SWEDISH SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS, TEXTILES LAUNDRY IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SOURCE [5]
Although we can capture much of the microplastic in treatment plants, smaller particles get past the filters, and millions of microplastic particles end up in our waterways every hour [3]. A study on the West Coast showed that 90% of the collected microplastics were from synthetic textile fibres [4]. However, there is potential to separate more microplastics from wastewater than is usually done today by allowing the treated wastewater to flow through a wetland after it has passed the treatment plant [3]. Read more about the vital function of wetlands here.
Despite significant uncertainty, researchers are still grappling with understanding the long-term impacts of microplastics on ecosystems and the health of animals and humans. Nevertheless, numerous studies are already indicating that marine animals can ingest and accumulate hazardous substances from plastics, suggesting the potential for detrimental effects [4]. Microplastics are easily mistaken for plankton and therefore become food for fish and other animals in the sea. In a study from the Pacific Ocean, researchers found six times higher levels of microplastics than plankton [2]. Likely, microplastics is transferred between species higher up the food chain.
A new study shows that humans also get microplastics in us – equivalent to one credit card a week. According to the study, the largest source is drinking water, but we also get microplastics from other foods and the air [6].
HUGE COSTS FOR MICROPLASTICS
As per the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), plastic pollution’s cost is estimated at SEK 74 billion solely in terms of lost revenue for the fishing industry, trade, and tourism [6]. In addition, one must consider the expenses associated with efforts to eliminate plastic from our oceans.

The environmental costs that arise with emissions of microplastics are not included in the price of, for example, clothes made of synthetic textiles. Because synthetic materials are often cheaper than natural materials, the consumption of synthetic materials also increases. If the price were to include society’s costs for the environmental problems caused, it would be easier for the consumer to choose the right products.
The textile industry also has a significant responsibility in producing textile materials that do not contribute to the release of microplastics. If we place the responsibility for capturing microplastics from textiles on textile manufacturers, we could develop measures to industrially remove a large part of the microplastics before it reaches the consumer, for example, by repeatedly washing the textiles and capturing them by filters.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Many people do not know that synthetic textile fibers release microplastics. Talk to neighbors, friends, and acquaintances to raise awareness about microplastics!
- The best thing for the environment is to reduce the use of fabrics that contain difficult-to-degrade fibers, such as polyester and polyamide. High consumption of newly produced textiles also leads to higher emissions of microplastics as new synthetic fibers release more microplastics than old ones. Therefore, choose second hand over new textile materials
- Avoid washing your clothes unnecessarily. Low temperatures are preferable when cleaning, resulting in less release of microplastics.
- Natural fibers such as cotton and linen do not release microplastics

Sources
- Sverigesradio.se – The plastic we don’t see
- Oceanservice noaa.gov – What are microplastics?
- Naturskyddsforeningen.se – Plastic in the ocean
- Naturvardsverket.se – The right plastic in the right place
- Naturvardsverket.se – Microplastics
- WWF.se – That’s how much microplastic we ingest – like eating a credit card a week