Microplastics & Microfibre Testing

Microfiber pollution is a hotly debated topic for the industry, consumers and lawmakers. Microfibers are a type of microplastic less than 5mm in length that is repelled by garments and textiles during domestic and industrial washing cycles. These fibers enter the waterways through sewage treatment systems, where they absorb harmful chemicals before entering the food chain and drinking water. As the plastic waste and debris float around the ocean, they are exposed to the elements of harsh solar radiation and constant abrasion from the action of wind and water waves. Up to 60% of new fabrics are made from fibers derived from plastic and the common sources of microplastics are polyester, nylon and acrylic. In fact, the microfibers in textiles are believed to be responsible for 4% of all plastic water pollution. So that brand companies

What Eurofins can offer

We have developed a new innovative test method to assess the peel potential of commercially produced synthetics such as polyester, acrylic, elastane and nylon. The test determines the number of microfibers that are released during the life of fabrics and clothing and during the washing process. This test can help you better understand the environmental impact of your products that are most likely to release microfibers by identifying the fabrics and fibers, and enable you to proactively reduce microplastic pollution through informed raw material selection and use.

If you have any questions, please contact our experts at the Eurofins | BLC Technical Competence Center  (UK) or Textile Testing Technical Competence Center (Spain).

Eurofins Test Method

The test determines the number of microplastics that an object releases into the body of water when it becomes detached.

• First the sample material is isolated, then the washing process is simulated by means of mechanical action with the relevant control options.
• After simulating the domestic washing conditions, we collect the detached fibers of the sample for analysis.
• Filtering and weighting to achieve reliable results while quantifying the microplastics.
• The dislodged material is viewed using electron microscopy and analyzed visually by technicians.
• Identification and qualification of the released microplastics.
• Detailed report and microscope images.

Benefits

• Estimation of the amount of microplastics released from clothing and materials during the washing process.
• The goal is to determine the amount of release from one product to the next.
• The aim is to compare the replacement quantities with products from the competition.