Design solutions for microplastic shedding from textiles

Research Project, 2018 – 2020

Microplastics pollution of marine and coastal environments is an environmental issue which is intensely discussed on a global level. The textile sector contributes to this pollution via leakage of micro-scaled slowly degradable plastics from synthetic-based fabrics. A goal of zero release of microplastics pollutants from fabrics is therefore something to strive towards. Hence, this development project aims to provide scientifically evaluated solutions for mitigation of microplastics pollutants focused on what the textile industry and white goods industry can do with joint efforts. The work will be accomplished by joining together research teams with previous experience in the field from Swerea IVF, the School of Textiles, Chalmers Living Lab, and selected industry members with on-going activities for microplastics pollution prevention on both national and international level. The focus lies on minimizing both generated and released microplastics from textiles, via design solutions for fabric construction and various washing machine filters. The solutions will go through a sustainability evaluation and used as the project members join in the co-creation of a design manual which is ultimately presented to relevant professionals in or related to textile sector.