In June 2020, TÜV Rheinland Textile Testing Laboratories in Shenzhen and Shanghai were approved by The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) to conduct tests for quantifying fibre release from fabrics during domestic laundering. The TMC is an organisation leading in global reduction of microfibres released into our waterways and natural ecosystems. The laboratories can now conduct this testing service for the TMC members. This is a great step forward in the fight to reduce fibre fragmentation throughout the garment supply chain.

Recent studies have revealed that the fibres in our clothes could be poisoning our waterways and food chain on a massive scale. Microfibres – tiny threads shed from fabric – have been found in abundance on shorelines where waste water is released. WRAP, a non profit organisation founded in 2000 promoting methods for sustainable use of resources released “Report of Textile derived microfibre release” in December 2019. The evidence showed that 170,000 tonnes of textile-derived microfibres may be lost during textile processing and production. Another 1,300 tonnes was shed during domestic machine washing and tumble drying, and over 350,000 tonnes resulted as residual waste. While the volume of fibre released during laundry contributes to a relatively low level of fibre loss, the likelihood of this fibre source entering marine ecosystems is significantly higher than other sources.

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) facilitates the development of practical solutions for the reduction of fibre fragmentation and pollution for the textile industry and supports their members with textile manufacturing needs all the way through the complete product lifecycle. Members range from clothing brands, retailers and manufacturers to research institutions and policy makers, all working toward globally aligned environmentally sustainable solutions. As an approved laboratory, TÜV Rheinland, provides microfibre shedding testing to support in the fashion, sport, outdoor and home textile categories in their reduction of microfibre shedding.


Hung Simon