Microfiber Emissions from Textile Manufacturing Industries: A Critical Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Microfiber (MF) pollution is a growing concern, with domestic washing often cited as the primary source.
• However, large-scale MF shedding during textile manufacturing is an understudied but significant contributor to environmental release.
• Existing research on manufacturing emissions is limited, with few studies focusing on this critical stage of the textile supply chain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and highlight microfiber release during textile manufacturing as a major pollution source.
• To identify knowledge gaps and the need for more stringent research into MF emissions throughout the supply chain.
• To explore potential mitigation strategies and "better-by-design" interventions for reducing MF pollution at the source.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of available research on microfiber shedding during textile manufacturing.
• Analysis of MF release data comparing wet versus dry processing methods.
• Examination of factors influencing microfiber capture efficiency in wastewater treatment plants.

Main Results:

• Wet processing releases approximately two times more MFs (∼1,300 MF g⁻¹ fabric) than dry processing (∼700 MF g⁻¹ fabric).
• Dyeing processes are identified as releasing the most MFs (∼800 MF g⁻¹ fabric) among wet processes.
• Wet processes generate shorter MFs (57% shorter) and release double the mass of MFs compared to dry processes.

Conclusions:

• Textile manufacturing, particularly wet processing stages like dyeing, is a critical and underappreciated source of microfiber pollution.
• Standardization of analytical methods and reporting is needed for a holistic understanding of MF emissions.
• "Better-by-design" strategies, including material selection and pre-treatment processes, offer significant potential for reducing MF emissions at the manufacturing stage.