New Study Warns of Ocean Plastic Pollution from Synthetic Textiles
A new study, published in PLOS One, sheds light on the environmental impact of synthetic textiles. Led by Dr. Sylvia Wagner at the University of Oldenburg, Germany, the research reveals the persistence of plastic pollution from these fabrics in the oceans.
The study, funded by several organizations including the Biomimicry for Emerging Science and Technology (BEST) Initiative, found that synthetic textiles contribute to plastic pollution through microfibers shed during regular wearing and washing. These microfibers end up in wastewater and ultimately the oceans.
Bio-based plastics, such as Polylactic Acid (PLA), marketed as eco-friendly solutions, did not biodegrade in the ocean environment. Even after over a year submerged, fabrics made of PLA and oil-based portions of textile blends showed no signs of degradation. Only the natural, cellulose-based fibers in blends degraded, leaving the oil-based portion intact. The study highlights the need for standardized tests to determine if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually do biodegrade in a natural environment.
With an estimated 62 percent of textiles now made from plastic fibers and blends, the study underscores the urgent need to re-evaluate the environmental impact of these materials. It also emphasizes the importance of thorough testing to ensure that so-called biodegradable materials live up to their claims.
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