New International Standard for Measuring Microplastics
Aquafil is proud to announce the first standardized, global measurement system for microplastics in the textile sector: ISO 4484-2:2023. Over five years of work in collaboration with CNR of Biella STIIMA and the textile commission of UNI CT 046 has led to this accomplishment, which provides the global textile community with a method to qualitatively and quantitatively measure the impact of microplastics. Aquafil hopes this international standard gives designers and stylists an opportunity to consciously create their productsfrom an eco-design perspective.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are small, plastic particles measuring less than five millimeters that can originate at that size or become that small as a result of fragmentation of larger plastic objects. Because microplastics are so small, they can significantly impact human health and the overall environment when released.
In fact, the microscopic size of these particles makes their ability to penetrate organisms more likely: the smaller they are, the easier it is for them to enter our bloodstream, tissue and cells. If these microplastics have been contaminated prior to infiltration, the harmful compounds can be released upon entrance.
The main industries at the highest risk of releasing microplastics are cosmetics, personal care, tires, paints and textiles – including the fashion industry.
How is the textile sector effected by Microplastics?
Here are some of the correlating factors that likely influence the release of microplastics from textiles:
- The type of fiber or yarn: A staple fiber is made of a set of fibers of limited length that are held together mechanically by twisting, and is more likely to fray and release microparticles than a bulk continuous fiber, simply due to the construction.
- The material that makes up the fiber: The chemical and mechanical characteristics of the fiber play a crucial role in its performance – some are sturdy and better able to withstand mechanical stress, abrasion, wear, and exposure to harsh environments before breaking.
- The construction of the fabric: Products made without interruptions in the material are generally less likely to release their components compared to those made from multiple pieces of yarn or thread.
- The product’s reaction to maintenance: Some fibers are able to endure mechanical stress from maintenance, like washing, better throughout their life cycle than others.
- The wear and aging of a product: The breakdown into microparticles is usually associated with the conditions of use and the specific exposure to chemical and environmental factors, which can act together to accelerate the deterioration process.
How Do We Resolve the Microplastics Issue?
To solve the problem of microplastics, we first must be able to quantify it.
To this point, there had only been estimations of the microplastic footprint. Aquafil found it necessary to create a standard methodology that would enable the textile industry to precisely and unambiguously measure the release of microplastics, systemically correlate the effects to determine what causes the release, and construct products in a way that would limit their microplastic footprint.
This massive undertaking, which took nearly five years to complete, involved the collaboration of the CNR of Biella STIIMA, the textile commission of UNI CT 046, and Aquafil. Together, these groups were able to establish a methodology to measure the microplastic footprint of a process and/or product in order to consequently develop technological solutions that can reduce it.
ISO 4484-2:2023 is the first official standardized global method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of microplastics (including fibrous plastics) in solid, liquid, or gaseous matrices coming from the textile sector.
This new ISO standard enables the textile industry to quantify microplastic pollution for the first time, serving as an initial pathway to solving the overall microplastic issue. Aquafil hopes to encourage those in the textile industry to reduce their microplastic footprint through eco-design: selecting fibers and following production processes that will minimize the release of microplastics based on our findings.
ISO 4484-2 will also serve as a powerful legislative tool, guiding legislative powers to enact regulations and limitations within the textile value chain.
To view and purchase the standard: https://www.iso.org/standard/80011.html
