WHAT POLICYMAKERS SHOULD KNOW
Are there testing methods available for microplastic release?
APPLiA, the European trade association that provides a single consensual voice for the home appliance industry has recently published a report on microfibre filtration testing methods. The report claims that there are currently no repeatable testing methodologies to measure microfibre release and therefore until standardisation for this is available, legislation on microplastic filtration should be delayed. We are responding with the following rebuttal points to ensure policy makers are correctly informed.
Our Position
This document highlights that there are several robust and repeatable filtration device testing methods available.
It is estimated the the EU is responsible for the release of 13,000 tonnes of textile microfibres every year, accounting for 8% of total primary microplastic releases to water. Microplastic pollution has become widespread in nature and is a source of serious and growing concern. Whilst the impact on human health is not fully understood, there are a compelling range of studies highlighting potential health risks associated with microplastics.
As part of the 1992 Rio Declaration, the Precautionary Approach states that lack of scientific certainty is no reason to postpone action to avoid potentially serious or irreversible harm to the environment. We strongly believe this should be applied to microplastic pollution, and we must not allow delaying tactics regarding testing methods to obstruct this. Legislation mandating washing machine filters has the power to stop this environmental and human health issue and it must be brought into effect as soon as possible to have the biggest and
release
There are a number of robust and repeatable testing methods available which show consistent results:
• Hohenstein’s analytical methods can determine the fibre release behaviour from textile surfaces and the fibre content in the wash process and waste water.
• Quantification of fibre release and fibre length distribution with the Hohenstein method: Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA)
• Gravimetric measurement of total abrasion by filtration according to the University of Leeds / Microfiber Consortium (UoL/TMC) method or AATCC TM212.
• The AATCC TM212-2021 test Method for fibre fragment release during home laundering, provides a standardized method for quantifying fibre fragment shedding. TM212-2021 results from extensive collaboration representing a broad range of stakeholders in the textile industry, public and private institutions, and technical experts in the Global Sustainability committee. This testing methodology has been adopted by Polartec® for their Shed Less technology to reduce microfibre release.
• The Microfibre Consortium’s TMC testing method quantifies fibre loss from fabrics which reflect that found in domestic laundering, during the initial washing cycle. Using ISO 105-C06 at its core, The Microfibre Consortium Test Method uses standard lab equipment and provides accurate comparable data, in a manner that can be scaled commercially across a range of facilities.
The ATAK-A test methodology is not accurate or relevant
Testing was conducted by APPLiA into microfibre release. However the study is not based on scientific research or the known behaviour of textiles and how they shed fibres in a washing machine.
The Swissatest 306 method (Poka dot)* is a testing method designed to measure the mechanical action of washing machines by measuring the loss of dots (applied on a fabric) during the process.
There is no proven direct correlation between loss of dots on these fabrics and microfibre release in a real-life scenario. Therefore, this is not an accurate or comparable measurement system.
Additionally, the test carried out by APPLiA uses such small quantities of dots that it is impossible to make any accurate conclusions and cannot be considered a scientific study. In a real washing machine, hundreds of thousands of microfibres are released during each wash, whereas APPLiA’s tests only used a few thousand dots.
Several members of the APPLiA Microplastic Consortium have microfibre solutions in market presenting capture rates and results
The Grundig FiberCatcher claims to catch up to 90% of synthetic microfibres.
Before washing
After washing
• A 2020 scientific study tested six devices designed to capture microfibres during laundering to examine the efficacy of these devices at mitigating microfibre release from clothing during washing or capturing any microfibres released in the effluent (Napper et al.)
• A 2019 scientific study ran ‘real life’ laundry trials using a household washing machine in order to gain reliable data about the release of microplastics, and to identify possible influences of textile characteristics on the release (De Falco et al.)
The Electrolux / AEG Microplastics Filter claims to capture up to 90% of microplastic fibres. The filtration capacity was measured using an internal test method with polycotton and polyester blend materials in the 40ºC Synthetics cycle.
Samsung and Patagonia have collaborated to create Samsung’s new Less Microfiber Cycle and Filter which cuts microplastic emissions by up to 54%. It was tested by Ocean Wise Plastic Labs, with a 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing Synthetics cycle on Samsung Conventional model of European washer WW4000T and the Less Microfiber Cycle on WW7000B.
APPLiA have recently published claims that there is no repeatable testing method for microplastic100% cotton with polyamide dots Synthetic flock for microfibre testing The Swissatest 306 method (Poka dot).