The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has launched the Microfiber Action Alliance in the US, bringing together apparel brands including Nike, Patagonia and Under Armour to accelerate the adoption of evidence-based solutions to microfibre pollution.
The new multi-stakeholder initiative also includes Lululemon, Cotopaxi and REI Co-op among its founding members. It aims to develop practical approaches to reducing fibre fragmentation and shedding across textile supply chains, sharing findings to encourage wider industry adoption.
Microfibres are tiny particles released from synthetic and natural textiles during production, use, and wear. They are a significant contributor to global pollution, with some estimates suggesting they account for more than 30% of ocean microplastics.
Although synthetic fibres are among the most commonly found microplastics in the natural environment, natural materials such as cotton and wool can also contribute to the problem, particularly when treated with dyes, softeners, and other finishes.
Once released, these particles are difficult to remove because of their small size and widespread dispersal, making prevention an important priority for the textile industry.
TNC will work with participating companies to evaluate, refine and advance approaches that can meaningfully reduce microfibre pollution. Companies will take action within their own supply chains, generating practical insights that can be shared across the wider industry.
The initiative complements the work of The Microfibre Consortium, which brings together textile businesses to develop the science, data and tools needed to reduce fibre fragmentation.
Scott Vitters, senior director of global sustainability at Nike, said the alliance would help identify where pollution occurs, implement effective interventions and accelerate progress across the apparel value chain.
“Through the Microfiber Action Alliance, we’re combining scientific insight with industry collaboration to better understand where pollution occurs, deploy effective interventions and accelerate progress across the apparel value chain,” he said.
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Patagonia is also addressing microfibre shedding throughout its supply chain and investing in ways to reduce the release of fibres during products’ lifecycles.
Matt Dwyer, the company’s vice president of global product footprint, said the alliance offered strategic tools for apparel businesses to work towards solutions to a problem that affects the entire planet.
Under Armour highlighted the importance of addressing fibre shedding at the design stage, rather than measuring it only after products have been developed.
Kyle Blakely, senior vice president of design, innovation & development at Under Armour, said coordinated action across the value chain was essential to achieving meaningful reductions.
The alliance will build on existing industry research and testing, helping participating brands translate scientific advances into practical changes across textile production and product development.
Kelly Sheridan, CEO of The Microfibre Consortium, welcomed the initiative’s focus on accelerating the adoption of technologies and innovations across supply chains.
TNC said additional companies would have opportunities to join the alliance as it develops a scalable roadmap for industry-wide progress.
Apparel companies can find further information at The Nature Conservancy’s website.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
