Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium unveil ‘Behind the Break’ to tackle fiber fragmentation and its threats to ecosystems and health.
Fashion for Good, in collaboration with The Microfibre Consortium, has initiated a significant project titled “Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation.” This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance the understanding necessary to reduce the causes of fiber-fragment pollution, which is raising concerns among various stakeholders in the fashion industry.
The project has attracted participation from influential brands such as adidas and Levi Strauss & Co., with Under Armour joining as a partner. Fiber fragmentation poses a notable threat to ecosystems and human health, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate this environmental issue.
Research and industry studies have pointed out the dangers posed by fiber fragments, prompting efforts both domestically and in industrial settings to capture these materials before they can contaminate air, water, and soil. However, the approach thus far has predominantly focused on addressing fiber fragments downstream, rather than rectifying issues at the manufacturing source. The “Behind the Break” project goes a step further by investigating the fundamental causes of fiber fragmentation during production processes, particularly focusing on the effects of different dye methods on cotton and polyester knits.
To achieve its goals, the project employs a variety of testing methods and collaborates with partners like Paradise Textiles, a segment of the Alpine Group known for its fabric expertise.
Lewis Shuler, head of innovation at Alpine Group and Paradise Textiles, emphasized the importance of tackling fiber fragmentation proactively. “We recognize that the future of the fashion and textile industry hinges on our ability to address challenges like fiber fragmentation head-on,” he stated. “Our objective is to identify processes and strategies that mitigate fiber pollution through informed textile design and manufacturing processes. We’re excited about continuing this critical work and pioneering innovative technologies that can reshape the industry for the better.”
The partners involved envision the initiative as more than a project; they see it as a movement aimed at developing ecological solutions that can propel the fashion industry forward.
Elsa Parente, co-CEO and CTO of Positive Materials, articulated the fundamental aim of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium is critical because we’re not just aiming to reduce shedding. It’s about finding that balance where environmental responsibility drives innovation, not compromises it.”
This collaborative effort reflects a growing commitment within the fashion industry to address environmental issues through innovative practices and comprehensive strategies.
Source: Noah Wire Services
