Textile production releases more than 58,000 tonnes of microfibres into environment

More than 58,000 tonnes of microfibres from textile production leak into the environment every year, according to new research from Earth Action.

The report, From Shedding to Solutions, provides what Earth Action describes as the first global system-level baseline of microfibre losses during textile manufacturing, tracking pollution from fibre production through to wastewater treatment and sludge disposal.

It estimates that more than 92,000 tonnes of microfibres are lost during textile production annually, with 63% reaching the environment. Existing wastewater infrastructure prevents around 34,000 tonnes from entering the environment, although Earth Action warns that captured fibres can still be released through poorly managed sludge.

Bangladesh, Pakistan and China account for 54% of production losses, while Bangladesh is the largest contributor to environmental leakage at 24%. China accounts for 15% and Pakistan 11%.

The report identifies improved manufacturing processes, expanded wastewater treatment and controlled sludge disposal as three key opportunities to reduce pollution. Combined, these measures could cut microfibre leakage by around 95% by 2032.

Earth Action says relatively small changes to textile construction, including yarn structure, fabric density and finishing treatments, can also significantly reduce shedding, with some studies showing reductions of 60–90%.

The organisation is calling for coordinated action across the textile supply chain to accelerate adoption of these measures.