According to IMechE, 35 per cent of microplastics released into our oceans come from synthetic textiles, with a typical 5kg wash load of polyester fabrics producing six million microfibres. The report, Engineering Out Fashion Waste, urges the garment industry to invest in new environmentally-friendly materials, as well as to tackle the enormous waste problem the sector engenders. IMechE claims that three-fifths of all clothing is discarded within a year of being produced, either sent to landfill or incinerated.
Oh MAN is this a good time to plug a company I've been interested in or what!? 512 Apparel. Using coffee grounds in their textiles. And recycled windshields in other gear. Wish I had a full understanding of everything they use, though.