Expert Blog- Matter technology in Textiles.
Textile manufacturing is a major source of microfibre pollution entering our environment. We asked our Principal Engineer, Tim Whitlock, to explain how Matter are involved in the textiles industry.
Every year, the equivalent to 700 million polyester shirts is released into the ocean from microfibre shedding. We estimate that a staggering 3 billion more are being caught and lost in unrecoverable sludge.
To achieve our vision of living in a world without micropollutants in our natural environment, and for brands to be truly sustainable, it is important that we address this and stop the fibres at source.
We know that microfibre pollution released from textile manufacturing is typically a mixture of organic and plastic fibres, all of which are damaging for natural ecosystems, however little is known about the predominant sources within the textile manufacturing process. Coupled with the wide variety of manufacturing processes employed in different facilities, it is necessary that we all develop our understanding to address the problem.
Matter engineers assess results of microfibre emissions.
At Matter, we are working with industry brands and manufacturers to conduct our Microfibre Assessment Programme (MAP) in which we collect data to gain insight into sources, types, and quantities of microfibres released in the environment during manufacture, and to determine recommendations for intervention.
Our three-point circular approach enables the textile industry to understand, capture, and return value from microfibres.
A Microfibre Assessment Programme (MAP) is a programme of work that Matter conducts by working with brands and manufacturing sites to measure, assess, and report the presence, volume, and distribution of microfibres within a manufacturing facility. By collaborating closely with all parties, we tailor the assessment to each customer and site.
To carry out a MAP, Matter engineers visit the production facility to gather qualitative and quantitative data from across the site by carrying out surveys, understanding production processes, and by collection of effluent samples from various stages of the manufacturing process.
Effluent samples are analysed by our partner laboratories to quantify and characterise the microfibres that they contain. Various analytical methods are used such as staged filtering, microscopy, digital image analysis, and SEM microscopy.
Matter produces a comprehensive report which collates all the data gathered and draws conclusions using insights that we have developed whilst working with textile manufacturers. The conclusions can range from quantifying emissions from specific processes to understanding the overall environmental impact of a whole manufacturing facility.
Conducting a MAP is an important activity to gain 'on the ground' insight into the microfibre pollution in specific facilities and supply chains. This is a great first step for collaboration between Matter, clothing brands, and manufacturing facilities in order to understand the problem in detail. This allows us to inform solutions appropriate for the specific location and make recommendations to stop the microfibre pollution at source.
If you are interested in learning more about how a MAP might work in your facility contact us using the button below.
