A Feasibility Study: Biodegradability as a Solution to Fibre Fragment Pollution
December 2021
An investigation into biodegradability as a solution for fibre fragmentation.
Summary
Biodegradable materials are often considered a solution to the issue of fibre fragmentation. A selection of fibres (predominantly natural and cellulosic) are either inherently biodegradable in their greige unfinished state or, are engineered to be biodegradable (synthetics), and as such are often presumed to biodegrade in the natural environment. However, there is a difference between something being theoretically biodegradable and being exposed to conditions in which it actually biodegrades. What’s more, the presence of dyes and chemicals can significantly inhibit fibre biodegradation.
Reasons to download:
This document is intended to be used as guidance to:
Define biodegradation and its terminology.
Explain the general mechanisms of biodegradation and its end points.
Provide information on testing materials in various environments.
Provide information on claims and certifications.
Highlight knowledge gaps and areas for further investigation.
Key Takeaways
Additional research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of degradation in various environments, the influence of additives, dyes, and finishes on the degradation process, and the toxicity of biodegrading materials.
Biodegradation is a complex system that is highly dependent on the receiving environment and specific material properties.
Cross industry alignment is required on test methodologies to establish biodegradability.
“This report marks a significant milestone in the fashion and textile industry’s efforts to address the challenge of fibre fragmentation. The research has been extensive and robust, which is only possible thanks to the collective data contributions of our signatories.”
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