CARY, N.C. — June 23, 2022 — From research journals and news headlines to social posts, there is increasing attention to microplastics in our environment. People are listening and seeking ways to help with change. Forty percent of respondents say they are aware of the concerns that microfibers from clothing are polluting our oceans and waters, according to Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey in February 2022, up from 35% in 2021.
The same survey notes, most consumers (66%) who are aware of microplastic pollution, know that much of this pollution is caused by washing of clothing made from synthetic fibers.
“Cotton’s versatility and durability makes it an ideal ingredient for reusable products,” says Mary Ankeny, vice president of Product Development and Implementation Operations for Cotton Incorporated. “All fabrics shed microfibers or fiber fragments through everyday wash and wear. It’s important to understand the origin of the fiber and what happens in the environment as those fibers build up or break down when developing products and shopping for clothing, sheets, towels, and personal care products.”
In 2020, Cotton Incorporated experts led research to show impacts of fabric fibers. Cotton microfibers are natural and biodegrade in tested water environments in about a month’s time compared to non-biodegradable synthetic fibers like polyester. Further research in 2021 demonstrated that cotton microfibers treated with common textile finishes, such as silicone softener, durable press finish, water repellent finish, and dye, biodegrade by more than 60% over a period of three months; a rate similar to a natural oak leaf.
棉花公司副总裁兼首席可持续发展官杰西·戴斯塔尔（Jesse Daystar）博士评论说：“关于我们饮用水中微塑料以及塑料污染的影响，令人震惊的科学研究正在引起人们的注意。”“棉花是一种基于植物的且可再生成分。它可以从大气中拉出二氧化碳并滋养土壤；它可以在水或土壤中分解。丢弃的面料或服装可以回收为新的东西。这些好处继续将棉花定位为寻求改变可持续性标准的时尚和纺织行业的首选纤维。”在https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/our-sustainability-story/circularity/recyclability/上阅读有关纺织回收的更多信息。
Tips for minimizing microplastic pollution:
Check the label for cotton when buying clothing and home goods like sheets and towels
Wash clothing only when soiled instead of after every wear
Wash in cold water
Air dry clothing or don’t overpack the dryer to minimize friction
Learn more about cotton fabric care at https://thefabricofourlives.com/care-tips.
Check out the following Cotton Incorporated sites to learn more about cotton as a solution to microplastic pollution from our experts including dedicated content throughout July.
CottonToday, science-based facts and cotton research for sustainability-focused professionals. Learn more at https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/our-sustainability-story/microfibers/.
Lifestyle Monitor™, data and analysis supporting brand and retail decision makers. Discover insights at https://lifestylemonitor.cottoninc.com.
Blue Jeans Go Green™ consumer denim recycling program, learn more at https://bluejeansgogreen.org/.
The Fabric of Our Lives®, cotton’s latest styles, fabrics and care tips, visit https://thefabricofourlives.com.
发表：2022年6月23日
Source: Cotton Incorporated
