Coating cuts amount of microplastic fibres entering waterways

When clothes made from synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, acrylic and rayon, are cleaned in washing machines, the friction caused by cleaning cycles produces tiny tears in the fabric. These tears cause microplastic fibres measuring less than 500 micrometres in length to break off and make their way to waterways.   

Once microplastics end up in oceans and freshwater lakes and rivers, the particles are difficult to remove and will take decades or more to fully break down. The accumulation of this debris in bodies of water can threaten marine life and also become part of the human food chain through its presence in food and tap water.  

Governments have been looking for ways to minimise the pollution that comes from washing synthetic fabrics and washing machine filters are emerging as a solution. In Ontario, a bill has been introduced a bill that would require filters in new washing machines in the province.  

“And yet, when we look at what governments around the world are doing, there is no trend towards preventing the creation of microplastic fibres in the first place,” said research lead Professor Kevin Golovin.