Mechanically Recycled Textiles: A Source of Microplastic Fiber Emissions.

ABSTRACT: Our research found that the shedding of microplastic fibers (MPFs) from textiles is exacerbated by repeated mechanical recycling, raising environmental concerns as the use of recycled fibers increases in industry. This study examined MPF release from fabrics containing 30% mechanically recycled polyester fibers subjected to one, two, or three recycling cycles, compared to primary (virgin) polyester (PES). Shedding was assessed under both simulated wear and laundering conditions using Martindale, ICI Pilling Box, and ISO 4484-1:2023 (microplastic from textile sources) protocols. Laundering tests showed no clear difference in MPF release between primary PES and once-recycled PES (rPES-1; ∼ 1.4-fold). In contrast, fabrics with fibers recycled twice (rPES-2) and three times (rPES-3) released a

SUBMITTER: Persson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12825150 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature