February 14, 2024 New online course to help manufacturers curb microfiber pollution
The Microfibre Consortium (TMC), in partnership with Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), launches a new course designed to help textile manufacturers reduce the release of microfibers into wastewater during production processes.
TMC has developed a series of new e-learning modules for suppliers, based on their “Preliminary Guidelines: Control of Microfibres in Wastewater,” which was published in 2022. Hosted on the ZDHC Academy, the course is free to take for signatories of The Microfibre 2030 Commitment and €20 per learner for non-signatory organizations.
The new e-learning course has been designed to help companies better control fiber fragments in wastewater during the production of textiles, apparel and footwear, and prevent release into the environment. The course identifies approaches and best practices that can be taken throughout the supply chain, to best support positive change within manufacturing. Participants on the course will be taken through four modules to build their understanding of the topic, and establish solutions:
- Introduction to The Microfibre Consortium
- Introduction to fiber fragments in wastewater
- Process and guidance of direct discharge effluent treatment
- Sampling and testing possibilities.
Accessible and actionable microfiber education
The course is particularly designed for textile, apparel and footwear suppliers with wet processing facilities that incorporate direct discharge, indirect discharge and on-site Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) treatment plants. These include, but are not limited to: Dyeing and finishing of fibers, yarns, threads, fabrics, garments, trims and laces; fabric mills; laundry, washing and finishing facilities; printing facilities; vertical finished goods manufacturing facilities where any of the above wet processes occur; facilities that process synthetic materials (synthetic fibers or textile-polymer composite microfibers), coated with PU, PVC or similar that hold the appearance of leather but is not made from animal skin or hide (mock leather).
“This easy to access training course has been carefully developed to suggest viable actions that manufacturers can take to mitigate fiber loss to the environment, and in the process enhance efficiency and gain a competitive advantage,” shares Dr Kelly Sheridan, CEO of The Microfibre Consortium, and concludes:
“Taking the course will not only enhance learners’ knowledge of this vital topic, but also help their organizations to tackle the microfiber issue in a practical, impactful way.”
The course is now available on the ZDHC Academy here.
About FESI
The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) is a research-led sustainable textiles NGO, working to convene the global textiles sector through The Microfibre 2030 Commitment and Roadmap. It is the first and only organization whole-heartedly focused on this topic and works on behalf of its signatories which comprises of brands and retailers, researchers and affiliated organizations. TMC’s signatory base represents the UK, the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, among others. Its global remit ensures that the clothing industry delivering to a wide and diverse consumer base, can be consistent with its implementation of mitigation measures relating to unintentional fibre fragmentation and microfiber pollution (both synthetic and natural) through actions such as:
- developing root cause understanding and solutions
- driving an aligned commitment
- delivering sustained action and measurable impact.
Its work is managed by a dedicated UK based team that is led by CEO Dr. Kelly Sheridan.
The full list of TMC signatories to the Microfibre 2030 Commitment are listed here.
Image: Dall-E 3
