April 9, 2025 Study identifies key fabric traits behind fiber shedding

A new study by The Microfibre Consortium offers data-driven insights into fiber fragmentation in textiles. Based on over 1,000 fabric tests, the report outlines key traits driving fiber loss and supports actionable strategies for textile manufacturers.

A new report released today has provided the first data-driven insights into the root causes of fiber fragmentation from finished fabrics in the fashion and textile industry. Published by The Microfibre Consortium, the technical research report presents the results of statistical analysis from testing over 1,000 different fabrics. It identifies key characteristics that contribute to fiber shedding. This represents a major step forward in determining actions that textile and apparel manufacturers can take to mitigate fiber fragmentation into the natural environment.

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) is a science-led nonprofit organization that leads the Microfibre 2030 Commitment and Roadmap to mitigate fiber fragment loss and release from all textiles to the natural environment through global multi-stakeholder collaboration. It is the first and only organization solely dedicated to this issue and works on behalf of its signatory base, which comprises 95 brands, retailers, suppliers, researchers, laboratories, and affiliated organizations.

Study links specific fabric traits to shedding during laundering

The technical research report, “Root Cause Analysis: Unraveling the Root Causes Behind Fiber Fragmentation in Textiles,” is the first large-scale global study to examine how specific fabric characteristics influence fiber loss during the initial cycle of domestic laundering. The study is based on data from The Microfibre Data Portal, which contains standardized test results using the internationally aligned TMC Test Method. TMC’s research highlights the fabric properties most likely to drive fiber fragmentation, providing valuable insights that can inform upstream material design and development. These findings will contribute to the growing knowledge on fiber fragmentation, supporting science-based strategies for mitigation.

“The publication of this report marks a significant milestone in the fashion and textile industry’s efforts to address the challenge of fiber fragmentation. The research has been extensive and robust, which is only possible thanks to the collective data contributions of our signatories,” shares Dr. Kelly Sheridan, CEO of The Microfibre Consortium.

“We’re proud to lead this global effort, but the path forward depends on continued collaboration and the sustained support of companies that sign the Microfibre 2030 Commitment. With this data, we’re closer than ever to meaningful solutions.”

Next steps: predictive tools and scientific rigor

Following the publication of its latest report, TMC is now advancing into the next phase of this work. Future research priorities will aim to plug knowledge gaps and address them with scientific rigor, leading to well-informed recommendations for industry action. TMC also plans to incorporate machine learning techniques, paving the way for the development of predictive models for fiber shedding and offering significant potential for proactive solutions in material design and development.

Unraveling the Root Causes Behind Fiber Fragmentation in Textiles is available now on TMC’s website HERE.