#Raw Materials

2022-06-30

Why fabric choice matters in combating microplastic pollution in the oceans and waters

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 MonitorTM Survey in February 2022, up from 35% in 2021.

Cotton fibers break down faster in land and water

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.

“Shocking scientific research about microplastics in our drinking water and the impact plastic pollution is having on our environment is getting people’s attention,” comments Dr. Jesse Daystar, Cotton Incorporated’s vice president and chief sustainability officer. “Cotton is a plant-based and renewable ingredient. It can pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and nourish the soil; it can break down in water or soil. Discarded fabrics or garments can be recycled into something new. These benefits continue to position cotton as the go-to fiber for the fashion and textile industry looking to change sustainability standards.” Read more about textile recycling at https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/our-sustainability-story/circularity/recyclability/.

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 after every wear
Wash in cold water
Air dry clothing or don’t overpack the dryer to minimize friction

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Lenzing commissions 14 MW power‑to‑heat facility, strengthening grid stability and heat management

The Lenzing Group has successfully commissioned a new power‑to‑heat (P2H) facility with an electrical capacity of 14 megawatts. The installation converts renewable electricity directly into process heat, is fully integrated into the existing heat network at the industrial site, and represents a key building block for a fossil‑free heat supply. As project partner, VERBUND was responsible for the energy‑market integration and will operate the facility for balancing energy marketing, enabling it to respond flexibly to short‑term fluctuations in the power grid.

Kraig Biocraft reaches next step in production growth

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“the Company”, “Kraig Labs”, or “Kraig’s”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced that it has produced more than 1.3 metric tons of recombinant spider silk cocoons in a single month. This is a new world record and shatters the Company’s previous production record by a factor of five. Today marks a pivotal step forward in the transition of spider silk from laboratory innovation to an industrial-scale material platform.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.