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The Conversation
The Conversation
Environment
Keiron Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Sustainability and the Built Environment, University of Portsmouth

Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn't break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research

Discarded clothing is responsible for millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year. Yudhistira99/Shutterstock

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Over 100 million tonnes of plastic enters the environment each year, with more than 10 million tonnes ending up in our oceans. These plastics break down into harmful microplastic particles so small they can be consumed by wildlife.

We all recognise discarded bottles and bags as plastic waste. But the synthetic fibres that are woven into our clothing – polyester, nylon, acrylic and others – are equally problematic. Every year, more than 60 million tonnes of plastic fabric is produced, a considerable amount of which ultimately finds it way to landfill.

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