The LIFE MERMAIDS project has found a natural polymer that fixes synthetic fibres in place, reducing by up to 80% the number of microplastics released when washing clothes.
According to research conducted by the Italian National Research Council (CNR) and the LEITAT technological centre in Spain, a typical 5 kilogramme load of polyester clothing can release millions of microfibres.
Building on these results, the Barcelona-based firm POLYSISTEC is now formulating innovative fabric treatments to keep those plastics safe. Synthetic textile manufacturers like the Radici Group, and fashion brands including G-Star have already taken an interest in the product.
As part of the LIFE MERMAIDS project, the CNR Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials in Pozzuoli has collaborated with its sister Institute for Macromolecular Studies in Biella, Italy, to test existing laundry products under laboratory conditions. Together they screened the microfibers released in each wash using a scanning electron microscope.
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