Recycled Polyester may be a bigger microplastic polluter, study finds

A new study challenges the fashion industry’s green credentials, revealing that recycled polyester clothing may release far more microplastic pollution than items made from virgin polyester. The research, conducted by Çukurova University in Türkiye for the Changing Markets Foundation, found garments made from recycled plastic shed over half as many more microfibers during washing.

Research Details and Environmental Impact

The laboratory tests showed that recycled polyester fabrics released 55% more microplastic particles per wash. Furthermore, these particles were nearly 20% smaller on average, which could increase their environmental mobility and the risk of ingestion by animals and humans. A single wash cycle was found to release up to 900,000 of these tiny plastic fibers, which persist in ecosystems worldwide.

Contradicting Industry Claims and Brand Discrepancies

Campaign Manager Urska Trunk stated the findings directly contradict fashion marketing. "The fashion industry has marketed recycled polyester as a green solution, but our results show that it exacerbates the microplastic problem," she told YLE news. The report calls for reducing synthetic fiber production instead. Tests on items from five major brands, including Nike, Adidas, and H&M, showed stark differences, with Nike's recycled polyester releasing the highest amount.

Wider Concerns and the Path Forward

The study also raises concerns about potential "polyester fraud," where garments are mislabeled as recycled. This comes as major brands plan to increase their use of recycled polyester, despite growing evidence linking microplastic pollution to serious environmental and health concerns. Scientists note these particles are now ubiquitous, found from deep oceans to human organs.