Some customers may challenge us on the “Microfibres” that synthetic clothing releases when they are washed. These plastic fibres can be harmful to the environment, in particular rivers and oceans where they end up and then get into the food chain. There is some concern than recycled fibres release more Microfibres than new synthetic fibres however this is being hotly debated. It is an emerging issue and working groups are being set up in the EU, US, and Japan to address this problem in terms of product testing, communication, and mitigating risk for example improving filters on washing machines etc.

We are closely following progress. Until more is known advice you can give concerned customers is as follows;

• Use a liquid detergent instead of a (more abraisive) powder 

• Avoid high pH detergents

• Wash at a lower temperature

• Wash for shorter cycles

• Wash less frequently

Customers could also use a special washing bag such as the “Langbrett Guppy Friend” (available on Amazon or from The Ethical Superstore), or a “Microfibre Collecting Laundry Ball” (just Google it) when washing synthetic clothing to help limit these microfibres entering the waterways.