In 2022, around 430,000 kilos of microplastics were released from clothing and shoes in the Netherlands. For the whole of Europe, the released amount came to more than 10 million kilos. This mainly occurs as a result of wear and tear of clothes and shoes, but also the (first) times clothes are washed. These microplastics pollute the environment and may be harmful to both nature and health. The best countermeasure is to use fewer synthetic fibres in clothes manufacturing. Consumers can also play their part, for instance by buying fewer new clothes and shoes. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles. They mainly end up in the environment through tyre erosion, plastic waste and plastic granules used as an industrial raw material. RIVM published an extensive report on microplastics in 2024. These small plastic particles are harmful to nature and pollute surface water, the air and the soil. They may also be harmful to health. Microplastics from clothing and shoes are an ever-growing environmental problem as well. These are released when clothing is worn, washed and dried (particularly the first few times) and when shoes are worn.
The released amount will increase unless measures are taken
In 2022, the release of microplastics from clothing and shoes amounted to 430,000 kilos in the Netherlands. Unless measures are taken, this amount will more than double by 2050.
Measures that are most effective
RIVM has investigated 13 measures to reduce the release of microplastics. The four most effective measures are:
- manufacturing clothes that shed fewer fibres (manufacturers);
- using more materials that are degradable and fewer synthetic fibres (manufacturers);
- encouraging people to use clothing for longer and combat fast fashion (authorities and consumers);
- adapting washing and drying laundry programmes to synthetic clothing, for example by using lower-revolution spin cycles in combination with less tumble drying (consumers).
The first two measures are the most effective. That said, a combination of measures throughout the textile value chain would be even more beneficial. This would have to be achieved through statutory obligations and clear standards. This should become part of a joint plan of action by authorities and clothing and washing machine manufacturers.
Although the effect of the last two measures is lower, their effect would immediately lead to less environmental pollution. In fact, these measures give consumers themselves the opportunity to do something about this problem. Consumers can turn to Milieu Centraal for advice on this.
Recommendations
For this study, RIVM only calculated the release of microplastics from clothing and shoes. It did not consider the costs of the measures or the effects of other manufacturing processes and materials on, for example, the climate. For instance, growing cotton requires large amounts of water and pesticides. RIVM recommends taking these factors into account as well when choosing which measures to adopt. It also recommends using the outcome of this study to encourage manufacturers and other stakeholders to make the textiles chains more sustainable.
This RIVM study was commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.