The rise of fast fashion and the boom in the trend of sportswear have led to the production of an incredible number of synthetic garments.
These fabrics, practical and quick to wear, guarantee high performance for those who use them for physical activity and offer economical variants to enrich the seasonal wardrobe with trendy proposals in line with the most popular colours.
However, not everyone knows that it is precisely from synthetic clothing that much of the pollution of the seas depends. Due to machine washing, they release microplastics that are harmful to the environment.
Synthetic caps and marine pollution
In recent years, two different trends have emerged in the world of fashion. The first, that of fast fashion, led to the production of "mass" clothing, lowering the quality and focusing everything on synthetic garments.
The other, thanks to the two years of closures and the growing attention to physical activity, has allowed the spread of the sporty chic style. Tracksuits and sportswear are now worn daily even in non-sporting contexts. The result of these two phenomena? The production of synthetic garments has grown exponentially, negatively impacting sea pollution.
First of all, the quantity of textile waste has increased: clothes are thrown away more frequently and end up feeding landfills or dispersing into the environment. Secondly, the numerous washing of synthetic clothes in the washing machine releases microplastics into the waste water which end up directly in the sea.
Summer and the pollution of the seas from synthetic clothing
With the arrival of summer, sea pollution is also put at risk by the daily use of swimsuits. The continuous washing of synthetic fabrics puts microplastics into circulation in the water. Precisely for this reason, given the trend towards sustainability, several companies, including Made in Italy, have started producing swimsuits with vegetable fibers such as Eucalyptus.
This material grows very quickly and is cultivated in forest plantations where human intervention is not necessary, therefore its growth occurs without the use of water and pesticides. From 6m² of land, 10 eucalyptus fiber t-shirts are obtained versus 1 cotton t-shirt.
How to optimize machine washes and reduce microplastics
According to studies by Plymouth University , thousands of microfibres are released from synthetic garments during the wash cycle. Polyester and acrylics, for example, release up to 700,000 microparticles with each wash , of which 40% manage to pass filtering systems and are dispersed into the environment . To reduce the impact of microplastics, here are some tips:
- Wash at low temperatures: Reduce the water temperature during washes to limit the release of microfibres.
- Use laundry bags: Place synthetic clothing in special bags to capture microplastics.
- Choice of fabrics: Opt for garments with natural yarns
Eco washing of garments and choice of natural yarns
Although not completely free from the problem, natural yarns, from the studies published and referred to in this article, seem to be the most sustainable choice to date to avoid contributing to the proliferation of microplastics in the environment.
The Lanaioli Men's Collection and Women's Collection are made only in pure Cashmere, Merino Wool and Silk and with regenerated yarns, with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable fashion, even during the washing of the garments.
In conclusion, we can do our part to reduce marine pollution resulting from synthetic garments, adopting more sustainable and conscious practices both when purchasing garments made with natural yarns and when washing them in the washing machine. 🌊🌿
