Sources of Microplastics: Textile and Technical Textiles

Microplastics are becoming recognized as pervasive contaminants that pose considerable environmental and human health risks. Textiles and technical textiles are significant contributors to microplastic pollution, releasing microfibers or plastic particles over their entire life cycle, from manufacture to usage and disposal. This chapter elucidates the several origins of microplastics in textile value chains, underscoring the impact of various characteristics of textiles, including the yarn structure, fabric structure, and dyeing and finishing techniques, on microfiber discharge. Moreover, technical textiles employed in industries such as automotive, medical, and geotextiles present a distinct concern owing to their high-performance synthetic composition and exposure to severe environmental conditions, which increases the likelihood of microplastic production. The deterioration of textiles, influenced by UV radiation, mechanical stress, and chemical exposure, significantly hastens fiber breakdown and shedding, particularly in outdoor settings.