What is the role of techno jersey in this?
In recent years, awareness has grown about the impact of microplastics on the environment. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, usually smaller than five millimeters, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic objects. They can also originate from industrial processes and synthetic fibers in textiles. An important and often overlooked aspect of microplastics is their presence in clothing and other textile products.
Microplastics in textiles
Textiles, especially synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, contribute significantly to microplastic pollution. Every time we wash our synthetic clothes, tiny fibers detach and are flushed into our rivers and oceans via wastewater. These microfibers are difficult to remove in wastewater treatment plants and contribute to the alarming increase of microplastics in our waterways.
The consequences are widespread and severe. Aquatic animals can ingest these microplastics, which not only harms their health but also affects the food chain, including humans. Furthermore, microplastics can contain or absorb toxic substances, further increasing their harmfulness.
Technical fabrics and their role
A widely used material in sportswear and other functional textiles is techno jersey. This is a technical, often synthetic, material known for its durability, elasticity, and breathability. At first glance, techno jersey seems to be a potential source of microplastics, given its synthetic nature. However, not all synthetic fabrics are equal when it comes to their environmental impact.
Why Techno Jersey is less dangerous
- High-quality structure and strength: Techno jersey fabrics are usually made with advanced techniques that make the fiber structure stronger and less brittle. This reduces wear and fiber loss during washing and wearing.
- Longer lifespan: One of the main advantages of a techno jersey is its durability. Garments made from this fabric last longer, meaning new clothes need to be bought and washed less often. This reduces the total amount of microfibers released into the environment.
- Innovations in production: The textile industry is constantly evolving, and increasingly environmentally friendly production methods are being developed. The production of techno jersey often uses techniques that minimize fiber loss, such as the use of specially designed yarns and weaving techniques. See also the box on certification.
- Recycling and Circularity: Many techno jersey fabrics are designed with recycling in mind. They can be recycled more easily than other synthetic materials, which helps to reduce the amount of waste and microplastics. The World Health Organization is working to make plastic recycling more efficient. More information can be found via the link below.
WHO Health dialogue: Plastics in health care
Conclusion
While the problem of microplastics in textiles is enormous, the development of high-quality technical fabrics such as techno jersey offers some relief. Thanks to the durability, advanced production processes, and longer lifespan of these fabrics, they contribute less to microplastic pollution than traditional synthetic fabrics.
However, it remains essential to consciously manage our textile consumption and choose products that have less impact on the environment. By investing in high-quality, durable materials and innovative techniques, we can limit the harmful emission of microplastics and contribute to a cleaner planet.
Let's dress with care for the world around us.
Box: OEKO-TEX certification
In the textile industry, chemicals used for dyeing and finishing are also used with synthetic fibers. Strict requirements are placed on these, which unfortunately are not always met by manufacturers. Therefore, stricter supervision is important. OEKO-TEX contributes to this, where textile manufacturers only work with OEKO-TEX certified chemicals. An OEKO-TEX certification offers various advantages, both for consumers and for manufacturers. Here are some important benefits:
For consumers:
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Health and safety:
- No harmful substances: Products with an OEKO-TEX certification have been tested for harmful substances and are safe for the skin. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Reliable information: The certification gives consumers confidence that the product meets high safety standards.
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Environmental friendliness:
- Sustainable production: OEKO-TEX certified products are often produced with attention to environmentally friendly practices, which means less use of harmful chemicals and a lower environmental impact.
The product classes of OEKO-TEX are distinguished as follows:
Product class I: Articles for babies and young children up to 3 years old (underwear, bodysuits, clothing, sheets, sponges, etc.) This is stricter because children have the possibility to chew on the product without harmful chemicals being released.
Product class II: Articles that come into contact with the skin (underwear, bedding, t-shirts, socks, etc.). See a link to the classification below.