In June 2020, TÜV Rheinland Textile Testing Laboratories in Shenzhen and Shanghai were approved by The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) to conduct tests for quantifying fibre release from fabrics during domestic laundering. The TMC is an organisation leading in global reduction of microfibres released into our waterways and natural ecosystems. The laboratories can now conduct this testing service for the TMC members. This is a great step forward in the fight to reduce fibre fragmentation throughout the garment supply chain.

Recent studies have revealed that the fibres in our clothes could be poisoning our waterways and food chain on a massive scale. Microfibres – tiny threads shed from fabric – have been found in abundance on shorelines where waste water is released. WRAP, a non profit organisation founded in 2000 promoting methods for sustainable use of resources released “Report of Textile derived microfibre release” in December 2019. The evidence showed that 170,000 tonnes of textile-derived microfibres may be lost during textile processing and production. Another 1,300 tonnes was shed during domestic machine washing and tumble drying, and over 350,000 tonnes resulted as residual waste. While the volume of fibre released during laundry contributes to a relatively low level of fibre loss, the likelihood of this fibre source entering marine ecosystems is significantly higher than other sources.

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) facilitates the development of practical solutions for the reduction of fibre fragmentation and pollution for the textile industry and supports their members with textile manufacturing needs all the way through the complete product lifecycle. Members range from clothing brands, retailers and manufacturers to research institutions and policy makers, all working toward globally aligned environmentally sustainable solutions. As an approved laboratory, TÜV Rheinland, provides microfibre shedding testing to support in the fashion, sport, outdoor and home textile categories in their reduction of microfibre shedding.

Hung Simon

Marine debris, including plastics, paper, wood, metal, and other manufactured materials, is found on beaches worldwide and at all depths of the ocean. About 60%-80% of all marine debris is composed of plastic. Besides post consumer recycling, more and more leading businesses are initiating efforts in sorting and cleaning ocean-bound waste and using recycled materials in their products, as a commitment to putting their social responsibility into practice and to distinguish themselves among customers. To provide transparency and confidence for the journey of recycle, TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong has launched Ocean Bound Waste Recycling Audit Scheme.

The challenges from the business on Ocean Bound Waste Recycling includes the definition of ocean bound waste, the traceability and good practice on the recycling process and the verification standard. TÜV Rheinland has long year post-consumer waste recycling verification experience for leading business. The audit process focus not only on the whole supply chain from collecting ocean bound waste to production of final process, but also covers recycling activities to ensure the confidence.

With the newly established recycling scheme, the clear definition of ocean bound waste will be set before each audit. So that the origin of the plastic retrieved from any body of water can be confirmed and traced. During the cleaning and production of new plastic from ocean bound waste, our audit will closely monitor the journey of the recycled plastic. This allows the recycled plastic used in the products to have its origin and authenticity verified by an independent third party.

Compared with recycling plastics waste from land, ocean-bound waste recycling is a difficult endeavor, with an even longer and more complex supply chain. Thus, how to ensure supply chain transparency and instilling confidence in the customer is a key concern for businesses engaged in Ocean Bound Waste recycling. TÜV Rheinland has been playing a key role in developing verification standards and programs for whole supply chains. Transparency and consumer confidence are ensured.

Hung Simon