Microplastic pollution from laundry

Microplastic pollution commonly refers to plastics less than 5 mm in size and is becoming well known in oceans with strong links to laundering synthetic clothing. Presently, 68% of all textiles made is synthetic, and 80% of all garments include lycra. Waste water treatment plants dispose of water into the ocean, restricting between 65 and 98% of all plastic microfibres.  However, this means Australia alone could be contributing the equivalent of between 7,750  and 130,000 plastic grocery bags into oceans every week, in tiny particles just the right size to enter food chains, from our waste laundry water. 

The pressure on our oceans from plastic pollution, industrial pollution and climate change is intense. Urgent action is needed to reduce our impact on our beautiful oceans so vital for all life on Earth. 

In 2017/18 we undertook extensive research into the problem of microplastic pollution. Ocean Remedy had two primary goals:

1. Research whether regenerated fabrics break down quicker or yield more microfibres than virgin fabrics... spoiler alert, they are better for the environment due to reduced carbon and pollutant footprint. However, like conventional fabrics there is still an issue of microplastic pollution, although no greater. 
2. Seek solutions to reduce the impact of our products on the environment once they are in the consumers' hands... everything we do has an impact, and every fabric yields microplastic fibres, we'd like to minimise this impact as much as possible.

To educate yourself about issues of plastic pollution in our oceans and to read our findings, click here.

As a result of our research, we teamed up with STOP! Microwaste to seek solutions to micro pollution and keep plastic out of nature.

Order Guppyfriend wash bags here.