PRESS RELEASE: New report tackles microfibre pollution crisis, outlines solutions

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, NOVEMBER 25, 2024 - Microfibres are a major part of the global plastic pollution challenge. These tiny particles from clothing can be found everywhere in the Canadian environment, and increasingly threaten the health of fish, wildlife, and people. 

Ocean Diagnostics and Raincoast Conservation Foundation have released a report on the state of microfibre pollution in Canada that recommends a new national strategy. 

“Microfibres dominate microplastic profiles in Canada; these reports provide blueprints for effective action on microfibre pollution. Success will require collaboration at all levels—government, industry and consumers. Recent scientific advances provide the tools needed to effectively tackle the microfibre pollution challenge,” says Dr. Anna Posacka, Strategic Advisor, Ocean Diagnostics. 

The report estimates that Canadians create approximately 1,920 tonnes of microfibres every year by laundering textiles, with much being distributed in the environment through the application of biosolids to farmlands and forests or through wastewater effluent. By 2030, our laundry alone is expected to have introduced 6,558 tonnes of microfibres to Canadian soil and water environments- the equivalent of 44 million t-shirts. With the final Global Plastics Treaty negotiations taking place at INC-5 in Busan, Republic of Korea from November 25 to December 5, 2024, these reports provide Canada and other nations with actionable strategies to stop plastic pollution at the source and along its way to the environment. 

“Addressing plastic pollution in all sectors of our economy is key to protecting our environment and creating a cleaner, healthier future for all. While everyone has a role to play in tackling plastic pollution, conducting and publishing sound science is important for informing future actions. This work by Ocean Diagnostics and Raincoast Conservation Foundation can help contribute to identifying solutions to better manage synthetic textiles and clothing to reduce plastic waste and microfibre pollution,” says the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Microfibres from clothing and other textiles — whether synthetic (e.g., polyester, nylon) or natural (e.g., wool, cotton) — pose risks to human health and the environment. Their small size allows them to escape through manufacturing, household and commercial laundry, and wastewater treatment plants into the environment. Microfibres enter the air, waterways and biosolids, the latter of which are distributed across farmlands and forests. Microfibres have been detected in water, snow, sediments, animals and people, with concerns increasing about significant health impacts. Despite their widespread distribution and the potential for harm, microfibre pollution is largely unregulated in Canada or internationally.  

“We find microfibres everywhere we look, illustrating just how pervasive these tiny particles are and how we at home are connected to microfibre pollution in the world’s oceans. Whether it’s the textile sector choosing, designing and manufacturing more sustainable textiles, or consumers adopting microfibre-busting innovation at home, we all have a role to play in reducing microfibre pollution,” urges Dr. Peter S. Ross, Senior Scientist, Raincoast Conservation Foundation.  

This comprehensive report, alongside a summary report, was made possible through the financial support of Environment and Climate Change Canada. It is now freely available for governments, industry and consumers, and provides a list of recommended actions to reduce microfibre releases into the environment and protect the health of Canadians and the environment.

Read and download the open-access report here >.  

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Posacka A.M., Ross P.S. 2024. Tackling microfibre pollution through science, policy, and innovation: A framework for Canadian leadership. doi:https://doi.org/10.70766/47.9973.

About Ocean Diagnostics 

Ocean Diagnostics is a B.C.-based environmental impact company that tackles microplastic pollution and biodiversity loss through innovative technology, laboratory analysis services, community science and education. Read more. 

About Raincoast Conservation Foundation 

Raincoast is a charitable, non-profit organization that uses rigorous, peer-reviewed science and community engagement to protect the lands, waters and wildlife of coastal British Columbia. Read more.