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Microfiber pollution: an ongoing major environmental issue related to the sustainable development of textile and clothing industry

Author

Listed:
  • Jianli Liu

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Jianyao Liang

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Jiannan Ding

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Guangming Zhang

    (The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston)

  • Xianyi Zeng

    (ENSAIT)

  • Qingbo Yang

    (Wuxi Little Swan Company Limited)

  • Bo Zhu

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Weidong Gao

    (Jiangnan University)

Abstract

Textiles release microfibers to the environment during production, use, and at end-of-life disposal. There is a potentially large and growing risk to the environment associated with microfiber pollution, which requires protection and sustainable development in the textile and fashion industry. To date, early-stage research efforts, perhaps the most important initial actions to explore more feasible and effective solutions, into microfiber pollution from the perspective of environmental sustainability have been fragmented. In this study, we discuss the sustainability of the textile and fashion industry for economic and social development. The potential sources of microfiber pollution are analyzed from the supply chain of the textile and fashion industry. Additionally, actionable solutions, including a shift in consumer behavior, retailer recycling programs, and government behavior in the development of a sustainable economy and environment protection for textile and fashion industry, are proposed. Finally, we conclude that there is no silver bullet solution to microfiber pollution until now, but a collaborative cross-sector group of related industries conducting comprehensive research to inform a multi-industry approach must form part of the answer.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianli Liu & Jianyao Liang & Jiannan Ding & Guangming Zhang & Xianyi Zeng & Qingbo Yang & Bo Zhu & Weidong Gao, 2021. "Microfiber pollution: an ongoing major environmental issue related to the sustainable development of textile and clothing industry," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(8), pages 11240-11256, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:23:y:2021:i:8:d:10.1007_s10668-020-01173-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-01173-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Laure Herweyers & Camilla Catarci Carteny & Linda Scheelen & Regan Watts & Els Du Bois, 2020. "Consumers’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Products Preventing Microfiber Pollution in Aquatic Environments as a Result of the Domestic Washing of Synthetic Clothes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-14, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Graeme Moad & David Henry Solomon, 2021. "The Critical Importance of Adopting Whole-of-Life Strategies for Polymers and Plastics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Carmen Adriana Gheorghe & Roxana Matefi, 2021. "Sustainability and Transparency—Necessary Conditions for the Transition from Fast to Slow Fashion: Zara Join Life Collection’s Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-16, October.
    3. Khaliquzzaman Choudhury & Marina Tsianou & Paschalis Alexandridis, 2024. "Recycling of Blended Fabrics for a Circular Economy of Textiles: Separation of Cotton, Polyester, and Elastane Fibers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-55, July.
    4. Najla Ibrahim Bin Hamdan, 2023. "A Survey of the Role of Charity Societies in Recycling Clothing Waste and the Extent of Their Societal Impact in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-17, July.
    5. Xiufen Xie & Yan Hong & Xianyi Zeng & Xiaoqun Dai & Melissa Wagner, 2021. "A Systematic Literature Review for the Recycling and Reuse of Wasted Clothing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-20, December.
    6. Omojola Awogbemi & Daramy Vandi Von Kallon & Kazeem Aderemi Bello, 2022. "Resource Recycling with the Aim of Achieving Zero-Waste Manufacturing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-18, April.

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