This collaborative research effort brings together some of the world’s leading fashion brands - including adidas, BESTSELLER, C&A, Inditex, Kering, Levi Strauss & Co., Norrøna, On, and Under Armour - to investigate the root causes of fibre shedding during textile production. The study aims to enhance existing test methods, inform industry best practices, and ultimately reduce textile pollution caused by microfibre release.

“Fibre fragmentation presents one of the most pressing environmental challenges in textiles today,” said Lewis Shuler, VP of Advanced Concepts at Alpine Group / Paradise Textiles.

“By leading this research, we’re helping the industry move from awareness to action - validating root causes, refining processes, and enabling smarter, more sustainable textile design.”

Fibre shedding contributes to widespread microplastic pollution, with microfibres now found in oceans, food chains, and even human bodies. Through this study, Paradise Textiles has contributed critical insights and led technical working groups to deepen the industry’s understanding of fibre behaviour and pollution pathways.

As the next phase of the project unfolds, the consortium will focus on validating theories, refining testing protocols, and developing upstream solutions that address fibre fragmentation at the design and manufacturing stages.

To access the full report and explore the latest findings, click here