An estimated 14 million tonnes of microplastics currently blanket the ocean floor, with the fashion and textile industry standing as one of the primary contributors to this environmental crisis. This alarming accumulation of plastic waste represents one of the most significant challenges facing our marine ecosystems. Researchers at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design in the Scottish Borders have developed what they call the world’s first visual ‘fibre fragmentation scale’ to address this pressing issue. The New Grading System The five-point scale, developed over four years, measures fiber shedding from clothing materials. Grade one indicates the highest volume of … Continue reading Fashion’s Role in 14 Million Tonnes of Microplastics: Can Heriot-Watt’s Fibre Fragmentation Scale Transform Clothing Industry Standards?