Differences in the release of microplastic fibers and fibrils from virgin and recycled polyester textiles

Both washing and abrasion result in release of fibers from polyester textiles. The aim of this work was to investigate how fabrics made from recycled polyester compare to those made from virgin polyester. We analyzed microplastic fibers (MPF, diameter >10 µm) and fibrils (diameter 2–5 µm) during abrasion from four pairs of commercially available textiles. Each pair was identical except for the type of polyester (virgin vs. mechanically recycled). We used image analysis to count MPF and fibrils and to determine their length and diameter. No statistically significant difference in the number of released fibers was found between virgin and recycled fabrics, although the fabric structure (filament vs. staple yarns, with/without surface treatment) influenced the release. Although the textiles tested in this work made from recycled polyester have the same release potential fibers as fabrics made from virgin polyester, we better need to understand the influence of material properties on release.