US' Cotton Incorporated finds cotton fibres break down in water faster

In 2020, Cotton Incorporated experts led research to show impacts of fabric fibres. Cotton microfibres are natural and biodegrade in tested water environments in about a month’s time compared to non-biodegradable synthetic fibres like polyester. Further research in 2021 demonstrated that cotton microfibres treated with common textile finishes, such as silicone softener, durable press finish, water repellent finish, and dye, biodegrade by more than 60 per cent over a period of three months; a rate similar to a natural oak leaf, Cotton Incorporated said in a press release.

“Cotton’s versatility and durability makes it an ideal ingredient for reusable products. All fabrics shed microfibres or fibre fragments through everyday wash and wear. It’s important to understand the origin of the fibre and what happens in the environment as those fibres build up or break down when developing products and shopping for clothing, sheets, towels, and personal care products,” said Mary Ankeny, vice president of product development and implementation operations for Cotton Incorporated.

“Shocking scientific research about microplastics in our drinking water and the impact plastic pollution is having on our environment is getting people’s attention. Cotton is a plant-based and renewable ingredient. It can pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and nourish the soil; it can break down in water or soil. Discarded fabrics or garments can be recycled into something new. These benefits continue to position cotton as the go-to fibre for the fashion and textile industry looking to change sustainability standards,” said Jesse Daystar, Cotton Incorporated’s vice president and chief sustainability officer.