Using innovation to reduce microplastic pollution from fast fashion

Page date: Published 24 Mar 2023; updated 21 Sep 2026. 4 min read.

The article links synthetic clothing, especially polyester, to microfibres shed during wearing and washing that can reach marine environments. It cites a 2019 UN source for clothing, textiles and footwear accounting for 8–10% of global greenhouse-gas emissions and consuming 93 billion litres of water per year. It also cites an estimate that 1.5 million tonnes of microplastics reach the ocean annually, with 35% attributed to fashion. These are older estimates cited in the article and may depend on their original methodologies.

NF&TA representative Gisle Mariani Mardal argues that reducing production and extending garment use are important. The article quotes figures that people buy 60% more clothes than 15 years earlier and wear them for half as long; it also repeats an estimate that doubling an item’s use could reduce its environmental footprint by 49%. The page does not identify the underlying research for these use and footprint figures.

Examples of Norwegian initiatives include Nina Skarra’s advocacy for business models built around design, technology, production and environmental and ethical sustainability; New Movements’ durable trainers made with recyclable materials and a take-back/recycling program; and Nofir’s collection of discarded fishing nets and ropes. The article says Nofir collects about 7,000 tonnes of material annually for recycling and that some becomes ECONYL nylon yarn used in textiles and by luxury brands. These company and industry claims are reported without independent evaluation in the article. Related links: Manufacturing and design; New Movements; Nofir.