Microfibers pollute water systems

Textile fibers, especially synthetic ones from items like thermal shirts, enter water systems through washing machine drains during each cycle. These fibers are smaller than 5 mm in diameter and pose significant environmental concerns.

Annual microfiber release into oceans

According to the French Institute for Research on Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer), about 2 million tons of microfibers are released into the oceans every year. These come primarily from synthetic clothing but also from natural fabrics, escaping wastewater treatment plants.

Health and environmental impact of microfibers

These microfiber fragments can be ingested by marine animals, leading to digestive issues. They may also enter the human body, though the potential health risks are still poorly understood by science.

New law on waste and circular economy

A law aimed at reducing waste and promoting a circular economy requires manufacturers to install specific filters in new washing machines by 2025. However, the law has not yet taken effect as the implementing decree has not been published in the Official Journal.

Consumer options for microfiber filters

Due to the lack of political and industrial support for integrating filters, consumers can install external filters themselves. Products such as AEG Microplastic Filter, Planet Care, and LUV-R are available for purchase, ranging in price from 80 € to nearly 300 €.

Effectiveness of external filters

A 2025 study by researchers from the Italian Polytechnic University of Turin found that after ten washes, the three tested external filters captured between 35 and 65% of microfibers, with the Planet Care model performing the best.

Recommendations to reduce microfiber release

Nolwenn Touboulic, an engineer at Ademe, suggests using air drying instead of tumble dryers. Tumble dryers significantly degrade fabrics and increase microfiber release by 50%, as observed in the Turin study.