ETC/WMGE: Microplastic pollution from textile consumption in Europe

The aim of this report is to contribute to an improved understanding of microplastics release from textiles, with a focus on European consumption, and to explore potential approaches to reducing their release from textiles. The report presents the current knowledge about microplastics sources and release mechanisms from a European perspective, focusing on the specific characteristics of microplastics originating from textiles and their release mechanisms across the textiles value chain. In addition, it focuses on the fate and impacts of microplastics on ecosystems and human health. Finally, pathways to avoid, reduce or mitigate the release of microplastics from textiles in Europe, or reduce their environmental impact are explored.