Building on a 2023 rapid test for detection of microfibers in sample water, sporting goods brand Under Armour, testing laboratory Hohenstein and testing device maker PPT Group have published a standardised test method that enables the determination of microfiber release from textiles under simulated washing conditions.

With the new DIN SPEC 19292, apparel and textile companies along the value chain can measure and (e.g. comparatively) evaluate the extent of fibre release for different materials as part of their product development.

During the manufacture, use and care of textile products, even from natural materials, fibres are released into the environment. Fibers shed from synthetic materials pollute the oceans as microplastics. Depending on the washing program, i.e. temperature and mechanical load, different quantities of textile fibres flow into in the wastewater.

The DIN SPEC 19292 test procedure uses tabletop equipment and a defined amount of water to simulate a washing process on a fabric sample. The sample water is filtered, and the degree of fibre fragmentation is determined by visual evaluation with a microscope.

“For years, we have been helping textile companies better understand the fibre discharge of their products into the environment - making it objectively measurable and reducing it in a targeted manner,” says Hohenstein CEO Dr. Timo Hammer.

Under Armour was looking to develop an easy-to-use, accessible solution for its suppliers that would allow the company and others to avoid microplastics through product development.

“In the apparel industry, assessing the fibre abrasion of garments can be a costly and time-consuming process,” explains Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President of Innovation, Development and Testing at Under Armour.

“With Hohenstein's expertise, our team was able to align our innovative new test method to the globally recognized framework of DIN SPEC 19292. This exciting milestone supports our aim to make the test method as accurate and internationally accessible as possible.”

Hohenstein offers additional testing to determine the extent to which (micro) fibres degrade in the wastewater of production plants or in household laundry and how harmful the fibre residues are to the environment. The tests are carried out according to Hohenstein’s in-house methods as well as international standards and procedures.

Hohenstein US microfibers

www.hohenstein.com