Quantitative Microfiber Testing & Research

~500,000 tons of microplastic fibers enter the world's oceans every year.

During the production, use and washing, fiber fragments are released from textiles. If they are not effectively removed by wastewater cleaning processes, they enter our rivers, lakes and oceans. Along the way, synthetic microfibers attract pollutants, harming sea life and entering the food chains of larger sea life and humans.

Determination of Fiber Release during Textile Care and in Wastewater

We support measuring, understanding and reducing your microfiber impact in a targeted manner.

Textile Impact

Measure the combined impact of microfiber shedding, biodegradation and ecotoxicity.

DIN SPEC 4872

Quantification

Identify and quantify the fiber content in process and wastewater.

Quantification Methods

Microfiber Impact Assessment Method - DIN SPEC 4872

Microfibers + Biodegradation + Ecotoxicity

Test Method
Tests Conducted
Benefits
AAFA Webinar

Test Method

DIN SPEC 4872 Test Method

DIN SPEC 4872 is a standardized test method for determining and classifying the environmental impact of textiles during washing. The test method examines how many fibers are discharged when textiles are washed, how well these fibers degrade in wastewater and how harmful the fiber residues are to the environment.

Once the test has been completed, we assign a classification code, which reflects the degree of fiber discharge, the biodegradation rate and the ecotoxicological potential of the textile product.

Download DIN SPEC 4872

Illustration of Fiber release during washing, fiber degradation in wastewater, fiber residues in wastewater and environmental impacts — DIN SPEC 4872 goes beyond measuring the fibers released from washing to consider the fiber's biodegradability and ecotoxicity.

Tests Conducted

Hohenstein Testing and Analysis

Classification of the fiber discharge during the washing process
Verification of the fiber residue's biodegradability in wastewater (DIN EN ISO 14851)
Determination of the degree of degradation within a defined period of time
Determination of the toxicity of the fiber residues (DIN EN ISO 20079:2006-12) after the biodegradation process

Benefits

Reliable Data for Targeted Product Development

Actively control or avoid environmental pollution.

Objective measurement of fiber discharge during washing, biodegradability and the ecotoxicological potential of fiber residues
Expert and independent evaluation, comparison and improvement of your textile products
Determination of the environmental benefits and risks of products for claim verification, sourcing, quality control and product development

AAFA Webinar

AAFA & Hohenstein: Microfibers x Biodegradation = Reduced Impact

Fiber Release Test Methods

Identification + Quantification

Quantification
Test Methods
Benefits

Quantification

Determining Fiber Release in Wastewater

Using analytical methods, we quantify:

Fiber release behavior from different textile surfaces
Fiber content in processes
Fiber content in wastewater

factory wastewater with magnifying glass, material and shirt, laundry machine, magnified microfibers — We analyze wastewater, laundering processes and textiles for microfiber shedding behavior.

Test Methods

Determination and Quantification of Fiber Content in Process and Waste Water

Combine test methods for customized scope.

Quantification of fiber release and fiber length distribution with the Hohenstein method: Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA)
Gravimetric measurement of total abrasion by filtration according to the University of Leeds/Microfiber Consortium (UoL/TMC) method or AATCC TM212

Table: DIA & UTC methods with check marks for what is included in the testing scopes — The Hohenstein method uses dynamic image analysis to give detailed information about the fibers.

Benefits

Advantage through Data

Quantified status quo for informed development or claim verification + independent verification of sustainability efforts

Analyses of textiles and wastewater (various sample types from a single source)
Determination of amount, type and shape of released fibers
Objective measurement of fiber release
Quality control of wastewater
Optimization of processes and processing steps

Hohenstein is driving textile sustainability with intensive research.

Benefit from our active involvement in research and standardization committees.

Hohenstein Microplastics Research Update 2020

In considering the environmental impact of textiles, there’s no way around microplastics. Hohenstein has been at the forefront of this research since 2016.

Along with the University of Leeds and other textile industry leaders, Hohenstein is a contributing research member of the Microfibre Consortium (TMC). We're working to minimize microplastic emissions from textiles and increase sustainability in textiles.