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
Quality Label
Videos

Test Method

DIN SPEC 4872 Test Method

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.

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

Tests Conducted

Testing and Analysis for DIN SPEC 4872

Classification of the fiber discharge during washing
Using dynamic image analysis (DIA), we assess fiber release from textiles.
Biodegradability testing of fiber residues in wastewater (ISO 14851)
This method measures the degree of biodegradation over a defined time period. The controlled conditions and data empower better understanding, comparisons and development of materials.
Ecotoxicity testing of fiber residues after biodegradation (ISO 20079)
This test evaluates ecotoxicological effects—or environmental impact—on higher aquatic plants, using duckweed as a sensitive model organism.

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

Quality Label

Hohenstein Quality Label

3rd party claim support for environmental impact

The Hohenstein Quality Label - Tested Environmental Impact - transparently communicates the environmental impact during washing.

USE HOHENSTEIN'S REPUTATION

Videos

AAFA & Hohenstein: Microfibers x Biodegradation = Reduced Impact

Dr. Jan Beringer and Jaime Griggs explain the new DIN SPEC 4872 standard in an American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) webinar.

Under Armour x Hohenstein: Combatting Microfiber Pollution - Measuring & Mitigating Fiber Shedding

Expert Talk at Functional Fabric Fair - November 2024

Candace Davidow (Under Armour) and Dr. Jan Beringer (Hohenstein) discussed the innovative test kit and standard designed to empower textile companies to choose or develop materials that significantly reduce microfiber pollution.

Fiber Release Test Methods

Identification + Quantification

Quantification
Test Methods
Under Armour Test Method
Benefits

Quantification

Determining Fiber Release in Wastewater

Using analytical methods, we quantify:

Fiber release behavior from different textile
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, Under Armour DIN SPEC 19292 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.

Under Armour Test Method

DIN SPEC 19292 - For Developing Textiles with Low Microfiber Discharge

Method Developed by Under Armour, Hohenstein and PPT Group

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 fiber fragmentation is determined by visual evaluation with a microscope.

The method is designed to be as accurate and accessible as possible. It can be used by product developers throughout the supply chain.

Press Release

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.