Generation of Primary Microplastics from Textile Industry Departments: An Overview

The textile industry has contributed significantly to global microplastic pollution, generating both primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics, released during the manufacturing process of textiles, are the main concern due to their long-chain structure and persistence, while secondary microplastics are generated from the degradation of synthetic or blended textile products, which have already been in service or use. This review provides a comprehensive overview of methods for investigating fibrous primary microplastics generated throughout the major stages of the textile value chain, including yarn production, fabric manufacturing, garment processing, finishing, and packaging. In fact, there is an urgent need to deal with fibrous primary microplastics, as they are particularly hazardous due to their form (thin, long and often needle-like) and long-lasting life (can sustain in the environment over hundreds of years). Each manufacturing stage produces measurable microfiber losses. For example, pre-consumer production emits approximately 0.12 million metric tons of microplastics per year. High-speed yarn spinning releases additional MP (microplastics); rotor-spun polyester yarns shed 2000–8000 MFPs/g (microplastic fibers/g). The mechanical stresses such as friction, abrasion, and yarn breakage during weaving and knitting operations contribute significantly up to 104–106 microfibers per m2 of fabric during production. Wet processing (dyeing, printing, and finishing) is another major hotspot for primary microplastic generation, with dye house effluents reporting up to 54,100 microfibers per liter. Moreover, during mechanical and chemical finishing operations, the generated nanoplastics (NPs) rose significantly, exceeding 1011 particles per gram of material. Subsequently, the garments manufacturing units are estimated to produce 10,000 garments per day (5 tons of fabric), which equates to 5–25 kg/day of microplastic fiber waste. Targeted schemes for the study of primary microplastics at the earliest stages of textile production could significantly reduce environmental release and strengthen progress toward a more circular and sustainable textile economy.