Up to 500,000 tonnes of microplastic fibres enter the world's oceans every year. During the production of textiles as well as through use and washing, fibre fragments are released from synthetic textiles. If these are not effectively removed by downstream cleaning processes, they enter rivers, inland waters and oceans via wastewater.
The new DIN SPEC 4872 is a standardised test method for determining and classifying the environmental impact of textiles during washing. The test method examines how many fibres are discharged when textiles are washed, how well these fibres degrade in wastewater and how harmful the fibre residues are to the environment.
Once the test has been completed, we assign a classification code as a result, which reflects the degree of fibre discharge, the biodegradation rate and the ecotoxicological potential of the textile product under investigation.
Download DIN SPEC 4872
With the help of a suitable analysis system (DIA), textiles are classified in terms of fibre release during the washing process.
With regard to environmental impact, the biodegradability of fibres in wastewater plays a key role. The degree of degradation of the fibres is determined after a defined period of time in the wastewater according to DIN EN ISO 14851.
The ecotoxicological potential of the fibre residues is analysed according to DIN EN ISO 20079 using a particularly sensitive model organism for higher aquatic plants, the duckweed.
The aim of our assessment is to provide you with reliable data for an optimisation of your product portfolio and a more targeted product development, which allows you to actively and consciously control or avoid environmental pollution.
When considering the environmental impact of textiles, there is no way around microplastics. Hohenstein has been at the forefront of this research since 2016. Benefit from our active involvement in research and standardisation committees.
In cooperation with Under Armour testing provider Hohenstein is launching a new fiber-shed test kit. It will help textile companies along the supply chain to develop lower shed materials during product development. Our video instructions explain how companies can use the kit in an easy-to-understand way.
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