Outdoor Brands and The Nature Conservancy Form Microfiber Action Alliance

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), has partnered with Nike, Patagonia and other brands to launch the Microfiber Action Alliance (MAA), an initiative to reduce microfiber pollution across the textile value chain. Other founding members of the coalition include Under Armour, Lululemon, Cotopaxi and REI Co-op.

The alliance intends to build on existing industry research, including work by The Microfibre Consortium, to identify practical, evidence-based solutions and share lessons across the apparel sector.
 The long-term goal is to develop a scalable roadmap for reducing microfiber pollution and protecting freshwater ecosystems, oceans, wildlife and communities.

The Nature Conservancy noted that microfibers shed from both synthetic and natural textiles during manufacturing, wear and use. They contribute significantly to environmental pollution, and some estimates suggest they account for more than 30 percent of ocean microplastics. While synthetic microfibers are among the most common forms of microplastic pollution, natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, also contribute to microfiber pollution if they have been treated with dye, softeners or finishes. Once in the environment, microfibers are particularly challenging to remove because they are small and easily dispersed.

“We’re focusing on advancing solutions that can scale beyond Nike,” said Scott Vitters, senior director of global sustainability at Nike. “Through the Microfiber Action Alliance, we’re combining scientific insight with industry collaboration to better understand where pollution occurs, deploy effective interventions and accelerate progress across the apparel value chain. That’s how meaningful change happens, by learning together and acting together.”

“Microfiber pollution is a pervasive problem that affects everyone on the planet, and this alliance creates strategic tools for apparel companies to find solutions to that problem,” said Matt Dwyer, vice president of global product footprint at Patagonia. “We’re addressing microfibers throughout our supply chain while also investing in ways to reduce shedding during our products’ lifecycles. For the health of the planet, all apparel companies can reduce microfiber shedding.”

Andrew Dempsey, director of sustainability at REI, said, “Microfiber pollution is a complex challenge that no single company can address alone. At REI, we’ve supported research and collaborative efforts to better understand this issue, and we’re committed to working alongside industry peers, researchers and conservation partners to help identify practical, science-based solutions. Through the Microfiber Action Alliance, we have an opportunity to build on that work and turn shared learning into collective action that helps protect the health of the outdoors for future generations.”

For more information, contact microfiberaction@tnc.org