Microplastics on Human Health – Part 3: Impact in Fashion

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Microplastics and fashion – Challenges & solutions


This post, the third and final instalment of a three-part series, delves into the impact of microplastics in the fashion industry, exploring both the challenges and potential solutions. It builds on insights from the November 2024 scientific outreach event, Microplastics and Human Health, where experts highlighted the pervasive presence of microplastics and their escalating threat to human health. Cultural Project by Natasha Calandrino Van Kleef; Scientific Direction by Claudio Fenizia. Promoted by the University of Milan and the Municipality of Milan.

You can read the first and second instalments [here] and [here]. Additionally, you can watch the panel discussions [here] and [here].

Now let’s step into our field, fashion.

The impact of microplastics in fashion


Dalia Benefatto from Devalia presented a compelling case on “The Impact of Microplastics in Fashion: Challenges and Solutions.” She advocated for a scientific approach to the circular economy.

The story of synthetic materials began in 1873 when New Yorker John Wesley Hyatt patented celluloid, the first artificial polymer, which revolutionised industries like motion pictures. Without plastic, our world would look vastly different. However, once plastics enter the ocean, they undergo fragmentation, breaking down into increasingly smaller particles that are impossible to recover. These particles eventually become microplastics. Specifically, it is a process that all textile and clothing materials made of synthetic fibres are subjected to.

Today, 85% of textiles and clothing are made from synthetic fibres, with polyester being the most widely used due to its low cost. While fast fashion is often singled out as the primary culprit, the entire fashion industry bears significant responsibility for global microplastic pollution. In fact, polyester is used transversally. 

Polyester, washing clothes, and microplastic shedding


Fast fashion is particularly problematic due to its unsustainable business model, which continuously floods the market with new garments made from synthetic materials. These fabrics shed microplastics in the form of fibres, known as fibrils, which are less than 5mm in size and represent a significant contributor to the global crisis of microplastic pollution.

Every year, over half a million tonnes of fibrils are released into the oceans, primarily during domestic washing. The amount of fibrils released depends on the fabric composition; the higher the synthetic content, the greater the release. A single wash load can disperse hundreds of millions of fibrils into waterways, adding to those released during garment production.

For example, jeans—arguably the most ubiquitous garment—undergo aggressive treatments such as sanding, brushing, and washing with pumice stones. These processes exacerbate the release of fibrils and toxic substances, further intensifying the environmental impact.

Circular economy and behavioural change


To address this crisis, a systemic shift towards a circular economy is urgently needed. It is essential to start new behavioral habits, to prolong the life of materials. This would replace the current disposable model of “extract, produce, and discard” with one that prioritises sharing, repairing, recycling, lending, reusing, reconditioning and renting. However, this transition must be grounded in science.

Scientific knowledge, data, and analysis are essential to creating a virtuous cycle. Starting a common knowledge will also help fight greenwashing—a practice that undermines genuine sustainability efforts. Benefatto emphasises the importance of responsibility over mere sustainability, advocating for measurable actions rather than vague claims.

For instance, a 2018 study revealed that a single wash of synthetic garments can release between 700,000 and 1.5 million plastic fibrils. Scientific bodies have also compared two types of polyester fabrics: one made from continuous filament fibres (with fibres up to 1,000 metres long) and another made from shorter fibres (around 10cm long). The former sheds six times fewer fibrils than the latter, highlighting the importance of structural composition in reducing microplastic pollution.

Practical Steps: washing machine filters, fabric choices, and reducing fast fashion’s impact


Consumers can take practical steps to mitigate the impact of microplastics. For example:

  • Washing machine filters: These can capture up to 90% of fibrils, preventing them from entering waterways.
  • Special washing bags: Designed to contain synthetic garments, these bags reduce fibril release during washing.
  • Fabric choices: Opting for natural or cellulose fibres, such as cotton, wool, or lyocell, can significantly reduce microplastic shedding.

Innovative materials like PLA (polylactic acid) fibre, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, offer biodegradable alternatives. Similarly, biochar, a by-product of biomass, can be used to produce filter fabrics with natural antimicrobial properties.

In the design phase, prioritising durability, recyclability, and compostability is crucial. A cultural shift towards valuing quality over quantity is essential to limit fibril pollution. Ultimately, the market adapts to consumer demand, giving us the power to drive change.

The impact of microplastics in fashion – Final thoughts


Dalia Benefatto’s insights on the impact of microplastics on fashion resonated deeply, shedding light on both the harmful effects of fast fashion and the potential for positive change. Her emphasis on creating a shared scientific knowledge base to combat greenwashing was particularly inspiring.

However, the lack of an overall perspective that connects the dots across various sectors remains a challenge. For instance, Carlo Covini from Lenzing highlighted the confusion surrounding sustainable fabrics. While facing many options, consumers often struggle to identify the best choices. Imagine if clothing were limited to cotton and wool—global resources would quickly deplete. In fact, true sustainability lies in diversifying fabrics and materials, ensuring a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility. It’s not just one fabric.

In conclusion, the fight against microplastic pollution requires collective action, from scientific research to consumer behaviour. By making informed choices and advocating for systemic change, we can reduce the fashion industry’s impact on our planet and our health.

We hope you enjoyed our three-part series—comment below!

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Microplastics and Human Health – Part 2: Health Risks and Scientific Findings

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Microplastics in our bodies – What science tells us


This post, the second instalment of a three-part series, explores the health risks of microplastics, examining the latest scientific findings and their implications for human health. It builds on the insights from the November 2024 scientific outreach event, Microplastics and Human Health, where experts highlighted a pressing global issue: the pervasive presence of microplastics and their growing threat to human health.

In the previous post, we explored the nature of plastics and microplastics, as well as potential solutions. Today, we delve deeper into the health risks of microplastics and the scientific discoveries made so far.
(You can watch the panel here and here).

Health risks of microplastics: “The impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health”


Prof. Claudio Fenizia, Professor of Immunology, University of Milan: “The Impact of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Human Health.” To understand the scale of the problem, let’s first examine how microplastics have become an inescapable part of our environment—and our bodies.

Plastic has become an indispensable part of modern life. It’s affordable and durable, features that make it ubiquitous. Today, it is nearly impossible to find an object that does not contain plastic. However, this convenience comes at a cost.

In the Western world, the average person uses approximately four single-use plastic packages daily. Over a year, this amounts to 1,500 packages per capita, equating to 90 kg of plastic waste. In 2020 alone, tens of millions of tonnes of plastic were produced globally, with an estimated 8 million tonnes entering the oceans annually. This plastic waste accumulates, forming massive garbage islands. The first such island was discovered a decade ago, and since then, these formations have increased tenfold every ten years. Today, there are around 20 such islands, covering roughly 1% of the Earth’s surface.

Plastic waste doesn’t just float on the ocean’s surface—it also sinks, settling on the seabed. This phenomenon has led geologists to propose naming this sedimentary layer as part of the Anthropocene, marking a geological era defined by significant human influence.

Beyond the oceans, microplastics have been detected in virtually every environment on Earth, from aquifers to remote regions untouched by human activity. They are even present in the air we breathe.

How microplastics are formed


Microplastics are generated through mechanical friction, such as the wear and tear of tyres on roads, the washing of polyester clothing, and the exposure of plastic to UV rays, and to heating or cooling. These processes break down larger plastic items into micro- and nanoparticles, which accumulate as part of polluting particulate matter (PM10 or PM2.5).

Also, the fragmentation of microplastics releases additives—chemicals added to plastics to achieve desired properties. Many of these additives are toxic, further exacerbating pollution. Additionally, the mixing of additives during plastic recycling raises questions about the true sustainability of recycling practices.

These are secondary microplastics, obtained by unwanted fragmentation of larger plastics. Instead, primary microplastics are those produced already in the size of a millimetre: fertilizers, detergents, paint, and cosmetics.

How microplastics enter the human body


Micro and nanoplastics enter our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, and absorption.

  1. Inhalation: they are present in the air, making inhalation unavoidable.
  2. Ingestion: they contaminate seafood, agricultural products (meat and vegetables), and even drinking water. They are also found in food packaging, especially when it degrades. Everyday items like toothbrushes, nail polish, and pens contribute to our ingestion of microplastics. Studies have detected microplastics in human intestines and faeces, with infants being the most exposed—their faeces contain 14 times more microplastics than those of adults.
  3. Absorption: Microplastics have been found in human lungs, blood, and even organs. They have been detected in atherosclerotic plaques, the brain, male genitalia, sperm, the placenta, and umbilical cords. While some findings, such as those in the brain, are still under scientific review, their presence in critical tissues is alarming.

While these studies demonstrate a correlation between microplastic exposure and disease, the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

Health risks of microplastics & scientific challenges in proving causality


In conclusion, the health risks of microplastics are a growing concern, with scientific findings highlighting their potential impact on human health.

Despite mounting evidence, establishing a definitive causal link between microplastics and specific health outcomes remains complex. Scientific research is time-consuming, expensive, and must account for numerous variables. However, the inflammatory effects of microplastics are well-documented, underscoring the need for caution.

In the meantime, raising awareness about plastic pollution and its potential health impacts is crucial. Education and informed action are our best tools for addressing this global challenge.

In the next instalment of this series, we will explore the impact of microplastics on the fashion industry. Stay tuned!

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Microplastics on Human Health – Part 1: Understanding the Problem

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A Deep Dive Into the Milan Event on Microplastics and Health


We’re excited to share the first instalment of a three-part series from the event  Microplastics and Human Health – Part 1. Held in November 2024, this gathering of experts highlighted a pressing global issue: the pervasive presence of microplastics and their impact on human health. Months later, the findings remain critically relevant.

Microplastics are no longer just an environmental concern—they’re in our stomachs, blood, and even the umbilical cords of newborns. This alarming reality was the focus of research presented by the University of Milan at the Civic Aquarium of Milan, during a scientific outreach day promoted by the University of Milan in collaboration with the Presidency of the Milan City Council. Specifically, the event Microplastics and Human Health brought together researchers, immunologists, physicists, microbiologists, and engineers to discuss the latest scientific discoveries in an accessible way. Cultural Project by Natasha Calandrino Van Kleef; Scientific Direction by Claudio Fenizia.

Microplastics on Human Health: Why this initiative matters

  1. Environmental Sustainability: Addressing the long-term impact of plastic pollution.
  2. Interdisciplinarity: Combining expertise from diverse fields for a holistic approach.
  3. Community Engagement: Involving citizens and the Milan Municipality to raise awareness.

The goal? To spark awareness and action on the growing threat of microplastics to human health. Plastics take an extremely long time to degrade, leading to an accumulation of microplastics that affect human health.
You can watch the conference here and here.

“Plastics: these unknown entities”


Alberto Milani, Physicist, Dept. of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta,” Polytechnic University of Milan, explained how these materials permeate every aspect of modern life. The visible issue is the vast floating plastic islands in our oceans. But an even more insidious problem lies in the microscopic particles we unknowingly ingest.

  • Plastics are omnipresent: They have transformed daily objects, design, sports, and transportation.
  • More accurately termed polymeric materials: These include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), among many others.
  • Advantages: Lightness, ease of transformation, and lower energy consumption compared to other materials.
  • Disadvantages: Weak mechanical properties and long-term environmental persistence.

Currently, global consumption trends are increasing. However, once a polymer is created, it cannot be reversed. It remains in nature, initially in visible form, then breaking down into smaller and smaller particles due to mechanical wear and atmospheric conditions—eventually becoming microplastics.

Bioplastics: a potential solution?


One of the solutions proposed is bioplastics, but defining them is complex. At the European level, bioplastics are categorised as:

  1. Biobased: Derived from plant-based raw materials.
  2. Biodegradable and compostable: Able to break down naturally under specific conditions.
  3. A combination of both: Biobased and biodegradable.

In Italy, bioplastics are defined only as biodegradable and compostable, regardless of whether they originate from plant-based or fossil sources.

The issue is complex, with open-ended possibilities. With bioplastics, we can tackle the problem either at the source or at the end of the material’s lifecycle. Specifically, bioplastics derived from plant-based sources address the problem at the source by using renewable materials that bypass the need for petroleum. On the other hand, biodegradability addresses the problem at the end of the lifecycle, as it allows materials—whether derived from fossil fuels or plants—to break down naturally after use.

While bioplastics offer a potential solution, they raise further questions:

  • Biodegradability Conditions: How easily do these materials break down in natural environments? Do they require industrial processing?
  • Environmental Impact: Do they truly decompose into harmless molecules, or do they form even longer-lasting compounds?
  • Human Health Effects: Could residues from biodegradation accumulate in the body through the food chain?


Conclusion


Plastics, or polymeric materials, are substances composed of macromolecules known as polymers. These polymers consist of long chains of repeating molecular units called monomers, chemically bonded together through polymerisation. Their chemical nature, molecular structure, and solid-state aggregation define their properties and applications, making them incredibly diverse materials.

However, the term bioplastic is ambiguous, covering a broad spectrum of plant-based or biodegradable materials—or sometimes both. While they offer a step toward sustainability, they are not a perfect solution and require further research to fully assess their impact on both the environment and human health.

The Microplastics and Human Health panel highlighted the urgent need to address this issue, bringing together experts from diverse fields to explore the pervasive presence of microplastics and their effects on human health. In the next instalment of this series, we will delve deeper into the health risks posed by microplastics and what science has discovered so far. Stay tuned!

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Being a Sustainability Critic: What does it really mean?

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Challenging greenwashing and holding brands accountable


Today, we want to explore the concept of being a sustainability critic: taking a critical approach to sustainability. What does it really mean?  Is being a sustainability critic about disregarding sustainability altogether? Or is it about caring so much that we refuse to be deceived by corporations and their marketing strategies?

Sustainability is often positioned as a key solution to climate change. However, can we really talk about solutions? Climate change is already a harsh, irreversible reality. As Rupert Read puts it, our only choice is to adapt to a world of climate extremes.

The point of being a sustainability critic


Being a sustainability critic means looking beyond surface-level claims and greenwashing to assess the real impact of brands, policies, and movements. It’s about:

1. Questioning corporate narratives
2. Exposing contradictions
3. Holding companies accountable for their environmental and social claims

A sustainability critic doesn’t just applaud “eco-friendly” initiatives. Instead, they ask: Is this truly sustainable, or just another marketing ploy? This attitude demands curiosity, scepticism, and a commitment to transparency.

Sustainability vs. corporate reality


Yesterday morning, we came across this news from The Business of Fashion:

“Patagonia, Nike and others have tried but failed to eliminate labour exploitation at key Taiwanese suppliers.”

“Brands like Patagonia, Nike and Lululemon have been working for years to address the exploitation of migrant workers at key fabric suppliers in Taiwan. Despite some progress, the issue has persisted.”

But isn’t Patagonia the brand that truly cares about sustainability? At least, that’s what they claim. Yet, time and again, the gap between corporate promises and actual practices is enormous. In fact, their actions simply do not match their words.

The truth about sustainable fashion


This is exactly why we need sustainability critics. It’s about cutting through corporate rhetoric, challenging greenwashing, and demanding real ethical standards.

The truth is simple:

• There is no sustainability in overproduction.

• There is no sustainability in exploited labour.

And for brands that continue to push their sustainable lies, there’s only one response: this is greenwashing.

Final thoughts


In conclusion, being a sustainability critic — or taking a critical approach to sustainability — is essential to avoiding deception by brands and corporations. In fact, if we want genuine sustainability in fashion, we must move beyond empty promises and hold brands accountable. It’s time to rethink the way we consume and demand radical transparency.

And you? Do you consider yourself a sustainability critic? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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suite123 Goes Bilingual: A Global Conversation #ForModernHumans

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Bridging cultures, uniting voices


Announcing a global conversation #formodernhumans: suite123 goes bilingual!

We launched the suite123 blog in 2021 during a challenging time when we were reimagining our business for the online world. However, we soon realised that posting only in English wasn’t inclusive for many Italians. To truly honour the spirit of Italian culture and connect more deeply with our community, we’re excited to announce a new beginning: a bilingual journey that reflects who we are and who we serve.

A brief history


Since 2006, in Milan’s Porta Romana area, we’ve curated a unique selection of pieces from international designers and independent brands, offering our personal perspective on fashion. Our goal has always been to help you craft a distinctive, individual style that reflects who you are.

After 15 years in our physical store, the pandemic prompted us to reflect on the shifts in our own lifestyles and inspired us to embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion—without compromising on great design and quality. This led us to transition to the online world, where we found new ways to connect with our community.

On 18 May 2021, we launched our blog as a platform to question the fashion industry and explore contemporary culture in the context of climate change. At the time, we chose to write in English to ensure our content was accessible to an international audience. As a small business, focusing on one language also made our operations more manageable.

Our turning point: listening to our community


However, every choice has its drawbacks. We acknowledged that our decision excluded a significant part of our community, as not everyone could access content in English. Feedback from our Italian readers underscored the importance of communicating in our native language—because every voice matters.

So, we decided to adapt our approach. Today, we’re thrilled to announce that every post will be published in both Italian and English, ensuring that everyone feels part of our community. Simply click the flag in the top right of the homepage and choose your preferred language.

suite123 bilingual: what to expect


• Quality and Inclusivity: Our editorial focus—questioning the fashion industry, exploring contemporary culture in the context of climate change, and showcasing niche fashion and meaningful garments—remains unchanged, but with greater attention to linguistic inclusiveness.

• Bridging Cultures: This choice not only makes the blog accessible to a wider audience but also creates a bridge between different cultures.

This transformation is a step towards a more direct and interactive dialogue, one that values diversity and encourages active participation, breaking free from social media’s dictatorship, where algorithms enforce conformity and stifle dissent.

suite123 goes bilingual: join the conversation


We invite you, our readers, to share your comments and suggestions below or on social media using #ForModernHumans.

Each contribution helps shape our future and ensures that suite123 remains a space for meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring conversations.

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