PlastfriWhich fabrics shed the most microplastics?
Synthetic fabrics shed plastic microfibers every wash. Acrylic and fleece shed most; tightly woven synthetics shed least; natural fibers shed cellulose, not plastic.
The shedding league table
Wash studies consistently rank acrylic knits and brushed polyester (fleece) at the top — hundreds of thousands of fibers per load. Standard polyester knits shed less; tightly woven nylon shells less again. Natural and cellulosic fibers shed too, but their fibers biodegrade.
About 35% of primary microplastics in the ocean are estimated to come from synthetic textile laundering — the single largest source, ahead of tire dust.
What actually helps
Buy natural fibers for high-frequency-wash items. Wash synthetics less often, cold, full loads, gentle cycle. Use a fiber-catching bag or an external filter. And the biggest lever: fewer, better garments — shedding correlates with cheap, loosely-constructed fabric.
Where Plastfri fits
Plastfri makes plastic content visible at the moment of purchase — the only moment you have full choice. The score badge tells you what a product will shed for the rest of its life.
Common questions
Do washing machine filters work?
External filters capture a large share of fibers (commonly cited around 78–90% depending on model). France now mandates filters on new machines.
Are microplastics actually harmful to humans?
They have been found in blood, lungs, and placentas. Long-term health effects are still being established — the science is young, but the exposure is universal and rising.
Plastfri spots microplastics for you. Scores every product while you shop — covers, dims, or labels the high-plastic ones.
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