Levi's and Artistic Milliners add know-how to fibre shedding research
Levi's and Artistic Milliners are among partners embarking on the second stage of a research initiative focused on addressing fibre fragmentation in textiles.
Coordinated by Fashion for Good, Behind the Break 2.0 will build on the work started in Phase 1.0 (2024–2025), which tested methods used to measure fibre loss, identifying how much results vary between labs, and exploring what drives fibre shedding across cotton knit, cotton woven and polyester knit.
Gravimetric methods used to measure fibre loss enable consistent comparisons between fabrics. However, Phase 1.0 revealed that data variability between labs can occur from variations in laboratory practices, rather than flaws in the methods themselves. Also, the sample size was limited and the variables too interconnected to draw definitive conclusions, said the partners.
The second phase aims to reduce data variance across laboratories, identify a reference fabric for calibration, explore sample preparation methods ie (lock-stitch versus PU bonding) and map technically challenging fabric types. This will increase confidence in data quality and deepen supplier engagement to support wider data collection.
The other partners are Adidas, Patagonia, C&A, On, Kering, Patagonia, Tesco, Gap. The other implementation partners are The Microfibre Consortium, Northumbria University, Paradise Textiles and Positive Materials.
