Consumers’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Products Preventing Microfiber Pollution in Aquatic Environments as a Result of the Domestic Washing of Synthetic Clothes

Abstract

Microfibers released by synthetic clothes have a significant negative effect on the environment. Several solutions have been proposed and evaluated for their effectiveness, but studies have failed to address the human-centered aspects of these products. In this research, the possibilities and needs from a consumer perspective for a new filtering system for domestic washing machines were examined. First, a quantitative (questionnaire) and a qualitative (interviews and observations) exploration were done to understand the desired requirements from a user perspective. Next, the acceptance of various existing solutions for microfiber catching was investigated. To verify these requirements, a new concept was designed and evaluated with a questionnaire. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. It can be concluded that the problem of microfibers is not well known, and the impact of people’s washing behavior is underestimated. Since microfibers are almost invisible, the effectiveness needed to be proven. Effectiveness is seen as the most important characteristic of a product that captures microfibers, followed by durability. Both factors ensure long-term usage. However, changing washing habits is not evident, and usage should be straightforward and user-friendly to save time, especially considering the new cleaning actions, which should be clear and unambiguous.

Quantification of different microplastic fibres discharged from textiles in machine wash and tumble drying

“…The overall effectiveness of a fibre trap to mitigate microplastic pollution is greatly impacted by their user-friendliness. Herweyers et al ( 2020 ) examined the perceptions and attitudes of customers toward products that mitigate fibre emissions from domestic washings. Based on questionnaires ( n = 411) and user observations with interviews ( n = 8), they found that the effectiveness and durability of a product followed by its usability, with special focus on convenience, were the most important factors in convincing people to use the product.…”

Synthesis of dominant plastic microfibre prevalence and pollution control feasibility in Chinese freshwater environments

“…These are already found in some separate washing machine accessories, such as the Cora Ball that can trap microfibres (31%) in the drum of the laundry machine during washing and the Guppy Friend washing bag that protect fabrics from mechanical friction and intercepts microfibre discharge (54%) during laundry processes (Fig. 3) (Herweyers et al, 2020;Napper et al, 2020).…”

Microfiber pollution: an ongoing major environmental issue related to the sustainable development of textile and clothing industry

“…Meanwhile, socially responsible behavior such as community awareness and improved education about microfiber release during washing will be successful in making public conscious of microfiber pollution (Singh et al 2020). Consumer's perceptions and positive attitudes toward microfiber pollution in environment will be helpful to correct the habit to discard used textiles and worn clothes at will, which will be an effective action to control microfiber pollution at an individual level (Herweyers et al 2020).…”