Recycled Polyester and Microplastic Shedding in Your Laundry

The Hidden Cost of Recycled Polyester

Your clothes are shedding plastic into your water supply every time you run a load of laundry. A 2026 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that fabrics made from mechanically recycled polyester release significantly more microplastic fibers than virgin polyester as they age.

Researchers tested polyester fibers subjected to multiple recycling cycles. While once-recycled polyester showed a minor increase in shedding, the results for fabrics recycled two or three times were staggering. Fabrics with fibers recycled twice released 4.3-fold more microplastics, and those recycled three times released 6.2-fold more than primary (virgin) polyester. You can read the full study here.

Why Your Laundry Matters

The process of mechanical recycling causes progressive fiber fragmentation and increased yarn hairiness. Essentially, the material is structurally degrading with every cycle. This makes the fibers weaker and more prone to breaking off during the agitation of a wash cycle. Current industry standards often fail to account for this dry-state abrasion, meaning the problem is likely worse than most labels suggest.

What You Can Do

You don't need to panic, but you should be intentional about what you bring into your home. Prioritize natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, or wool that don't rely on plastic-based polymers. When you do buy synthetic textiles, look for high-quality, durable weaves that resist pilling and fragmentation. We have curated a selection of non-toxic home alternatives that prioritize natural materials over recycled plastics to help you reduce your microplastic footprint.

Source: Persson M, de Lima JA, Kadi N, Persson NK (2026). Environ Sci Technol.