Microfibre, especially microplastic, pollution of waterways and oceans and the effect on associated animal life is an area of increasing environmental concern. Previous research showed that while cellulose-based fabrics (such as cotton) generally shed more microfibres, they also degrade more quickly than polyester fibres.

This investment investigates how dyes and other finishes may affect degradation rates, and whether cotton has an environmental benefit over synthetics regarding microfibre pollution.