Summit Project

For the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth of Piedmont

The SUMMIT project addresses the need to reduce pollution caused by fibrous microplastics (FMPPs) released from synthetic fabrics during household laundry. Some FMPPs escape treatment plants, contaminating waterways and marine environments. Addressing this issue is a priority for the EU in the Strategy for Circular and Sustainable Textiles, which reports 40,000 tons of synthetic fibers released annually from washing machine effluents. Thanks to the project's involvement with companies across the entire supply chain (spinning, weaving, finishing, and clothing), the problem is addressed comprehensively, with two main objectives: (i) defining ecodesign criteria throughout the production process that minimize the future release of FMPPs; (ii) developing a sustainable surface treatment to be applied during spinning or finishing to mitigate FMPP release without compromising mechanical properties and comfort. The recent publication of three ISO standards relating to the quantification and qualification of MPf from textile sources (ISO 4484 -1-2-3) allows research centres to characterise the developed products with standardised criteria.