The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) and the ZDHC Foundation have launched the second phase of their joint project to improve how fibre fragments in textile wastewater are measured and managed.

The project will involve testing wastewater at 15 textile manufacturing facilities around the world. Researchers will study whether TSS, which measures all suspended particles, can accurately reflect the presence of fibre fragments in industrial wastewater.

To ensure accuracy, the study will collect both TSS data and results from Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA), a method that directly counts fibre fragments. Samples will be taken from different stages of wastewater treatment, including balancing tanks and final discharge points, and the two methods will be compared to assess reliability.

After completing this phase, TMC and ZDHC plan to create an action plan to help suppliers meet ZDHC wastewater standards. This will include training, guidance on treatment technologies, and integration of findings into educational programs.