Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Plant Not Plastic" campaign?

"Plant Not Plastic" is a public awareness initiative designed to educate about the impact of clothing choices on microplastic pollution and its potential health implications. We aim to bridge the knowledge gap by highlighting the benefits of choosing natural fibers, like cotton, as a simple and impactful way to reduce microplastic pollution.

Why is this campaign important?

With new scientific research emerging regularly on microplastic pollution, there is a growing need for clear consumer guidance. Microplastics are increasingly found in our environment and now even our bodies, and textiles are a key source of this. Our consumer survey found that only a third (33%) of consumers are "very aware" of microplastic pollution and only 42% of those aware connect microplastic pollution with their clothing. This campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage consumers to choose the natural alternative.

What are microplastics, and why are they a concern?

Microplastics are small plastic particles (less than 5mm) that result from larger plastic items, including synthetic textiles, breaking down. They are a concern because they are accumulating in the environment, including our oceans and now found in our bodies, and their potential health effects are still being studied.

What is a synthetic fiber?

According to Textile Exchange, synthetics are fibers made through chemical processes. The compounds used to make synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, come from fossil-fuel-derived resources including petroleum-based chemicals and petrochemicals. Often, they are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same chemicals found in single-use plastic bottles and packaging.

What scientific evidence supports the claim that synthetic fabrics contribute to microplastic pollution?

Synthetics make up 67% of global fiber production, where polyester alone represents 57%. [Materials Market Report 2023] It’s thought that up to 65% of microplastics from synthetic textiles may be emitted into the air during the drying and wearing of garments [OECD, 2020], with up to 700,000 acrylic fibers released during a single wash cycle. [Napper and Thompson]

Research also notes that people inhale or ingest on average 74,000 to 121,000 microplastic particles per year. Some research suggests individuals can accumulate up to 130 microplastics per day in their lungs from inhalation.

What research is being done on microplastics and clothing?

There is a lot of research that shows we have microplastics in our bodies and that textiles are a contributing factor. Studies have detected microplastics in critical organs: brain, kidneys, lungs, even blood.

Our research statistics paper outlines some of these findings, including for every 500 shirts manufactured, one is lost as microfiber pollution during the manufacturing process, and that synthetic clothing’s textile microfibers are the single largest source of primary microplastics in the oceans, estimated to contribute 35% of the total global release. Click here to explore some of the scientific research that has been done.

And now research is being done to focus on its impact on our health. To further investigate this issue, the National Cotton Council has partnered with the University of Memphis to conduct research on inhalational exposure to microplastics from clothing made from synthetic versus natural fabrics. We anticipate results from this study will be available in 2026.

What about new "sustainable" synthetic fabrics?

We welcome innovation in the textile industry. However, it's important to examine the full lifecycle impact of any new material. Cotton is a natural, renewable resource that biodegrades in the environment.

Is cotton production truly sustainable? I've heard that cotton uses a lot of water and inputs.

The U.S. cotton industry is actively adopting innovative practices to enhance sustainability and reduce its environmental footprint in areas such as:

• Regenerative Agriculture: Practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage are enhancing soil health, improving water retention, reducing synthetic inputs, and boosting biodiversity.
• Water-Saving Techniques: Modern cotton farming uses significantly less water (up to 79% less than 40 years ago) through methods like no-till farming and advanced irrigation techniques (e.g., soil moisture sensors with irrigation scheduling).

Is cotton better than synthetics for the environment?

All garments shed fiber fragments, however unlike synthetics, cotton is a natural, renewable fiber that can biodegrade in the environment.  According to research by Cotton Incorporated, cotton fibers can biodegrade by up to 90% in just 40 days in wastewater treatment environments. Even when treatments such as softeners, water repellents, and durable press are applied to cotton, the cotton still degrades to the same or higher degree than oak leaves.

The core message of this campaign is about creating awareness, so people can make conscious choices about what they are consuming and wearing.

Where can I find more information about the "Plant Not Plastic" campaign?

You can also follow our social channels to stay up to date (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, TikTok).

What can I do to make an impact?

One of the easiest actions to take is checking the labels of what you wear.  Even items that you think are cotton might not be.  It’s also suggested to wash synthetic items less often, use cold water, and run full loads.  When they reach the end of their life, you can also look for textile recycling programs for synthetics.