Microfibre and Microplastics

Independent research into the Microplastic content of Microfibre cloths was conducted by the British Leather Confederation (blcleathertech.com) in October 2018.

This concluded that there is significant microfibre shedding with every use of a typical Microfibre when cleaning and drying a car. 

This is a serious issue, because run-off water from car washing at home typically feeds into storm drains.  From here Microplastics will enter our streams and rivers and will end up in our oceans. 

If the research single use figures are multiplied for the average use of a Microfibre cloth and when you consider the number of cloths sold in stores each year, the volume of microplastics shed is very significant.  We are talking many multiples of tonnes of tiny microplastics.

We genuinely believe this is a serious issue that has not been raised before, irrespective of the fact that Chamois offers a genuine alternative.

If you are a scientist, journalist, environmental campaigner or other interested party, then please contact us via the "submit a request" link at the top the page, we would be happy to send you a copy of this research.

We do also appreciate that some manufacturers in the leather industry do not have great environmental or ethical credentials.  We are working hard to lead our industry in these areas and as such we undergo regular independent auditing, for example by the the Leather Working Group (LWG) for Environmental best practice, where we hold a Silver Award (leatherworkinggroup.com).  Silver and Gold LWG Audits are required by some major brands to become an approved supplier.  We are also regularly audited by Sedex ensuring ethical best practice. (sedexglobal.com).