As the fashion industry grapples with mounting evidence of its role in global plastic pollution, natural fibers like cotton are emerging as a scalable, biodegradable alternative to synthetics.
Recent research has quantified how synthetic textiles (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic) contribute to microplastic pollution in aquatic systems, and more broadly to plastic leakage across environments.[1][2][3] In a comprehensive analysis published in Nature Communications, estimate that the global apparel industry leaked about 8.3 million metric tons of plastic in 2019, of which ~89 % (~7.4 million tons) stems from synthetic apparel—mainly from mismanaged end-of-life synthetic garments.[4]
Cotton is a natural cellulose fiber that biodegrades under a variety of environmental conditions. Microfibers shed from cotton do not contribute to the long-term accumulation of microplastics. Laboratory tests show that 100% cotton spun yarns can biodegrade by up to 90% in just 38 days in activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants—regardless of dye or finish—while polyester microfibers show little to no degradation over the same period.[5]
“Brands have an opportunity to address a major source of plastic pollution simply by rethinking their material choices,” says Jesse Daystar, Ph.D., vice president and chief sustainability officer at Cotton Incorporated. “Cotton offers a renewable, biodegradable fiber that performs well, is available at a global scale, and can help future-proof products meeting changing industry standards.”
Synthetic fibers currently account for more than 65% of global textile production, with polyester alone making up over half.[6] These materials are derived from fossil fuels and release microplastics during laundering—microplastics that wastewater treatment systems cannot fully capture. Once in the environment, they persist for decades, entering aquatic ecosystems and the food chain.[7]
Cotton’s advantages extend beyond biodegradability. It is breathable, hypoallergenic, and naturally odor-resistant, making it a preferred choice for comfort and performance. As a renewable resource, cotton is planted and harvested annually, and advances in sustainable farming practices are reducing its environmental footprint. Its established global supply chain makes it a practical, cost-effective option compared to many emerging bio-based fibers.
For brands, shifting toward cotton can strengthen consumer trust. The 2023 Global Durability Study, conducted by Cotton Incorporated and Cotton Council International with a sample of 9,151 consumers, found that 83% of respondents expect cotton clothing to be more durable than apparel made from manmade fibers. Cotton’s traceability programs also provide verifiable data to support sustainability claims—critical in an era of increasing transparency and regulatory oversight.
With international negotiations on plastic pollution facing setbacks, local and regional action is accelerating. As scientific understanding of microplastics deepens, demand for proven, scalable solutions will grow. Cotton offers one such solution—natural, renewable, and ready to meet the challenge.
For more on Cotton Incorporated’s research, visit: https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/
[1] Marielis C. Zambrano et al. (2020). Aerobic Biodegradation in Freshwater and Marine Environments of Textile Microfibers Generated in Clothes Laundering: Effects of Cellulose and Polyester-Based Microfibers on the Microbiome. Marine Pollution Bulletin 151: p. 110826, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110826.
[2] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). What You Should Know About Microfiber Pollution. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/documents/article_2_microfibers_formatted.pdf
[3] Nihart AJ et al.(2025). Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nature Medicine. DOI:10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1d
[4] Kounina, A., Daystar, J., Chalumeau, S., Devine, J., Geyer, R. Pires, S., Uday Sonar, S., Venditti, R., Boucher, J. (2024). “The global apparel industry is a significant yet overlooked source of plastic leakage.”
[5] Zambrano, M. C., Pawlak, J. J., Daystar, J., Ankeny, M., Goller, C. C., & Venditti, R. A. (2020). Aerobic biodegradation in freshwater and marine environments of textile microfibers generated in clothes laundering: Effects of cellulose and polyester-based microfibers on the microbiome. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Link
[6] Textile Exchange. (2024). Materials Market Report 2024. Retrieved from https://textileexchange.org/app/uploads/2024/09/Materials-Market-Report-2024.pdf
[7] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2017). Primary microplastics in the oceans: A global evaluation of sources (IUCN Issues Brief No. 2017-002). Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Retrieved from https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/46622
