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United States Congress Enacts Legislation Targeting Textile Microplastics

Recycled PET New Horizons 2025-07-28 09:28:45

The U.S. Congress House and Senate passed the "Fighting Fibers Act," jointly proposed by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and California Congressman Mike Levin on July 24/25, 2025.

The bill states that textile microfibers are "the largest known source of microplastic pollution," with a large amount of synthetic and natural fibers released from laundry entering water bodies and the environment each year.

Supported by environmental organizations such as Ocean Conservancy and 5 Gyres, the bill is described as a simple yet powerful solution that can prevent the pathway of laundry pollution. "Washing machine filters can capture about 90% of microfibers."

Office of Senator Jeff Merkley

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Key Points of the Bill: Mandatory Installation of Filters in Washing Machines + Research on Health and Environmental Impact

1.1 Mandatory Installation of Microfiber Filter Mesh

The bill requires that starting from 2030, new residential and commercial washing machines sold in the United States must be equipped with microfiber filters capable of capturing fibers shed during the washing process.

Filters are suitable for synthetic and natural fibers, covering materials such as polyester and nylon.

1.2 Conduct research on microfiber exposure and health impacts.

The bill also requires the EPA and the Department of Energy to issue a research report within one year on microfibers exposure pathways and their impacts on human health and the environment, especially in environmental justice communities.

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Progress at the U.S. State Level and International Lessons

Illinois is advancing HB 1370, which sets phased standards to achieve microfiber emission capture standards within five years, providing washing machine manufacturers time to adapt.

New York State Bill S.5605C proposes that, starting in 2030, all washing machines must have built-in filters and display prominent warning labels, with an exemption period allowing the sale of older models until the end of 2029.

International Reference: France amended its law in 2020, stipulating that all new washing machines must be equipped with microfiber filters starting from 2025, making it the first country in the world to introduce such legislation.

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Insights and Opportunities for the PET Recycling Industry

3.1 The Integration of Filtration Technology and the PET Industry Holds Broad Prospects

Microfiber filtration technology can significantly reduce PET fibers shed during washing from entering the sewage system, improve the purity of recycled materials, and reduce impurities in the regenerated output.

According to data supported by marine environmental organizations, filters can remove approximately 78–90% of microfibers.

3.2 PET recycling enterprises can participate in policy support and standards development.

With the advancement of California's Responsible Textile Recovery Act (2024), which promotes the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism, PET recycling companies play an important role in the fiber recovery system.

Microfiber-related pilot demonstration project, PET recycling companies can apply to participate, connecting fiber recycling and separation processes.

3.3 Innovative Fiber Technology and PET Jointly Promote Sustainable Development

CiCLO® technology has been integrated into recycled or virgin polyester/nylon and applied by multiple brands. It possesses biodegradable properties without affecting performance during use, and it can decompose the fiber structure once it enters the natural environment.

In the field of PET recycling, innovative technologies can be considered to promote eco-friendly fiber design and reduce the risk of microplastic pollution in the future.

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Outlook and Summary

Legislation to promote technological upgrades: Federal and state regulations will push washing machine manufacturers to accelerate the integration of filter technologies; PET recycling companies can pay attention to this trend by introducing filter-compatible materials or providing support for recycled filter elements.

Building a complete chain of recycling standards: establishing a closed-loop process from fiber shedding of clothing to wastewater filtration, extraction and recovery from sludge, and PET material regeneration.

Strengthen scientific research and advocacy: Collaborate with the EPA, DOE, and environmental organizations to support quantitative research on pollution transfer in the microfiber and PET recycling process, providing data support for the development of industry standards.

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United States Congress Enacts Legislation Targeting Textile Microplastics

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