In the landscape of textile innovation, the SUMMIT project (Sustainable Mitigation of Microplastics In Textile) represents a tangible response to one of the most pressing environmental challenges: reducing fibrous microplastics (MPf) released during the washing of synthetic fabrics. Our knitting mill, in collaboration with supply chain partners, plays a leading role in this initiative supported by the Piedmont Region.

While the world debates the issue of microplastic pollution—which bypasses water treatment systems and contaminates our oceans—our work is progressing at full speed. The analysis phase is now in full swing: we are conducting laboratory tests on both knitted and woven fabrics we have produced to identify the best solution to minimize fiber release. The need to address the issue of MPf release has also been highlighted as a priority by the European Commission in its “EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles,” which reports that 40,000 tons of synthetic fibers are released annually from household laundry into wastewater.

The project has two key strategic objectives:

• To define eco-design criteria for production stages, selecting operational conditions that minimize future MPf release.
• To develop a sustainable and long-lasting "anti-release" treatment. This treatment, applied during spinning or finishing, will enhance abrasion resistance to reduce fiber shedding, without compromising the mechanical, thermal, or comfort properties of the fabrics.

Thanks to the participation of companies from the entire textile supply chain—spinning, weaving, finishing, and garment manufacturing—along with partners such as Filidea S.r.l. (Lead Partner), Tessitura Pertile S.r.l., Tintoria Finissaggio 2000 S.r.l., Politecnico di Torino – DISAT, and CNR - STIIMA, the issue is being addressed in a comprehensive and synergistic way.

The recent publication in 2023 of three ISO standards on the quantification and qualification of microplastics from textile sources (ISO 4484-1-2-3) provides standardized tools to accurately measure the products and processes developed. We firmly believe that sustainable innovation is the future of our industry, and we are proud to be actively contributing to a concrete solution for such a significant environmental issue. The project, set to conclude on March 16, 2027, marks a crucial step toward a more conscious and responsible textile industry.