The e-learning programme has been developed in partnership with Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) and will be available globally from 12 February.
TMC has developed a series of new e-learning modules for suppliers, based on their ‘Preliminary Guidelines: Control of Microfibres in Wastewater’, which was published in 2022. Hosted on the ZDHC Academy (https://academy.roadmaptozero.com), the course is free to take for signatories of The Microfibre 2030 Commitment and €20 per learner for non-signatory organisations.
The new e-learning course has been designed to help companies better control fibre fragments in wastewater during the production of textiles, apparel and footwear, and prevent release into the environment. The course identifies approaches and best practices that can be taken throughout the supply chain, to best support positive change within manufacturing. It combines a series of principles and steps that are tailor-made for textile industry manufacturers:
- Expert guidance: Developed with insights from industry experts, the training incorporates the latest in fibre fragmentation knowledge directly from those deeply immersed in the topic.
- Real-life solutions: The training bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, by focusing on converting understanding into real-life solutions and effective strategies that manufacturers can implement to tackle fibre fragmentation in their facilities.
- Science-led: Acquired knowledge that is rooted in scientific evidence, enables informed decision-making to implement positive changes in manufacturing processes.
- Competitive edge: Equipping teams with expertise in fibre fragmentation provides a significant edge in the competitive textile industry landscape. Manufacturers who can effectively manage and optimise their processes are better positioned to meet market demands and deliver high-quality products.
- Maximise effectiveness: Manufacturers learn strategies that are not just quick fixes, but opportunities that lead to long-term improvements in production processes and product quality.
Participants on the course will be taken through four modules to build their understanding of the topic, and establish solutions:
- Introduction to The Microfibre Consortium
- Introduction to fibre fragments in wastewater
- Process and guidance of direct discharge effluent treatment
- Sampling and testing possibilities.
The course is particularly designed for textile, apparel and footwear suppliers with wet processing facilities that incorporate direct discharge, indirect discharge and on-site Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) treatment plants. These include, but are not limited to: Dyeing and finishing of fibres, yarns, threads, fabrics, garments, trims and laces; fabric mills; laundry, washing and finishing facilities; printing facilities; vertical finished goods manufacturing facilities where any of the above wet processes occur; facilities that process synthetic materials (synthetic fibres or textile-polymer composite microfibres), coated with PU, PVC or similar that hold the appearance of leather but is not made from animal skin or hide (mock leather).
Dr Kelly Sheridan, CEO of The Microfibre Consortium, comments: “This easy to access training course has been carefully developed to suggest viable actions that manufacturers can take to mitigate fibre loss to the environment, and in the process enhance efficiency and gain a competitive advantage. Taking the course will not only enhance learners’ knowledge of this vital topic, but also help their organisations to tackle the microfibre issue in a practical, impactful way.”
Christian Tubito, Director of the Kering Material Innovation Lab (MIL), comments: “As a signatory of The Microfibre 2030 Commitment, Kering did not hesitate to support the development of this relevant training course. It is key to start providing knowledge about fibre fragmentation and practical solutions to mitigate its impact to different stakeholders of the supply and value chain. It is a topic that requires much more investigation, understanding and effort from the whole textile and fashion industry.”
Janne Koopmans, Head of Collaborations at ZDHC comments: “The collaboration between ZDHC and The Microfibre Consortium emphasized through their training on the ZDHC Academy, not only fosters environmental sustainability but also addresses the critical impact of fibre fragments. This joint effort creates a go-to hub for comprehensive environmental education, solidifying the ZDHC Academy as the ultimate learning destination for sustainable environmental practices.”
The course will be available on the ZDHC Academy here. To download a copy of Preliminary Guidelines: Control of Microfibres in Wastewater, on which the course is based, visit www.microfibreconsortium.com (available in English, Simplified Chinese and Mandarin).