On Feb 14, 2018, a new bill (AB-2379) in the California State Assembly has been introduced to require all the clothing made primarily of polyester to bear a label warning that the garment sheds plastic microfibers when washed and recommends hand washing.

According to the bill, a person shall not sell or offer for sale clothing made from fabric that is more than 50% polyester, unless the clothing bear a conspicuous label that states: “This garment sheds plastic microfibers when washed. Hand washing recommended.” However, hats and shoes would be exempted. 

Garments made from synthetic fibers such as polyester can shed large amounts of plastic microfibers per wash, which are small enough to get past filters and end up in waterways and the ocean. This bill is meant to be in line with other efforts in the state aimed at reducing water pollution.

Note:

Plastic microfiber: A small polyester particle that is fibrous in shape, less than 5 millimeters in length, and is released into water through the regular washing of polyester-based textiles.