SACRAMENTO, CA— October 6, 2026 — The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has launched the Microfiber Action Alliance (MAA), a new multi-stakeholder initiative to combat microfiber pollution by accelerating the adoption and scaling of effective, evidence-based solutions. Convened by TNC, the founding cohort includes Nike, Patagonia, Under Armour, lululemon, Cotopaxi and REI Co-op, among other leading brands.
Microfibers are small particles that shed from both synthetic and natural textiles. Alongside use and wear, the production of clothing and textiles is a significant contributor to microfiber pollution globally, with some estimates indicating that microfibers account for over 30% of ocean microplastics. While synthetic microfibers are among the most common forms of microplastic pollution found in nature, even natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, contribute to microfiber pollution if they have been treated with dye, softeners or finishes. Once in the environment, microfibers are extremely difficult to remove because they are so small and easily dispersed, underscoring the importance of prevention.
Fortunately, a range of effective solutions exist. Complementing the work of The Microfibre Consortium, which convenes across the textile industry to develop the science, data and tools needed to reduce fiber fragmentation, TNC will work with participating companies to better understand, refine and advance solutions that can meaningfully reduce microfiber pollution. Through actions taken within each participating company’s supply chain, the MAA will generate practical insights on what works and share those lessons with the broader industry to help drive wider adoption.
“We’re focusing on advancing solutions that can scale beyond Nike,” said Scott Vitters, Senior Director of Global Sustainability at Nike. “Through the Microfiber Action Alliance, we’re combining scientific insight with industry collaboration to better understand where pollution occurs, deploy effective interventions and accelerate progress across the apparel value chain. That’s how meaningful change happens, by learning together and acting together.”
“Microfiber pollution is a pervasive problem that affects everyone on the planet, and this alliance creates strategic tools for apparel companies to find solutions to that problem,” said Matt Dwyer, vice president of global product footprint at Patagonia. “We’re addressing microfibers throughout our supply chain while also investing in ways to reduce shedding during our products’ lifecycles. For the health of the planet, all apparel companies can reduce microfiber shedding.”
“We have seen incredible scientific advancements around this issue, informed by years of industry research, and The Nature Conservancy is excited to help companies apply and build upon those efforts,” said Patrick Jurney, Plastics Project Director at The Nature Conservancy in California. “Addressing microfiber pollution is a complicated problem that requires collaboration across the textile sector. We believe the Alliance can help accelerate the adoption of solutions that benefit freshwater ecosystems, oceans, wildlife and communities worldwide.”
“The Microfibre Consortium welcomes the Alliance’s focus on accelerating the adoption of new technologies and innovation across supply chains. We look forward to working with its members, and the wider industry, to reduce fiber fragmentation,” said Kelly Sheridan, CEO of The Microfibre Consortium.
With the initial participation of these companies—and opportunities for additional companies to join—the Microfiber Action Alliance is creating a credible, scalable roadmap for industry-wide progress over time.
Apparel companies interested in joining the Microfiber Action Alliance or learning more about reducing microfiber pollution can visit nature.org/microfibers.
Comments
“We all must work to treat low-shedding construction as an engineering parameter embedded in design decisions from day one, not a metric measured at the end. No single brand can solve this alone. Complete coordinated action across the value chain is essential to achieving the real reductions the science demands. Under Armour is proudly committed to contributing its data, methodology, and experience to this collective effort.” — Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President, Design, Innovation and Development at Under Armour
“We envision a future where the clothing we wear and the textiles we make have a significantly lighter impact on our climate, communities and environment. While this is an ambitious vision and there is still significant work ahead, the brands involved are coming together now to help move the industry in the right direction and keep plastic out of our bodies and watersheds.” — Annie Agle, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Cotopaxi
“Microfiber pollution is a complex challenge that no single company can address alone. At REI, we’ve supported research and collaborative efforts to better understand this issue, and we’re committed to working alongside industry peers, researchers and conservation partners to help identify practical, science-based solutions. Through the Microfiber Action Alliance, we have an opportunity to build on that work and turn shared learning into collective action that helps protect the health of the outdoors for future generations.” —Andrew Dempsey, Director of Sustainability at REI
Posted: October 6, 2026
Source: The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
