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Behind the Break

Behind the Break is a multi-phase research initiative developed by Fashion for Good in collaboration with The Microfibre Consortium. The project takes a research-led approach to advance the fashion industry’s understanding of fibre fragmentation, addressing uncertainties in existing testing protocols and key knowledge gaps. By supporting the development of a more credible and consistent foundation, the initiative aims to enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and take decisive action to mitigate fibre fragment pollution, while leveraging the best available science.

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Problem Statement
Stakeholders involved

Problem Statement

The apparel industry faces immense pressure to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, with fashion accounting for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, especially from processing (Tier 2), represent a critical challenge. Shifting to dry processing technologies has the potential to reduce water and energy use, contributing to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.

Stakeholders involved

The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project brought together key industry leaders and innovators committed to revolutionizing textile processing. The project’s brand stakeholders included:

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Behind the Break 2.0

Behind the Break 2.0 is a targeted research initiative focused on addressing fibre fragmentation in textiles, building directly on the work started in Phase 1.0 (2024–2025), which tested the strengths and limitations of different methods used to measure fibre loss, identifying how much results vary between labs, and exploring what drives fibre shedding across three fabric types: cotton knit, cotton woven, and polyester knit. Phase 2.0 seeks to increase confidence in data quality, consolidate and refine existing testing approaches and knowledge across selected fabric archetypes, and deepen supplier engagement to support wider data collection within the space.

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Problem Statement
Stakeholders involved

Problem Statement

The apparel industry faces immense pressure to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, with fashion accounting for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, especially from processing (Tier 2), represent a critical challenge. Shifting to dry processing technologies has the potential to reduce water and energy use, contributing to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.

Stakeholders involved

The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project brought together key industry leaders and innovators committed to revolutionizing textile processing. The project’s brand stakeholders included:

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Behind the Break 1.0

In early 2024, Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium joined forces on “Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation”, a collaborative project designed to advance the industry’s understanding of fibre fragmentation. Although fibre fragmentation is an issue that spans multiple industries, this project specifically focuses on the textile and fashion value chain, aligning with the missions of Fashion for Good and its partners to drive systemic change towards a more sustainable industry.

Jump to:
Problem Statement
Stakeholders involved

Problem Statement

The apparel industry faces immense pressure to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, with fashion accounting for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, especially from processing (Tier 2), represent a critical challenge. Shifting to dry processing technologies has the potential to reduce water and energy use, contributing to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.

Stakeholders involved

The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project brought together key industry leaders and innovators committed to revolutionizing textile processing. The project’s brand stakeholders included:

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Dyestuff Library

This project was designed to address the gap in knowledge and infrastructure for sustainable dyes by developing a tool to identify, assess, and select innovative dyestuffs based on specific metrics and fabric requirements. The project collaborates with brands, supply chain partners, and industry stakeholders to conduct comprehensive evaluations, aiming to facilitate an industry shift toward sustainable dye options. Structured in multiple rounds, each involving five innovators, the project includes trials at both lab and pilot scales, with support and guidance for participating innovators.

Problem Statement

The apparel industry faces immense pressure to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, with fashion accounting for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, especially from processing (Tier 2), represent a critical challenge. Shifting to dry processing technologies has the potential to reduce water and energy use, contributing to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.

Stakeholders involved

The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project brought together key industry leaders and innovators committed to revolutionizing textile processing. The project’s brand stakeholders included:

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From Waste to Black Pigment

The aim of the project was to validate the use of  black pigments derived from waste materials to replace conventional carbon black from virgin fossil fuels in dope dyeing applications. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of textile dyeing by using renewable, eco-friendly pigments sourced from waste.

Problem Statement

The apparel industry faces immense pressure to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, with fashion accounting for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, especially from processing (Tier 2), represent a critical challenge. Shifting to dry processing technologies has the potential to reduce water and energy use, contributing to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.

Stakeholders involved

The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project brought together key industry leaders and innovators committed to revolutionizing textile processing. The project’s brand stakeholders included:

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Kintra Fibers Project

Fashion for Good alumni, Kintra Fibres produces a biopolymer which is a replacement for virgin polyester. Polybutylene succinate or PBS is a biopolymer made using industrial sugarcane as a feedstock, it is also biodegradable in aerobic conditions.

Problem Statement

The apparel industry faces immense pressure to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, with fashion accounting for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, especially from processing (Tier 2), represent a critical challenge. Shifting to dry processing technologies has the potential to reduce water and energy use, contributing to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.

Stakeholders involved

The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project brought together key industry leaders and innovators committed to revolutionizing textile processing. The project’s brand stakeholders included: