Research by scientists at Keele University is featured in a new white paper published today that calls for more to be done to stop textile microfibres entering the UK’s waterways from washing laundry.

The UK Microplastics White Paper highlights the negative impact of plastic microfibres on the environment, and calls on the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to secure legislation that requires all new washing machines to be fitted with microfibre filters.

It is estimated that UK laundry alone generates an average of 18,000 tonnes of microfibres each year (250g per person), weighing the equivalent of around 1,500 double-decker buses. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, acrylic or elastane, are the biggest source of primary floating microplastics in the world's oceans, accounting for 35 per cent of the total, but it is actually natural fibres which predominate in the environment.

The recent Keele-led Restorying Riverscapes project, which saw researchers at the University study the impact of Leek's once booming textile industry on the nearby River Churnet and Rudyard Lake, is featured in the white paper to highlight emerging concerns about natural fibres. The Riverscapes team took a 25cm sediment core from Staffordshire's Rudyard Lake and found fibres still remained in the deepest and oldest layers of the sample.

Deirdre McKay, Professor of Sustainable Development at Keele University, said: "Our work supports the white paper's call for all new washing machines to be fitted with microfibre filters, to prevent microfibre pollution arising from our laundry.

"The Riverscapes project highlighted the fascinating history of Leek and the Churnet. People here take a lot of pride in the amazing textiles the area produced. However, what was most revealing from our study was just how long it could take the river to recover from its industrial heyday.

"Rivers are nature's highways. Textile fibres, both natural and synthetic, are generated in our everyday practices of clothing and textile care. Once in our rivers, these fibres can potentially interact with many other chemical pollutants which might stick to the fibres' surfaces and then be transported long distances, including out to sea."

The white paper comes ahead of a Parliamentary event sponsored by Baroness Natalie Bennet: 'How Parliament can lead the fight against microplastics in UK waterways.'

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