Textile production alone releases an estimated 92,000 tonnes of microfibre pollution annually. The research estimates that existing wastewater systems prevent about 34,000 tonnes of microfibre leakage each year, leaving approximately 58,000 tonnes escaping into the environment. Regional findingsMost production-related microfibre losses occur in major textile manufacturing countries. When wastewater treatment and sludge practices are considered, Bangladesh remains the largest contributor, accounting for 24% of global microfibre emissions. Related article: Where Europe’s Textile Waste Really Ends Up