Synthetic textiles are the main cause of primary microplastics in the oceans. This was proven by a study of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The microplastics get into the sea through fibers that dissolve during washing of petroleum-based textiles. Fibers are also released when cotton clothing and textiles are washed. However, these are 100 percent biodegradable and therefore do not pollute water bodies with microplastics.

Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature