Microfibres

• Microfibre

  A synthetic fabric generally made of polyester, polyamide or acrylic and consists of ultra fine fibres which have a diameter of less than 10 micrometres, weighing under 0.7 deniers
• Microfibre

  • Microscopic-sized filaments allow the fibres to move within the spun yarns, enhancing drape and giving it a softer feel
  • Improved absorption and moisture wicking abilities
  • Allows the user to feel less suffocated during warmer seasons
  • Can be woven very tight which provides insulation against all weather conditions
  • Heat setting ability allows them to maintain a definite shape
  • One of the softest feels against human skin
• Sportswear - Tennis

  • Microfibre enhances moisture wicking ability
  • Microfibre is very elastic and durable, allowing for free movement
  • Microfibre is lightweight and breathable which increases comfort
  • Microfibre can regulate body temperature by either providing heat or cooling the body
  • Microfibre is abrasion resistant and does not damage the skin
• Running Shoes

  • Microfibre is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable
  • Microfibre is used as a lining and in the upper part of the shoe providing good resistance to soiling
  • Microfibre is a very hygienic material because of its moisture wicking abilities
  • Microfibre's porous structure allows air to pass through but not water or mud
• Men's Business Shirts

  • Microfibre's wicking ability makes it breathable and comfortable
  • Microfibre has high stain resistance
  • Microfibre is a very durable material as it retains shape and is machine wash resistant
  • Microfibre has high wrinkle resistance and is low maintenance
• Cleaning Cloths


  • Microfibre has increased surface area resulting in increased absorption due to 'split weave' production
  • Microfibre has high absorbency due to the capillary effect between the nylon core and the filaments
  • Microfibre has a positive electrostatic charge making it easier to attract negatively charged dust particles, debris, and grime
  • Microfibre is hypoallergenic and can pick up dust mites, pollen and allergens
• Price

  • Microfibre is cheaper to produce than cotton due to year-round harvesting and overseas production
  • Cheaper, high-quality microfibre brands are marketed overseas to achieve a wider market and increase profits
  • Consumers often associate a higher priced product with superior quality, but are aware that almost all manufacturers are consistent with their high-quality microfibre products
• Product

  • Production methods of microfibre cloths often always result in products with similar quality
  • Microfibre cloths are used in a variety of industries due to their reusability, lack of chemicals, and hypoallergenic properties
  • Microfibre is used in sportswear because of its lightweight, breathable, and elastic nature
• Place (distribution)

  • Microfibre cloths use the producer-wholesaler-retailer-consumer channel
  • Producing in bulk is necessary to cut manufacturing costs as it is less expensive to produce large quantities overseas
  • Consumers can purchase microfibre products in bulk from online stores like Amazon
• Retailers selling microfibre cloths

  • Coles
  • Woolworths
• Direct selling

  Forming a seller-buyer relationship to maintain a reputation within the market
• Online shopping

  Increases convenience for consumers but also increases chance of online marketing and customised advertisements
• Microfibre cloths can be quite expensive to purchase due to the manufacturing process
• Consumers may be discouraged from purchasing microfibre products due to ethical concerns over overseas factory conditions
• Lack of consumer education about microfibre properties and suitable end-uses can discourage purchases
• Environmentally aware consumers may be less likely to buy microfibre products due to the use of petrochemicals in production
• Advantages of microfibres for consumers and society

  • Enhanced properties
  • Luxury
  • Easy care
  • Variety of end uses
• Manufacturer

  Produces the finished product from raw materials using tools and processes
• Microfibre manufacturing process

  1. Decide spinning method (melt, wet, dry)

  2. Adjust spinner engine for desired fibre properties

  3. Use fabric finishes (e.g. antibacterial)

  4. Combine microfibres with other fibres for specific end-uses
• Establishing high-level machinery for microfibre production is expensive for manufacturers
• Manufacturers must ensure employees are properly trained to operate machinery and avoid contamination/injuries
• Microfibre products can take consumer attention away from other fibres like silk and cotton
• Microfibre products are distributed through the producer-retailer-consumer channel, building trust and loyalty
• Microfibre production

  • Can be rather expensive
  • Requires time and money for initial use of machines and training employees
  • Employees must be professionally trained to handle machines efficiently and safely
  • Risks of contamination due to exposed chemical solutions
  • Risks of workplace injuries due to numerous hazards
• Product testing

  1. Manufacturers must undergo various testing methods to ensure the product fits government standards before sending to market

  2. Guarantee that microfibres will retain shape after leaving the spinneret is decreasing
• Increase in microfibre products

  • Can take consumer attention away from other fibres such as fine silks and high-quality cottons
  • Can cause the downfall of many companies as demand for different fibres decreases
  • Can lead to bankruptcy
  • Can discourage businesses from producing a variety of products
  • Can result in an increase in competition for microfibre companies
• Microfibre products

  • Manufacturers can easily manipulate and engineer to suit a variety of end uses
  • Combining with regenerated or natural yarns greatly improves overall properties and performance
  • Still expensive to produce high quality products due to rising prices of machinery and need to train employees
• Employee

  • A worker that has agreed to be employed for work in return for some form of payment under a contract
  • Involved in the production process by operating machinery or marketing products
• Increase in demand for microfibre products

  More job opportunities arise, especially in first world countries with available resources
• Employees in microfibre industry

  • Highly skilled workers are in high demand due to reliance on large machinery
  • Opportunities to educate themselves and develop new skills through exposure to new technology and production processes
  • Can transfer skills to many other industries
• Structural unemployment

  • Forced long term unemployment resulting from industrial reorganisation when employees are replaced by machinery or highly skilled workers
  • Can cause economic inefficiencies and increase financial costs for the business
  • Can cause workplace competition as employees fight to keep their job
• No matter how high of a skill set a worker has, they can always be replaced by a machine
• Hazards for employees

  • Exposure to numerous hazards that come with heavy machinery, resulting in workplace injuries
  • Exposure to pollution and chemicals produced by synthetic fibres, causing skin irritations like burns and infections
• Poor working conditions with minimum wages are more common in third world countries where safety regulations and salary standards are disregarded
• Advantages for employees

  • Increased wages due to marketplace demand
  • Various job opportunities
  • Opportunity to learn a wide range of skills
• Concerns for employees

  • Health hazards when working with heavy machinery
  • Poor working conditions
• Concerns regarding environmentally friendly products have risen, making the public more aware of the products they purchase and how they impact the environment
• Microfibres

  • Not dependent on natural resources, eliminating the need to plant and harvest crops
  • Made from synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon
  • No need to use harmful cleaning agents when cleaning surfaces, reducing exposure of chemicals to the environment
  • Increased surface area allows for dirt and grime to easily be trapped and improved absorption making the cloths reusable
  • Can be washed multiple times, maintaining their integrity for about 500 wash cycles before deteriorating
• Microfibres are not biodegradable, the fibres can break off and pollute drainage systems, landfills, rivers, and oceans
• Microfibres entering waterways

  Animals may digest them, unaware of the harm it can cause, and this can travel up the food chain and cause immense harm to people if ingested in large quantities