Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas that are reshaping the materials sector. It covers the latest developments in how fashion is designed, engineered, and scaled—from emerging biomaterials and next-generation leathers to engineered fibers and sustainable alternatives.

Polyester’s microplastics problem gets a closer look

A small University of Memphis study found that wearing polyester-containing T-shirts was associated with higher concentrations of airborne microplastics near participants’ breathing zones compared with cotton shirts.

The pilot study, funded by the National Cotton Council’s Cotton Foundation, involved 10 participants who wore cotton and polyester-containing T-shirts during daytime activities.…