Environmental Extended Multiregional Input–Output Model Unveiling the Microfiber Footprint Embodied in the Textile Interprovincial Trade in China

Although the widespread release of microfibers (MFs)
from textile
production and consumption is well-recognized, regional disparities
and MF flows embodied in trade remain poorly understood. This study
performed an environmental extended multiregional input–output
model to trace the MFs footprint of China’s textile trade.
Results showed that 224, 182, and 208 trillion textile MFs were emitted
in 2012, 2015, and 2017. Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Fujian Provinces were
the largest contributors, linked to cotton, chemical fibers, and blended
fabrics. Significant industry agglomeration was confirmed by the Lorenz
curve and Gini coefficient, with the top five provinces accounting
for 93.5% to 96.4% of emissions. Microfibers embodied in trade declined
from 151 billion in 2012 to 121 billion in 2017, with 61.3% of provinces
engaged in bilateral trade among which 52.6% were net importers. Spillover
effects were evident as flows shifted from the Southeast Coast toward
North China. Structural decomposition analysis identified demand structure
(−46.7%), input–output structure (−41.0%), and
emission intensity (−20.1%) as major inhibitory drivers, while
demand scale (7.8%) facilitated emissions. The study highlights the
potential environmental risks of MFs pollution in aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems and provides actionable insights for policy makers to design
regionally differentiated mitigation strategies that support sustainable
textile production.