New Microfiber Filter Device Launches For Home Washing Machines

washing machine. (Photo by: Newscast/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The U.K. climate tech company Matter has joined forces with Europe’s leading washing machine manufacturer to launch a microfiber filter device for the home.

It will see manufacturer BSH launch a sustainable microfiber filter for use with its Bosch and Siemens washing machines, which will address the growing microplastic pollution crisis by preventing up to 97% of microfibers from being released during every wash cycle.

The filter can simply be connected to the washing machine’s wastewater hose and placed on or next to the appliance.

It can also even be easily retrofitted to an existing washing machine regardless of the manufacturer or age of the machine.

Matter founder and chief executive Adam Root said they choose to partner with BSH because of the impact they have in an interview.

“The outreach of what we can get to by working with somebody like BSH is vast,” he added. “They have the awareness, the brand, and the ability to roll out this filter at scale.”

Root added pollution is a key issue, which crosses geographical borders and will have a huge impact not just on this generation, but on future generations to come.

“Microplastics are the new asbestos,” he told me. “They are so pervasive in everything, and the big question is what the safe levels of concentration? How much can you have before you get poisoned?

He added the filter will capture all the microfiber pollution being shed in a wash and prevent it from entering wastewater streams.

Root said it also has a self-cleaning system, which can go up to six weeks without needing to be emptied and no replacement filters are needed, so the product will last the life of the washing machine.

He added the team at Matter is now looking to scale up further and looking to work with partners in the textile supply chain to begin retrofitting their facilities with industrial filter technology.

It comes at a time when awareness of the dangers of microplastic pollution to human and planetary health is increasing.

In the U.S. a microfiber bill has been introduced in Congress by Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley and the European Union is currently awaiting legislation.

According to a white paper published last year, U.K. laundry alone generates an average of 17,234 tonnes of microfibres each year, weighing the equivalent of around 1,500 double-decker buses.

Root said Matter is also looking to launch its first professional laundry product for use in hotels, laundrettes and other commercial settings.

Matter completed a successful $10m series A funding round last year with participation from S2G Ventures, SOUNDwaves and Leonardo DiCaprio-backed Consumer ClimateTech fund Regeneration.VC.

“We are proud to introduce our revolutionary microplastic filter, designed to tackle the major issue of microplastic pollution” said BSH product manager, Konrad Koloska in a statement.

“By offering an external solution that can be easily equipped to any washing machine, we empower consumers to actively contribute to reducing microplastic waste without compromising on convenience.

“This collaboration with Matter exemplifies our commitment to proactive and effective measures in creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

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