washing machine. (Photo: Newscast/Universal Images Team via Getty Images)
British air conditioning technology company Matter has joined forces with Europe’s leading washing machine manufacturer to launch a microfibre filter device for the home.
It will see manufacturer BSH launch a sustainable microfibre filter for use with Bosch and Siemens washing machines, which will tackle the growing microplastic pollution crisis by preventing up to 97% of microfibres from being released during each wash cycle.
The filter can simply be connected to the washing machine’s drain hose and placed on or next to the appliance.
It can also be easily fitted to an existing washing machine regardless of the manufacturer or age of the washing machine.
Matter founder and CEO Adam Root said they choose to work with BSH because of the impact they have in an interview.
“The scope of what we can achieve by working with someone like BSH is huge,” he added. “They have the awareness, the brand and the ability to develop this filter at scale.”
Radical pollution is a key issue, which transcends geographical boundaries and will have a huge impact not only on this generation, but on future generations as well.
“Microplastics are the new asbestos,” he told me. “They are so pervasive in everything and the big question is what are the safe levels of concentration? How much can you have before you get poisoned?
He added that the filter will capture all the microfibre pollution thrown away in the wash and prevent it from entering the waste stream.
Root said it also has a self-cleaning system, which can last up to six weeks without needing to be emptied and no replacement filters are needed, so the product will last for the life of the washing machine.
He added that the Matter team is now looking to expand further and work with partners in the textile supply chain to begin equipping 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 growing.
In the U.S a microfiber bill was introduced in Congress by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and the European Union is currently awaiting legislation.
According to a white paper published last year, UK laundromats alone produce an average of 17,234 tonnes of microfibre each year, which weighs around 1,500 double-decker buses.
Root said Matter also wants to launch its first professional laundry product for use in hotels, laundromats and other commercial settings.
Matter completed a successful $10 million 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,” BSH product manager Konrad Koloska said in a statement.
“By offering an external solution that can be easily fitted to any washing machine, we empower consumers to actively contribute to reducing microplastic waste without compromising on convenience.
“This partnership with Matter exemplifies our commitment to proactive and effective measures to create a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
