The number of products designed to stop microplastic fibres getting flushed into rivers and oceans by washing machines is rapidly increasing, from bags to bags to balls to filters.
Grundig was the first appliance manufacturer in the world to incorporate a microfibre filter in a washing machine. A British company, however, has developed a system that eliminates disposable fibre-trapping filters.
Entrepreneurs are also trying to solve the problem at source. This includes creating biodegradable fabrics out of kelp or orange peel and tweaking a self healing protein originally discovered in squid squid tentacles.
The entire planet has been affected by microplastic pollution, from the top of Mount Everest to deepest oceans. Microplastic particles are ingested by people via food and drink, as well a as through inhalation. Although microplastics have been shown in studies to harm wildlife, the impact on humans is unknown. However, it has been shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells in the laboratory.
Synthetic fabrics such as acrylic and polypropylene can shed fibres in large numbers during washing. This is approximately 700,000 per wash cycle. The delicates cycle is actually worse than standard wash cycles. Every week, the UK sees 68m loads of laundry.
New data from 36 sites was collected during The Ocean Race Europe. 86% of microplastics found in seawaterFibres were found in the samples. Our data clearly shows that microplastics are ubiquitous in the ocean. And that, surprisingly.
Grundig was the company that launched its Fibre-catching washing machineThe system was able to capture up to 90% of synthetic fibers during wash cycles, according to November. The filter cartridges are made of recycled plastic and can last for up six months before they can be returned without charge.
Matter, a British company, has created a system that can be retrofitted onto existing washing machines without the need for replacement cartridges. It was recently awarded 150,000 by the British Design Fund. The device is GulpIt is connected between the drain and the outflow pipe. It traps the fibres in the container, which is emptied every twenty washes.
Adam Root, a Dyson engineer who was also a keen diver, is the company’s founder. He said that the idea started with a 250 grant from Princes Trust. It was my eureka moment when I took apart a washing-machine.
Alberto Costa, along with other MPs, are campaigning in the UK for a New regulation requires all new washing machinesTo be fitted with microfibre plastic filters starting in 2025, supported by the Womens Institute and other organizations. France has mandated filters to be fitted starting in 2025. The EU Australia and CaliforniaSimilar rules are being considered.
There are already a number of microfibre-catching products on the marketplace, but their performance has been mixed in independent testing. Research from the University of Plymouth (UK). Six products were examined.
One stood out. XfiltraThis prevented 78% microfibres going down the drain. The company is primarily focused on providing technology to manufacturers to integrate into washing machine. The scientists also tested two other devices that could be retrofitted into machines. Lint LUV – R Planet CareThese filter systems, however, trap only 25% and 29% respectively of fibres.
The drum of the washing machine contained the three other products. The GuppyfriendA washing bag that clothes are put into collected 54% of microfibres. However, a prototype washing bag from Fourth Element captured only 21%. A single Cora ball was tested, with 31% of fibres being captured by its stalks. However, it is possible to use more than one Cora ball.
An earlier Report from the Swedish Environmental Protection AgencyAlthough it was not peer reviewed, the Planet Care products and Guppyfriend performed significantly better.
Professor Richard Thompson, who is a University of Plymouth researcher, was part of the testing team. He cautioned that filters will not solve the problem of microfibres made of plastic. We have also shown this around Half of all fibre emission is caused by fibres that are emitted from clothing.The Guardian was told by he that the clothing was his. The majority of the human population does not have a washer.
As with almost all current plastic problems [pollution]He stated that it is easier to solve the problem by giving more thought to the design stage. These should be designed to reduce emission. This will ensure that the clothing lasts longer and is more sustainable.
A dozen organizations working on better fabrics were shortlisted recently as finalists for a $650,000 (482,000). Microfibre Innovation ChallengeConservation X Labs. AlgiKnitIs creating biodegradable yarns out of kelp, a type seaweed. Orange FiberIn southern Italy, fabrics are made from the byproducts of citrus juice manufacturing.
Another finalist SquitexThe protein was originally discovered in the tentacles and tentacles squids. It is said to be the world’s fastest self-healing protein and can be used in textiles and coatings that reduce microfibre shed.
Others are using a different approach. NanoloomNon-shedding fabrics are possible using graphene. Another group is also used High-powered lasers are used to treat the fabric’s surfaceTo make fibres less likely of being lost.
While cotton, as a natural material is biodegradable it can also be used to produce pesticides and excess water. The Better Cotton InitiativeThe ICANN, which represents more than 20% of global cotton production announced recently a target to reduce carbon emissions per tonne by 50% by 2030. This is a 50% reduction compared to 2017. Up to 2022 will see additional targets regarding pesticide use, soil and smallholder livelihoods, and women’s empowerment.