Key facts
- Synthetic fabrics release microplastics during washing machine cycles.
- Matter's retrofit filter captures 97% of particles as small as 10 microns.
- The device is designed for easy installation and requires monthly emptying.
- Matter is a finalist for the Earthshot Prize and is expanding its market reach.
- New EU legislation mandating microplastic filters on washing machines is expected.
Microplastic filters for washing machines may soon become mandatory across the European Union, following the development of a device by Bristol-based startup Matter. The company's CEO, Adam Root, explained that synthetic fabrics, which constitute about 60% of modern clothing, shed plastic fibres during washing. These fibres, often too small for existing filters, contribute to significant microplastic pollution in waterways.
Root described the washing machine drum acting like a cheese grater, abrading fibres into tiny pieces. Matter's research indicates that approximately one gram of microplastics is released per wash. In the UK alone, this amounts to an estimated 16 tonnes entering the water supply daily. These microplastics can absorb chemical pollutants and harm aquatic organisms, impacting the base of the food chain.
Matter's retrofit filter connects to the back of existing washing machines and can be installed in under 10 minutes. It has demonstrated 97% efficiency in capturing particles as small as 10 microns. A small indicator signals when the filter needs emptying, typically once a month. The company is currently selling in 11 countries and plans to expand to 22 by the end of the year, with aspirations for full EU market coverage.
The collected microplastic material can currently be sent to landfill under EU legislation. However, Matter is exploring greener solutions through its 'Love Your Lint' program, aiming to recycle the fibres into new materials, though this is not yet at a commercial scale. The company is also advocating for kerbside textile recycling across Europe.
Matter's selection as a finalist for the Earthshot Prize has significantly boosted its visibility. The impending EU legislation requiring all new washing machines to include a microplastic filter is expected to create a substantial market for solutions like Matter's, addressing a critical environmental concern.