Launch a Microplastic Filter to reduce pollution from synthetic materials
Our Microplastic Filter for washing machines aims to help prevent up to two plastic bags worth of microplastic fibers from being released from laundry, per household, every year.
Tackling the rising tide of plastic pollution
Laundering alone causes around half a million tons of plastic microfibers to be released into the ocean every year. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the size of the problem is the equivalent of releasing three billion polyester shirts into the ocean every year. *
According to our consumer study into microplastics and laundry**, part of the problem is a lack of understanding of what ‘synthetic’ means, with 94% of all adults not knowing how much plastic is in clothes. Our study found 68% of European adults were unaware that Nylon is a plastic fiber while 62% did not know Polyester, the world’s commonly used fiber, is plastic.
With the launch of the Microplastic Filter, we can help consumers reduce their own environmental impact when it comes to clothing care. We estimate that the new filter for washing machines can help prevent up to two plastic bags worth of microplastic fibers from being released from laundry, per household, every year. ***
* https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret
** ‘The Truth About Laundry Microplastic Edition’, Electrolux, 2022.
***Assuming a weight of 5 g per grocery bag (Julien Boucher, Damien Friot – Primary Microplastics in the Oceans – IUCN 2017)
The filter, launched in European markets in spring 2022, can prevent up to 90% of microplastic fibers, larger than 45 microns, being released from synthetic clothing during laundering.**** Made with at least 50% recycled plastic, it has a cartridge with a thin mesh filter that catches the microplastic fibers as they are released from synthetic clothing in the washing process. When the filter needs cleaning, users can then dispose of the microplastic fibers in the household waste.
The filter works with Electrolux, AEG and Zanussi washing machines, secured to a wall by the machine.
Together, we can take small steps towards cleaner oceans.
**** Filtration capacity measured using an internal test method with polycotton and polyester blend materials in the 40°C Synthetics cycle.
Better Living action plan
The Better Living action plan by Electrolux Group is a range of actions to support our goals within the domains of better eating, better clothing care, and better wellbeing at home. It also encompasses how Electrolux Group can better its own operations. If you have any questions, please write to us at: sustainability@electrolux.com
© Electrolux
Better Living action plan by Electrolux Group
About Electrolux Group
© Electrolux