The launch of this new washing machine filter aims to prevent the release of microplastic fibers via wastewater, which represents on average the equivalent of two plastic bags per household per year.
Textiles are the third largest polluter of primary microplastics in the oceans. Faced with this observation, Electrolux, one of the world leaders in household appliances, launches a microplastic filter capable of capturing up to 90% of microplastic fibers (over 45 microns) released by synthetic clothing with each wash. Because the detergents used in our washing machines and dryers are not the only polluting agents. The clothes themselves, when washing, lose material including synthetic fibers, evacuated with the wash water and which end up ending up in the seas and oceans. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the scale of the problem is equivalent to three billion polyester shirts being dumped into the ocean each year. This new product from Electrolux is part of its desire to develop innovations and technologies that contribute to limiting the impact of washing on the planet and to support consumers through simple everyday actions.
The French between awareness and ignorance of the problem
Recent research commissioned by Electrolux* highlights public awareness and understanding of different fiber types, as well as the perception of the quantity of plastic contained in clothing.
A large majority of French people are unaware that Nylon (77 %), acrylic (79 %), le Polyester (70 %), Spandex (80 %) and Lycra (83 %) are made of plastic fibers. Another interesting fact : more than a fifth of French people (23 %) also do not know that cotton is a natural fiber ! When asked what percentage of their wardrobe is made of plastic fibers, 96% of French people don’t know it, and the majority of them underestimate the quantity by half. The study shows, however, that France is well aware of the seriousness of the problem and very favorable to positive actions.. More than three quarters of those surveyed (79 %) think microplastics pose a serious environmental problem and 71% agree they also pose a serious health problem for humans.
An effective filter for six months
Made from 50% recycled plastics, the microplastic filter has been designed to offer consumers an easy-to-use solution. Fixed to a wall, next to the washing machine, this new filter is used with Electrolux and AEG washing machines. It occurs after the wash cycle and in no way affects the performance of the device. It works with a fine mesh filter cartridge that traps microplastic fibers released from synthetic clothing during the washing process. The filter has a change indicator which, when it turns red, indicates that cleaning is necessary. Using the cleaning brush provided, microplastic fibers should be thrown away in household waste. The cleanable filter cartridge can be used for six months before needing to be replaced and recycled. The filter should not be cleaned under running water. Its recommended retail price for purchase is 79,90 euros.
* Study of 15,000 adults in fifteen European markets (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom), carried out by the survey market research company OnePol between October 15 and November 10, 2021.
