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. The filter, designed to fit on the laundry wall and made from 50% recycled plastic, works with both Electrolux and AEG washing machines.