#USA #Cleveland #CLEANR #Microplastics #Shaw Institute

CLEANR Washing Machine Filter: A Milestone in Microplastic Reduction

In a significant breakthrough for environmental technology, the Shaw Institute, a renowned non-profit scientific research organization, has confirmed that CLEANR’s washing machine filter efficiently captures over 90% of microplastics. This external filter addresses an alarming pollution source—washing machines, which contribute approximately 35% to the total microplastic emissions into the environment. The CLEANR filter is expected to hit the market this year in the U.S.

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters and have been increasingly recognized for their negative impact on health. Studies have linked exposure to these particles to serious health risks, including cardiac issues, various forms of cancer, and reproductive disorders. Given this backdrop, the significance of the CLEANR filter’s efficiency cannot be overstated.

David Dillman, CLEANR's Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, expressed his gratitude to the Shaw Institute for their evaluation of the CLEANR technology. He stated, “These test results confirm the significance of our filtration technology and its potential to help consumers fight microplastic pollution.” The validation marks a crucial step ahead of the official product release in the U.S., signifying a promising advancement in the fight against plastic pollution.

CLEANR's innovative approach, termed VORTX, sets it apart from traditional microplastic filtering solutions. This technology draws inspiration from the natural filtering mechanisms present in manta rays and basking sharks, which use unique gill structures that allow them to filter food from the water effortlessly without blocking their filtration systems. VORTX employs a process that generates vortices to effectively suspend and isolate microplastics from washing machine wastewater, directing them into the CLEANR Pod. This capture unit ensures responsible disposal, thereby preventing microplastics from entering the environment.

In its latest tests, the Shaw Institute ran several experiments using a mix of everyday tap water and microplastic fibers, with diameters of 10 microns and lengths of 300 microns, to simulate actual laundry conditions. These tests were repeated three times over January and February, yielding impressive microplastic removal rates of 90%, 97%, and 98%.

Dr. Charlie Rolsky, Executive Director of the Shaw Institute, emphasized the importance of the success of the CLEANR filter. He remarked, “We couldn't be more proud to have worked with CLEANR as part of our new program to validate technology aimed at significantly reducing plastic pollution. Microplastics pose a substantial threat to human health and the environment, making the development of solutions to minimize exposure pathways essential.”

About Shaw Institute

The Shaw Institute, established nearly 35 years ago and based in Blue Hill, Maine, is dedicated to uncovering and addressing environmental threats. Its ongoing research on issues like plastic pollution, marine mammal health, and climate change has had a broad influence on public policy and environmental awareness both locally and globally.

About CLEANR

CLEANR is revolutionizing the way we tackle microplastic pollution with its advanced filtration technology designed for washing machines. The filter represents a significant improvement over conventional methods, boasting a patent-pending design that performs over 300% better than traditional filters. Additionally, CLEANR aims to develop a versatile filter platform that can significantly lessen microplastic emissions across various sectors, including residential and commercial washing, wastewater treatment, and textile manufacturing.

The promise shown by CLEANR’s technology not only illuminates a pathway to cleaner water but also encourages consumers and industries alike to engage in efforts to combat one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time.