Matter and BSH partner to launch the Bosch Microplastic Filter into homes, responding to growing public demand.
Most UK Households Would Pay More to Remove Microplastics From Their Washing
New research by Matter, a British sustainable technology scale-up, in partnership with BSH, reveals widespread consumer concerns about the impact of microplastics. Despite growing awareness of the impact on human health and the environment, the majority of UK households are unaware their laundry habits are part of the problem.
According to a poll conducted by researchers Opinium for Matter:
72% of UK households want to live more eco-consciously
63% do not know that textiles and laundry is a major source of microplastics in the ocean
The average household washes 4 times a week, releasing 113.6 million grammes of microplastics into the environment – the equivalent of 568,000 polyester t-shirts a week
38% expect washing machine manufacturers to take charge of the issue
77% would buy technology to remove microplastics from their washing
The research has been commissioned to mark the launch of Bosch Microplastic Filters available for sale across the UK and Europe, powered by Matter’s unique patented self-cleaning technology, Regen.®. The first of its kind on the market, the filters capture up to 97% of microplastic pollution, can be easily installed to any washing machine without drilling, and require no disposable filter bags or cartridges thanks to a self-cleaning system which can go up to 20 washes without needing to be emptied. From today, they can be bought.
“Microplastics are the new asbestos – with links to everything from heart attacks to reproductive health. It’s hugely encouraging to see the UK public is taking the scale of the problem, and their contribution to it, so seriously. Now, with Matter-developed Bosch Microplastic Filters entering the home laundry market, they are able to tackle the global issue of microplastic pollution in their own homes.”
“We are proud to launch our groundbreaking microplastic filter under the Bosch brand, equipping consumers with the means to take control of the microplastics impact from their everyday wash. Our collaboration with Matter exemplifies our commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
The product launch comes at a time when awareness of the dangers of microplastic pollution to human and planetary health is increasing, with recent studies showing microplastics have been detected in everything from human heart tissue to brain cells and placentas. At the same time, evidence is growing on the devastating environmental impact of microplastics, affecting rivers, cloud formation, and contributing to climate change. The survey results draw a clear line between constant microplastics headlines and growing public awareness and concern about its effects.
“Now, with the launch of Matter-powered Bosch Microplastic Filters, for the first time, consumers are able to take action on the hidden harm generated by everyday laundry.”
