Innovative Microplastic Filter Aims to Revolutionize Laundry and Protect Lake Erie
CLEVELAND — Washing machines are silently contributing to one of the planet’s most pressing environmental crises: microplastic pollution. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, laundry cycles account for 35% of microplastic pollution worldwide. These tiny plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, end up in waterways, ecosystems, and even our food supply. Now, a Cleveland-based startup founded by three Case Western Reserve University graduates is tackling this issue head-on with a groundbreaking solution.
CLEANR, the company behind the innovation, has developed a microplastic filter inspired by nature’s design—specifically, the inside of a fish’s mouth. The technology uses VORTX, a vortex-based system that captures up to 90% of microplastic particles as small as 50 microns before they can escape into the water supply.
“The microfibers from our clothing shed during washing and eventually make their way into our food, water, and even our bodies,” said Max Pennington, CEO and co-founder of CLEANR. “We wanted to create a simple, effective solution that anyone could use to make a difference.”
The inspiration for CLEANR’s filter came from Pennington’s internship at Procter and Gamble, where he first became aware of the scale of microplastic pollution. He teamed up with fraternity brothers Chip Miller and David Dillman, and together, they founded CLEANR to address the issue.
A Problem Bigger Than Expected
Lake Erie, the smallest of the Great Lakes, has the second-highest concentration of plastic pollution in the region, according to the Lake Erie Foundation. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution at its source.
“When we started researching, we were shocked by how many plastic fibers were ending up in our water,” said Chip Miller, CLEANR’s COO and co-founder. “It’s a massive problem, but it’s also one where small changes can have a big impact.”
The CLEANR team’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Early prototypes of their filter flooded Pennington’s apartment, a humorous yet pivotal moment in their development process. Today, their product is ready for the market, with installations already in place in Case Western Reserve University dormitory laundry rooms.
How It Works
The CLEANR filter mimics the natural filtration system found in fish gills. “Fish create a vortex to keep their gills from clogging,” Pennington explained. “Our filter uses a similar principle, generating a vortex that travels through a spiral geometry to trap microplastics without clogging.”
The device is designed to attach to any washing machine and requires less than 30 seconds of maintenance per week. Its ease of use and efficiency make it a practical solution for households and institutions alike.
A Vision for the Future
CLEANR’s founders envision a future where their technology is integrated into washing machines globally. “Imagine the impact if every washing machine in Cleveland, Ohio, or the world used this filter,” Miller said. “We could significantly reduce microplastic pollution and protect our environment.”
The company’s ultimate goal is to collaborate with washing machine manufacturers to embed their filtration system directly into appliances. For now, consumers can pre-order the filter through the company’s website, taking a proactive step toward reducing their environmental footprint.
“Three years ago, we saw this massive problem and decided to do something about it,” said David Dillman, CLEANR’s CTO and co-founder. “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve in the fight against microplastics.”
As awareness of microplastic pollution grows, CLEANR’s innovative approach offers hope for a cleaner, healthier planet—starting with something as simple as doing the laundry.
— Reported by Nexio News
