Samsung Launches Less Microfiber™ Filter to Protect Oceans from Laundry Plastics

Easy to monitor and maintain, the Less Microfiber™ Filter cuts up to 98%[1] of microplastic emissions from laundry cycles and makes tackling ocean-bound plastics a natural part of daily life.

 Samsung Electronics announced the launch of the new Less Microfiber™ Filter, an external washing machine filter designed to significantly reduce plastic microfiber emissions during laundry wash cycles. Designed with inspiration from apparel maker Patagonia and expertise from the global ocean conservation organization Ocean Wise, the filter builds on the success of last year’s Less Microfiber™ Cycle to substantially cut microplastics and in Samsung’s pursuit of providing more sustainable laundry washing. The new filter is now available in Korea and the U.K. and will roll out to other countries in the third quarter[2].

“With microplastics emissions to our oceans continuing to increase and regulations being strengthened in many countries, as well as microplastics becoming a growing health concern for people everywhere, Samsung worked with Ocean Wise and Patagonia to engineer technology to help prevent the release of microplastics during the laundry cycle,” said Moohyung Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D Team of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics.

Less Microfiber™ Filter: Stopping Microplastics Before They Enter the Ocean

The Less Microfiber™ Filter prevents up to 98%[3] of microplastics released during the wash cycle from entering the public water system, equivalent to eight 500ml plastic bottles per year when used four times a week [4]. To verify the technology’s efficacy, the Filter was independently evaluated by Ocean Wise using a peer-reviewed microfiber shedding test protocol at the marine organization’s  lab in Vancouver, Canada.

Working Towards Sustainable Convenience

Samsung is committed to developing new products and technologies with a sustainable future in mind. At the core of Samsung’s efforts to strive for Everyday Sustainability is a belief that our products should not only be highly effective, but also accessible and convenient to use while considering eco-conscious practices in product development.

With this in mind, the Less Microfiber™ Filter is made using recycled plastics and was designed to be easy to maintain. The filter’s blades capture the microplastics with a 65-70 micrometer-wide mesh, then redirect and compress these microplastic particles to one side.

By connecting with Samsung’s intelligent connectivity platform SmartThings, the filter tracks how full it is from 0 to100%, alerting users when cleaning or other troubleshooting is required via the SmartThings app[5].

Innovation for a Brighter Future

The development and launch of the Less Microfiber™ Filter is just the latest step in Samsung’s journey towards sustainability.

“We’ve been investing in microfiber research for many years, learning how to reduce the fibers that shed from our garments and contribute to the various sources of pollution in the ocean,” said Matt Dwyer, VP of product impact and innovation at Patagonia. “We applaud Samsung for joining us in taking this major step forward in the fight against microfiber pollution.”

Beyond the launch of the Less Microfiber™ Filter, Samsung will continue developing new technologies and products that strive for Everyday Sustainability,  and continue to work with partners to deliver household solutions that are more eco-conscious.

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[1] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber™ Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. Results may vary depending on clothes and environment..

[2] Countries to be confirmed.

[3] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber™ Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. Results may vary depending on clothes and environment.

[4] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber™ Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. One wash cycle’s reduction amount of 0.627g is based on a 5kg load (0.125g/kg x 5kg). Annual reduction amount (132g) is calculated based on 210 cycles (4 times a week, 52 weeks) and 5kg load on each cycle. 500㎖ bottle weight (15.4g) is based on the Korea Ministry of Environment’s guideline on plastic bottles.

[5] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.