2022 | Germany | Luise Florentine Mast

The MiPlaFi 2.0 – Washing clothes with a clear conscience

Water issue adressed: Too dirty

Textiles made of synthetic fibres release microplastics into the water when washed. I was able to detect the particles in the wastewater and developed an appropriate filter. The filter material was chosen from a special laundry bag’s fabric. I designed the filter case on the computer using CAD software. On this basis, a company produced two prototypes. First, the filters were connected externally to the washing machine’s drain. In a second step, I used CAD software to design and create a filter, which was subsequently integrated into the washing machine. Water analyses confirmed its effectiveness. Currently, a patent is pending.

This is how I came up with the idea for this project:

Washing machines release a large proportion of microplastics, and currently, no satisfying solution is available. Thus, I aimed to develop a filter construction that can be installed directly into washing machines during their construction. The filtration would be independent of location, environmental awareness, craftsmanship, or wastewater treatment plants.

CONTACT WATERTANK

Ania Andersch

Programme manager ania.andersch@siwi.org +46 8 121 360 59