Ocean Bound Plastics
3. October 2025
Fighting Microplastics Together: How iris and Wasser 3.0 Prove That Every Contribution Counts
There are moments when business success and environmental protection combine in the most beautiful way. The partnership between iris, the specialized recruitment company for climate tech startups, and Wasser 3.0, the innovative organization fighting microplastics, is exactly this.
When Recruitment Becomes Climate Action
Louis Hebbs and his team at iris have a simple but powerful vision: They help climate-friendly startups find the best talent – from CTOs to software engineers – while simultaneously donating 15% of their revenue to environmental organizations. What might seem like simply a nice side effect at first glance reveals itself as a well-thought-out strategy with measurable impact.
"You don't have to be a scientist to play your part," explains the iris founder. This philosophy is perfectly reflected in the collaboration with Wasser 3.0. While iris ensures that innovative climate companies can grow with the right people, part of the success flows directly into combating one of the most pressing environmental problems of our time: microplastics in water.
Louis Hebbs, CEO iris
Microplastics: The Invisible Problem with Visible Consequences
Microplastics are everywhere – in our oceans, in our drinking water, even in our bodies. The tiny particles, often smaller than five millimeters, arise from the breakdown of larger plastic pieces or enter the environment directly through cosmetics, textiles, and industrial processes. We have dedicated ourselves to tackling this problem with scientific precision and innovative solutions.
Particularly alarming: Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, placenta, and even breast milk. The effects on our health have not yet been fully researched, but current studies show concerning impacts: oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, potential impairment of the hormonal system, and a possibly increased cancer risk.
Our "Spread Love Not Microplastics" campaign brings it to the point: Instead of continuing to spread pollutants, we should spread love for our planet. And this is exactly where the power of the partnership between iris and Wasser 3.0 shows itself.
The Multiplier Effect: Economic Benefit and Environmental Protection
What's special about this collaboration lies in its sustainability – in every sense. Each successfully placed talent at a climate tech startup not only means that innovative companies can grow. It also means that money automatically flows into the research and development of solutions against microplastics.
This approach creates a positive cycle:
- Climate tech startups receive the talent they need
- These companies can advance their environmentally friendly innovations faster
- Part of the business success flows directly into microplastic research
- We can continue and expand our life-changing work
Acting Together: What We Can All Do
The message is clear: Joint action exponentially amplifies the impact. While Wasser 3.0 achieves scientific breakthroughs and develops innovative filtration technologies, iris ensures that the next generation of climate tech companies is equipped with the best minds.
- For companies this means: When filling the next position, think not only about qualifications but also about what greater difference this decision can make. Those who recruit through iris automatically invest in a future without microplastics.
- For talents in the climate sector, this means: Every career step can become part of a larger mission. Working at a climate tech startup is not just a job – it's a direct contribution to solving global environmental problems.
- For investors and VCs, there is an opportunity to support their portfolio companies not only to grow but also to take on social and ecological responsibility at the same time.
Innovation Meets Citizen Science: The Global Map of Microplastics
A particularly impressive example of Wasser 3.0's innovative approach is the Global Map of Microplastics – the first interactive map that harmonizes and visualizes global microplastic pollution. Anyone can contribute data points from their immediate environment to the map using the Wasser 3.0 Analytics Kit.
This combination of scientific excellence, standardized measurement methods, and the power of citizen science creates a powerful instrument in the fight against microplastic pollution. More than 7000 data points have already been entered into the Global Map and contribute significantly to data transparency of worldwide microplastic pollution.
The Science Behind the Mission
Wasser 3.0's approach is based on revolutionary fluorescence methods that enable fast, cost-effective, and comparable microplastic monitoring. Their "Clump & Skim" process Wasser 3.0 PE-X® can efficiently remove microplastic particles from water while even following circular economy principles.
The Future Is Collective
The partnership between iris and Wasser 3.0 proves that environmental protection doesn't always have to be carried out alone. It shows how different industries and expertise can come together to achieve more together than each could alone.
In a time when the climate crisis often seems overwhelming, this collaboration is a ray of hope. It shows that there are countless ways to make a difference. You just have to be willing to think outside your own box and recognize that every business success is also an opportunity for positive environmental impact.
The climate tech industry is growing rapidly – with investments of over 70 billion dollars in 2022 alone. At the same time, the demand for qualified professionals is rising exponentially. Here iris closes a crucial gap and ensures that the best talent finds their way to the most innovative climate companies.
Spread Love Not Microplastics – this is more than a slogan. It's an invitation to become part of a movement that proves: When we work together, we can change the world. One talent, one startup, one donation at a time.
The future of our water lies in our hands. And together we can ensure that it becomes more microplastic-free.
