Forever Chemicals – PFAS (Part 1)
5. July 2023
Sustainable Blue Economy
5. November 2023
Are our washing machines really one of the biggest sources of microplastics in the environment?
In one of our previous blog posts, we took a closer look at the topic of microplastics and washing machines. At that time, we looked at why there is so much discussion about washing machine filters, what the data situation is and whether legislation in this area really has a significant impact on microplastic pollution in the environment.
The answer was unclear because the data was incredibly opaque, not comparable and the measures had not been scientifically investigated. All the more reason for us to tackle this issue in our everyday research. Thanks to the support of donors, we have now been able to complete the first part of the study. As a result of the study, we were able to gain enough insights to be able to issue real recommendations for action - for the first time ever.
The conclusion in a nutshell: Even without expensive washing machine filters and without gimmicks that nobody really knows what good they are, we (humans) can reduce microplastic emissions from washing processes, with less temperature, less spinning and with the use of detergent.
Microplastics from the washing machine
When synthetic (plastic-based) textiles are washed, mechanical and chemical stresses create abrasion particles that enter the sewer system as microfibers and microparticles (microplastics) via the wastewater and ultimately into the environment - our rivers, lakes and oceans - via wastewater treatment plants.
As things stand today, wastewater treatment plants can only remove part of the microplastics from wastewater. Reason enough to talk about the input quantities and influences of temperature, spin rate and detergent and to scientifically investigate how to reduce microplastic abrasion in the washing process with little effort and cost, but as efficiently as possible, and thus reduce the input quantities into the environment.
The full article can be found at Laborpraxis Vogel - Our recommendations for action can also be found here
Our investigations showed that worn sportswear releases a high amount of fibers, or microplastics, into wastewater and thus potentially into the environment during washing, with up to 11.9 million fibers per wash per 2 kg of laundry.
Based on the results of the study, it became clear that a suitable selection of washing parameters can reduce the release of fibers and thus the contamination of wastewater with synthetic fibers from washing processes.
- And what exactly should I pay attention to?
- What can active action for water without microplastics look like?
- And what will it cost me in the end?
Summarized: Results of the microplastics study
Detergent factor
The use of detergent reduces fiber release (-57%), as the detergent reduces friction within the fabric due to its lubricating effect. It does not matter whether powder or liquid detergent is used.
Temperature factor
Reducing the washing temperature from 60°C to 30°C reduces fiber release by 38%, as the lower temperature is gentler on the fabric and therefore less damaging to the fibers.
Factor spin speed
By reducing the number of revolutions from 1200 RPM to 600 RPM, fiber release was reduced by 34%, as the mechanical stress on the fabric and friction are reduced.
A combination for more water without microplastics
While simply turning a lever leads to real reductions in the release of microplastics, the impact can be increased even further by using combinations.
We have found that by combining the use of detergent with the same reduction in the number of revolutions, a reduction in fiber release from 1200 RPM to 600 RPM can be achieved by an average of 77%. Reducing the washing temperature from 60 °C to 30 °C in combination with detergent leads to a reduction of 71%.
This is proof that you can do something directly for your water without having to pull out your wallet. Now all you have to do is talk about it! Share your knowledge and integrate the small changes into your everyday washing routine.
On our own behalf for more water without microplastics
Research projects such as our washing machine study can only be carried out with donations and sponsorship. We do not receive any funding from national funding bodies to get to the bottom of the burning issues surrounding microplastics in a transparent and scientifically sound manner. However, we see it as our mission as a non-profit organization to provide you with all the information we can to create less pressure on you as consumers to act, but to point out sensible action with concrete, cost-effective measures.
Our understanding of consumer responsibility is to provide you with real levers and solutions that you can easily implement at home, that make sense and, above all, that you can afford.
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