A novel washing machine filter developed by researchers at Flinders University is showing promise as a solution to the growing problem of microplastic pollution in waterways. The device, which aims to capture synthetic microfibres released during laundry cycles, could play a vital role in protecting aquatic ecosystems.
During a single wash, synthetic textiles such as nylon, acrylic, and polyester can release thousands of plastic microfibres. Research at Flinders University confirms the filter’s effectiveness in removing microplastics, including nanoparticles as small as 20 micrometres, which are invisible to the naked eye. This advancement is crucial, as microplastics are a significant source of pollution, especially from household and commercial laundry.
Dr. Anastasiia Snigirova, a member of the Nano and Microplastics Research Consortium at Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. “Polyester fibres are among the most common microplastics polluting our environment. Our initial trials showed a dramatic reduction of fibres in wash water, demonstrating the strong potential of this technology,” she stated.
Advancing Filtration Technology
Further tests conducted at the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) highlighted that a typical wash can contain numerous fibre particles ranging from 5 mm to 20 µm. The developed filter successfully captured many of these harmful synthetic materials during testing.
This technology aligns with increasing regulatory measures in Europe aimed at tackling microplastic pollution. Since January 2025, all washing machines sold in France are required to include microplastic filters under the 2020 Anti-Waste Law. Meanwhile, Australia is implementing a variety of strategies under its National Plastics Plan to mitigate plastic waste.
In response to this pressing environmental challenge, The Goodside Project, an Adelaide-based environmental firm, has designed washing machine filters that prevent microplastics from entering local waterways. Founder and CEO Karen Jones Hauser expressed the company’s commitment to addressing plastic pollution in oceans and rivers through innovative solutions.
Additionally, The Goodside Project is collaborating with another South Australian startup, Alkany, which is developing biotechnology to break down synthetic polymers into compost and biogas. Chief Scientist David Thompson noted that this biological process creates multiple reuse opportunities, reducing the need for landfill disposal or incineration.
Understanding the Impact of Microplastics
The accumulation of plastic waste poses significant risks to marine environments, particularly in regions like Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent, which are critical for both biodiversity and commercial fisheries. Research from Flinders University identified that microplastics were prevalent in all freshwater streams studied in Adelaide, with fibres making up a staggering 72% of the total microplastics found.
The ongoing fragmentation of plastics into smaller particles is also a growing concern. With funding from the Australian Research Council, researchers at Flinders University are exploring new methods to enhance the capture of nanoplastics using a plasma polymer coating on cellulose filters. Their research underscores the need for effective mitigation technologies, given the potential for nanoplastics to enter the food chain and cross cellular membranes.
The recent study titled “Affinity capture of nanoplastics and their thermogravimetric quantification on plasma polymer coated filters” was published in the journal Analytica Chimica Acta. As global plastic consumption continues to rise—quadrupling over the past 30 years—addressing microplastic pollution has become increasingly urgent.
Over the past two decades, global plastic production has doubled, reaching 460 million tonnes, with plastic waste generation more than doubling to 353 million tonnes. Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds of this waste originates from products with lifetimes of less than five years, highlighting the necessity for innovative solutions like the new washing machine filter.
As environmental concerns escalate, the collaborative efforts in South Australia represent a significant step towards combating the pervasive issue of plastic pollution and protecting vital waterways for future generations.
