# Microplastic Washing Machine Filters The Matter 'Gulp' Captures Microplastics During Washing By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2022-10-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/washing-machine-filter References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2022/10/24/this-innovative-machine-keeps-the-planet-clean-while-you-get-your-laundry-done/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-innovative-machine-keeps-the-planet-clean-while-you-get-your-laundry-done) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aroot/gulp-self-cleaning-washing-machine-microplastic-filter?ref=ofw4i2)  The majority of clothing is now crafted with plastic fibers that shed when laundered, so the [Matter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pubes-for-the-planet) 'Gulp' washing machine filter is intended to prevent this material from making it into waterways. The filter works by being attached onto the drain hose on a washing machine where it will go to work capturing the potential 700,000 microfibers that are released during every cycle. The unit doesn't use any disposable filters, is suitable for use with any laundry detergent and is rated to capture up to 90% of the microfibers that pass through. The Matter 'Gulp' washing machine filter is also focused on a closed-loop cycle by allowing users to send the [microplastics collected](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microplastics-test) back to the company for recycling. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 13% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Microfiber Pollution Prevention:** Developing products that capture microfibers shed during laundering offers an opportunity for disruption in the pollution prevention industry. - **Sustainable Laundry Products:** Using filters to prevent microplastics from entering waterways creates opportunities for innovation in sustainable laundry products. - **Green Technology:** Creating microplastic-catching filters for washing machines is a form of green technology that presents an opportunity for disruption in the industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Environmental Services:** The development and distribution of microfiber-catching washing machine filters presents an opportunity for creating new services within the environmental industry. - **Household Appliances:** The creation and marketing of products, such as washing machine filters, that help prevent microfiber pollution can disrupt the household appliance industry, emphasizing consumer awareness and environmental concerns. - **Textile Recycling:** The Matter 'Gulp' washing machine filter creates new potentials for disruption and development in textile recycling technology as it can recycle the microplastics collected. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Electricity-Free Microfiber Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planetcare-20.md) - [Laundry Microfiber Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/less-microfiber-filter.md) - [Ocean-Friendly Laundry Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laundry-filter.md) - [Portable Mini Washing Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gsoak.md) - [Collapsible Water Filtration Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/filtration-bottles.md) - [Sustainable At-Home Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-water-filters.md) - [Flatpack Portable Washing Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collapsible-washing-machine.md) - [Multipurpose Portable Washing Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonertool-portable-washing-machine.md) - [3D-Printed Water Filtration Caps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/filter-caps.md)