Samsung Electronics to Unveil Microplastic-Reducing Washing Machine at 'IFA 2022'

Joint Research with Patagonia and OceanWise
Equipped in Europe-bound 'Bespoke AI Washing Machine'... Gradual Expansion to Other Regions

Samsung Electronics has developed a washing machine that reduces microplastics in collaboration with the global eco-friendly outdoor brand Patagonia and the marine conservation nonprofit research organization Ocean Wise. Samsung Electronics plans to unveil this product at IFA 2022, Europe's largest home appliance exhibition, held in Berlin, Germany, from September 2 to 6.
[Photo by Samsung Electronics]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Yeju] Samsung Electronics announced on the 28th that it will unveil a washing machine that reduces microplastics in collaboration with the global eco-friendly outdoor brand Patagonia and the marine conservation nonprofit research organization Ocean Wise at 'IFA 2022,' Europe's largest home appliance exhibition held in Berlin, Germany.

Samsung Electronics and Patagonia began their collaboration in July last year to realize their shared value of marine environmental protection, focusing on the fact that about 35% of marine microplastics are released from synthetic fibers during washing.

Samsung Electronics and Patagonia jointly developed a washing course that reduces the amount of microplastics generated from clothing during washing by up to 54% using Samsung's proprietary 'Eco Bubble' technology. This course has undergone testing by Ocean Wise.

Eco Bubble technology creates rich foam by dissolving detergent, which quickly penetrates laundry to clean stains thoroughly, significantly reducing fabric friction?a major cause of microplastic generation. Additionally, Eco Bubble enables fast and clean washing even in cold water, saving up to 70% of energy consumption.

Samsung Electronics plans to launch the 'Bespoke AI' washing machine equipped with the microplastic reduction washing course in the European market in October and will introduce it domestically later. This product features a 10% reduction in power consumption compared to the highest energy efficiency grade A and incorporates numerous Samsung eco-friendly technologies.

Samsung Electronics also plans to provide a software update within the year to enable the microplastic reduction washing course on existing Wi-Fi-enabled washing machines released in Europe.

Yang Hyesoon, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' Home Appliance Business Division, said, "As awareness of environmental protection increases, the importance of reducing microplastic emissions, a major cause of marine pollution, is also being emphasized. We will strive to develop products for marine conservation through this collaboration with Patagonia."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.