Launch of Washing Machine to Reduce Microplastics... Overseas 'Fast Pace', Domestic 'Baby Steps'

35% of Marine Microplastics Originate from Laundry
Overseas Home Appliance Industry Competes Early
Samsung Debuts Domestically... "Difficult Due to Lack of Standards"

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] Every time a washing machine completes one cycle, 700,000 microplastic particles are released. Microplastics, which directly destroy soil or disrupt ecosystems, can also have fatal adverse effects on humans. This is why the home appliance industry is focusing on developing washing machines equipped with microplastic reduction devices. However, unlike foreign countries where washing machines with microplastic reduction devices have already been developed and launched amid fierce competition, there are no commercialized products in Korea, and technology development is also passive. Experts say development must be expedited as soon as possible.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on the 4th, 'microfibers generated during washing' account for the highest proportion, 35%, of marine microplastic causes. This means that microplastics generated when synthetic fiber clothing fabrics break down into small pieces during washing flow into the ocean and circulate. Environmental circles estimate that about 500,000 tons of plastic microfibers are released into the ocean annually just from washing.

It was a natural progression for 'microplastic reduction' to emerge as the biggest issue in the home appliance industry. Overseas, washing machine filters that capture microplastics shed from fabrics have been introduced, and washing machines with built-in filters are being released one after another.

Turkish home appliance company Ar?elik developed a washing machine equipped with a filter that removes more than 90% of microplastics in 2019, and German home appliance company Grundig launched a washing machine with a similar performance filter in September last year. Swedish home appliance company Electrolux released a new microplastic filter made from recycled plastic in March this year.

However, the response speed of domestic companies is noticeably slower compared to the international community. Samsung Electronics has collaborated with Patagonia to develop a washing course that reduces microplastics, but the reduction rate is still at a beginner level compared to foreign companies. In fact, Grundig’s washing machine can reduce microplastics by about 90%, whereas Samsung Electronics can reduce the amount generated by up to 54%. LG Electronics is considering developing technology related to microplastic reduction but has not disclosed specific plans.

Recently, Consumer Climate Action has urged the enactment of a 'Special Act on Microplastic Reduction and Management,' which includes mandatory installation of microplastic reduction devices in washing machines and support for research and development of microplastic reduction devices, making it impossible for domestic companies to remain idle.

Currently, Korea enforces regulations that prevent the intentional generation of microplastics to some extent. However, measures against unintentional microplastics generated by weathering or abrasion are insufficient. The government has previously banned the use of microbeads in five product categories: cleansers, removers, laundry detergents, bleaches, and fabric softeners.

Lee Cha-kyung, co-representative of Consumer Climate Action, pointed out, "Microplastics can be effectively reduced through overall industrial changes, such as attaching microplastic filters during the washing machine manufacturing stage and developing fibers that emit fewer microfibers." She added, "It is a critical time for the government to prepare appropriate support measures and regulations to promote these industrial changes and for companies to make technological efforts."

Industry insiders agree that the lack of global standards is a concern rather than technology development. An industry official said, "The microplastic issue has only recently started to gain attention," adding, "Once clear national standards or guidelines related to microplastic emissions from washing machines are established, product development will accelerate."

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