Malmo, Sweden-based Scandinavian Water Technology AB (SWATAB), which specialises in sustainable cleaning solutions, has added the new microplastic filtering technology of Cleanr, based in Cleveland, Ohio, to its patented chemical-free commercial laundering system.

Laundry wastewater is the world’s largest source of microplastic pollution, accounting for 35% of emissions and washing machines shed millions of microplastic fibres in each load, which eventually flow into natural waterways and food chains. These plastics are linked to significant human health risks, including heart disease, digestive cancer, reproductive disorders and autism. Currently, one-third of Europeans consider microplastics in food to be a top food safety concern.

Cleanr’s Vortx filtering technology removes over 90% of microplastics as small as 50 microns from washing machine wastewater before it enters the environment, according to the Shaw Institute.

To capture microplastic particles, the technology employs a breakthrough process known as “vortical cross-step filtration.”

Instead of forcing microplastics against a sieve-like filtering surface, Vortx creates vortices – tiny whirlpools – in outflowing laundry water that suspend and isolate particles and efficiently channel them away to be captured and disposed of in Cleanr pods. The design was inspired by the specialised gill structures of manta rays and basking sharks, which allow them to glide through the water and feed passively without clogging their gills.

Vortx effectively separates more than 90% of particulates from fluid streams. Instead of attracting particles to the filter surface, it suspends and separates them using fluid patterns that form a continuous vortex. The vortices created by the geometry also derive self-cleaning capabilities that elongate the times between maintenance cycles. This allows the filter to last 300% longer than conventional forms of filtration.

Vortx integrates with SWATAB’s patented Diro system enabling it to virtually eliminate environmental threats from commercial laundry services. Instead of relying on chemical cleaning agents, the Diro system converts tap water into ultra-pure deionized water – a natural and highly effective cleaning agent for professional washing machines.

“SWATAB broke new ground in the cleantech world by eliminating the need for chemical detergents in commercial laundry,” said Terry Moore, executive chairman at Cleanr. “With our filter integrated into the SWATAB system, clients can prevent billions of microplastics from entering waterways and the food chain.”

“Public concerns about microplastic pollution are growing rapidly as new research uncovers likely health risks,” added Mats Marklund, CEO of SWATAB. “For us it is a call to action to help our clients reduce emissions. Cleanr’s technology has proven reliable, easy to use and easy to maintain. We’re proud to offer microplastic-filtering to housing companies, hotels and other property-owners looking to reduce their environmental impact here and now.”

Cleanr’s patented filter has won numerous awards and is now used by US and Canadian consumers. It was recently rolled out on the campuses of Case Western Reserve University, University of Akron and University of South Alabama.

www.cleanr.life

www.swatab.com