Samsung and Patagonia worked together to design a washing machine cycle and filter that drastically reduce the release of microplastics during laundry while maintaining high cleaning performance. Patagonia, a brand known for its commitment to the environment and to sustainability, assisted Samsung in product testing and research, while the Korean manufacturer provided the technical expertise. The partnership aims to combat ocean pollution by preventing microplastics from entering the water stream during laundry.
The end result of the collaboration is the Less Microfiber Cycle and a new filter installed in a new range of appliances. The combined use of the special cycle and filter, according to Samsung, reduces the release of microplastics by 54% and blocks them from escaping into the water outlet.  The Less Microfiber Cycle can be installed as an update on compatible washing machines in Korea and the U.S. later this year. The Less Microfiber Filter will be available in select Samsung washing machines in Europe in the second half of 2023. The good news here is that users of other washing machine brands will also be able to purchase the filter separately and install it on their washers.