The company’s new microplastic reduction washing machine was one of the newest inventions on display at Samsung’s stand at CES 2023. The washing machine was created in conjunction with Patagonia and the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab to combat microplastic shedding, which is one of the leading causes of marine pollution.
Microplastics have a significant environmental impact, endangering not just the marine ecosystem but also human health. It is estimated that the ocean floor alone now contains approximately 14 million metric tons of microplastics, with synthetic fiber laundry accounting for 35% of marine microplastics. Scientists have also determined that the air we breathe and the water we drink contain the equivalent of one credit card’s worth of microplastics per week.
“Our ambition is to become the most energy-efficient appliance brand globally, and our latest products and partnerships will help make sustainable living a reality for more people and more communities,” said Moohyung Lee, EVP, and Head of the R&D Team of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics, in a press release.
The companies needed the assistance of a field research institute to correctly and objectively verify that microplastics were being eliminated. Patagonia introduced Samsung to the non-profit ocean conservation research organization Ocean Wise Plastics Lab. Samsung developed hypotheses based on various research materials provided by Patagonia and conducted actual tests with the assistance of the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab to determine the most effective laundering method for reducing microplastic shedding as well as the standard for measuring how effective the reduction was.
New washing machines will not be the only ones to profit from this course, as all linked washers will receive access to it through upgrades before the end of the year. Samsung demonstrated not only its microplastic reduction washing machine but also its vision for sustainable living by displaying environmental products and solutions. Samsung will continue to endeavor to make the world a better place by lowering its environmental footprint and assisting users in doing so through new partnerships and innovative products.