UK urged to act on microplastics with filter mandate

The calls come as a bill to mandate filters by 2029 in California was vetoed by governor Gavin Newsom, despite passing both houses of the State Legislature. In the UK, the Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill is currently in its second reading in the House of Commons having been introduced in 2022. France has already passed a mandate that comes into effect in 2025, with the EU also looking at legislating across the bloc.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in size, produced mainly through the production and use of clothing and textiles. A single washing machine cycle can produce up to 700,000 microplastic fibres, which are then released into waterways. An estimated 171 trillion microplastic particles currently float within our oceans, and there is a growing body of research suggesting the particles are harmful to human and animal health, as well as the wider environment.

"We are disappointed that pioneering proposals in California which would see microfibre filters required on all washing machines sold after 2029 have been vetoed by the state governor,” said Rob Hemsley, Matter CFO.