In Bude, Cornwall, an innovative chemical-technological facility has been launched to recycle plastic microfibres released during fabric washing. The project, initiated by Cleaner Seas Group, is a world first and will be capable of processing up to 86 tonnes of microfibres per year—composed of plastics, cotton, and other materials—transforming them into new products such as construction components, packaging, and battery materials. The system uses a closed-loop process based on chemical separation and transformation technologies, recovering highly polluting waste before it reaches the environment.
Cleaner Seas has already developed washing machine filters capable of capturing up to 99% of microfibres, now being deployed on TUI cruise ships. A single domestic wash can release up to 700,000 microfibres, making upstream intervention in the water cycle essential.
CEO Dave Miller emphasized that the initiative represents a tangible example of a circular economy, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
Massimo Serresi