Developed in Collaboration with Patagonia

A Samsung Electronics washing machine that reduces microplastics

Samsung Electronics will take the wraps off a washing machine that reduces microplastics at IFA 2022, which will kick off in Berlin, Germany on Sept. 2.

The company developed the new washing course in collaboration with Patagonia, an American retailer of outdoor clothing, using EcoBubble technology to slash the amount of microplastics generated during washing by up to 54 percent. This function was verified by Ocean Wise, a non-profit research institute for marine conservation.

EcoBubble technology can greatly reduce friction among fabrics, a major cause of microplastics, by allowing rich foams made by dissolving detergent to quickly permeate into laundry to remove pollutants. This method led to the development of a new laundry course. EcoBubble technology enables fast and clean washing even in cold water, saving energy consumption by up to 70 percent.

Samsung Electronics started cooperation with Patagonia in July 2021 to protect the marine environment. Samsung Electronics' DX division head Han Jong-hee referred to cooperation with Patagonia in his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2022. The two companies jointly developed a new laundry course using EcoBubble technology, as they were aware of the fact that about 35 percent of marine microplastics are emitted from synthetic fibers during washing.

Samsung Electronics is planning to launch Bespoke AI Washer with a new washing course in the European market in October and later in Korea. The company will carry out a software update for its washing machines equipped with a Wi-Fi function already released in Europe to enable them to use the new washing course.

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