Tech companies have called for washing machines filters to be fitted by law, supported by findings the majority of consumers are concerned about pollution.

According to a survey commissioned by Xeros Technology, 80% in the UK are concerned about the impact of microplastics on the environment and human health.

In addition, it found 60% do not feel the UK government is doing enough to tackle plastic pollution, including that of microplastics.

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A separate poll, commissioned by Matter, found 78% believe microfibre filters should be made mandatory on all new washing machines sold in the UK.

And nearly two thirds of consumers (58%) would be willing to pay more for a washing machine that comes with a microfibre filter.

The opinion polls were conducted ahead of the launch of the white paper challenging the government to do more to tackle microplastic pollution by mandating for filters in all new washing machines.

“Filtration an an effective and near term solution to reduce the release of microplastics in the environment”  has been co-authored by A Plastic Planet, Matter, PlanetCare, Xeros Technology, and the 5 Gyres Institute, and will be presented to politicians at an event hosted by Matter in the House of Lords next week.

It estimates UK laundry alone generates an average of 17,234 tonnes of microfibres each year, weighing the equivalent of around 1,500 double-decker buses.

Based on current trends, the whitepaper reports the amount of synthetic microfibres entering the ocean between 2015 – 2025 could accumulate to more than 22 million tonnes.

Yet the Xeros poll revealed around 60% British people are unaware of the fact that microplastics shed from clothes during washing.

Co-Founder of A Plastic Planet Sian Sutherland said: “The British public could not be clearer. People are extremely worried about what plastic is doing to our health and the world around us.

“Fortunately, we have at our fingertips many of the solutions we need to tackle this crisis decisively.

“Business can be the greatest force for change and innovation the world has ever known.

“But business has to take its lead from Governments delivering the kind of legislation the British public are calling for. This General Election year it’s clear there is not a moment to lose.”

 Technology companies with washing machine microfibre filter solutions, Xeros and Matter, who have come together in efforts to bring this to the attention of MPs.

 CEO of Xeros Neil Austin said: “By contrast with longer-term production and disposal changes, microfibre capture solutions are effective and commercially available now.

“Filtration is therefore the best applicable, near-term solution to deal with this ever-growing problem. T

“The whitepaper published today calls for timely, ambitious and robust legislation to accelerate innovation and combat the pervasive microplastic problem.”

 He continued: “The opinion polls published today show clearly that British people are seriously concerned about what plastic pollution is doing to their health and environment,” said Adam Root, CEO of Matter.

“The data is telling us too that a strong majority of people believe microfibre filters should be made mandatory on all new washing machines sold in the UK.

“At the forthcoming General Election, our political leaders must show decisive leadership on one of the most profound environmental and public health issues in a generation.”