Samsung Electronics has launched the Less Microfiber Filter, designed to reduce plastic microfibres leaving the machine and entering the oceans.

Available in the UK and Korea, it will roll out to other countries in the third quarter.

Designed with inspiration from apparel maker Patagonia and expertise from the global ocean conservation organisation Ocean Wise, the filter builds on the success of its Less Microfiber Cycle.  

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The Less Microfiber Cycle reportedly reduces microplastic shedding by 54%, in part by leveraging Samsung’s Ecobubble technology.

By using bubbles to help dissolve and absorb detergent, less heat and energy is required to wash clothes, resulting in reduced abrasion.

The Less Microfiber Cycle will be expanded to users of previous Wi-Fi enabled Samsung washing machine models through an over-the-network update this year.

The Less Microfiber Filter takes this a step further, and is claimed to prevent up to 98% of microplastics released during laundry from escaping into the ocean if used as specified.

It is the equivalent of eight 500ml plastic bottles per year, when used four times a week.

In addition, to help more customers get involved in cutting microplastic emissions, the Less Microfiber Filter can be used with standard washing machine models.

Made using recycled plastics, the Less Microfiber Filter is made using recycled plastics only needs to be cleaned around once a month.

And by connecting with Samsung’s connectivity platform SmartThings, the filter alerts users when cleaning is required via the SmartThings app.