It is widely believed that laundry pollution mainly comes from detergents. As eco-friendly detergents become popular, detergent pollution has decreased. However, garment fabrics bring new pollution — microplastics. مغاسل الملابس have stable customer traffic with large laundry volume and intensive emissions. Microfiber issues cannot be overlooked.
Microplastics Issues
During washing, tiny plastic fibers from polyester, nylon, and acrylic escape from the washer, entering rivers, oceans, or even drinking water. These microfibers can be smaller than 0.5 mm in diameter. They can pass through traditional washers’ filters. Once discharged, they enter natural waters through wastewater treatment systems. Then they are ingested by marine organisms and humans. More severely, microfibers act like sponges. They can absorb oil stains and toxic pollutants. Thus, organisms may absorb these harmful substances when ingesting fibers.
According to a survey, a family of four may release about 500 g of microplastics into the environment through laundry every year. A study in a subsidiary journal of the US magazine Science shows that global emissions are estimated to release around 6.5 million tons of microfibers every year. A World Economic Forum report notes that up to 35% of marine microplastics come from synthetic textiles. Today, microfibers can be found in the ocean, coastlines, snowfields of Mount Everest, national parks, and even the Arctic. Commercial laundries generate more microfiber emissions compared with families. Therefore, it is a major pollution source. It is also a key area for emission reduction.
Filtering Solutions
At present, the popular microfiber filters are as follows. The commercial laundry industry can select them based on its scale, costs, and maintenance capabilities.
- Built-in filter
It should be pre-installed in certain washers. It is said that it can remove 90% of microfibers. However, it is rare on the market. Grundig is the only company that has developed built-in microfiber filters. Its FiberCatcher® technology can capture 90% of microfibers in the washing programs. If considering built-in filters when purchasing commercial washers, this can reduce emissions at the source.
- External filter
It connects to the washer’s drain hose. It captures fibers through a mesh filter. Also, it requires regular replacement. Lint LUV-R claims to capture 65% of fibers at the beginning. This figure can reach up to 100% when the filter is saturated. An independent study shows an average capture rate of 87%. Planetcare 2.0 claims to capture 98% of fibers. It is also equipped with automatic blockage detection. However, the external filter is expensive. Its sales price is around 130 to 300 dollars. Besides, commercial laundry should consider multiple machines in parallel, flow rates, pressure drop, filter costs, and maintenance frequency.
- Laundry bag
Place garments into the bag before loading in the washer. Guppyfriend laundry bags are popular. The 50-um mesh allows soapy water to pass through and trap microfibers. It is said to capture 79%-86% of microfibers. The laundry bag is affordable, around 35 dollars. It is suitable for small laundry volumes. However, it is less effective in commercial laundry. It can be used as a supplementary solution.
- Laundry ball
It is made from recycled plastics. It can be directly placed into the washer. It can collect loose fibers and reduce friction. Its efficiency is much lower than that of built-in and external filters. However, it can reduce the amount of fiber discharged into wastewater by 26%-31%. For example, the sales price of Cora Ball is 46 dollars. It is suitable as an auxiliary solution.
- Fish-inspired filter
Existing filters face efficiency and blockage challenges. A research team from the University of Bonn, Germany, was inspired by the gill arch systems of filter-feeding fish (such as mackerel and sardines). It replicated the “cross-flow filtration” system. It designed a bionic filter with a funnel-shaped geometry. It allows fibers to roll along the filter surface rather than collide directly. This significantly reduces blockage risks.
Laboratory tests showed that this fish-inspired filter can capture 99.6% of microfibers, which far exceeds that of products on the market. The trapped fibers can be removed and compressed into a plastic lump. Users can take them out after dozens of washes. They can be treated as household waste. Presently, this technology has been filed in Germany. It has been promoted to the EU. It is expected to be widely used in washers. High-efficiency, low-blockage, and low-frequency maintenance are attractive for commercial laundry.
The above solutions cannot thoroughly remove microfibers. However, scientists believe that using filters, laundry balls, or laundry bags is better than doing nothing. They can significantly reduce the amount of fiber discharged into wastewater.
Kingstar Washer Advantages
Laundromats can choose low-temperature water washing for garments made of synthetic fibers. This can extend garment service life. Also, cold water can lower the speed of fiber aging and shedding. This can reduce microplastic emissions per wash.
Kingstar self-service washers can offer low-temperature, mild washing programs for lightly soiled synthetic fiber garments. Set the temperature to 30℃. Research shows that at low temperatures, synthetic fibers release fewer microfibers compared with high-temperature washing. The number of fibers released at 60℃ is around 2.7 times that at 30℃. Also, a professional care guide notes that the washing temperature of synthetic fabrics like polyester should be under 40℃. This can protect fibers from damage and wrinkles.
Set the spin speed to 30 RPM. Also, this can reduce fiber shedding. Higher speed and mechanical action can worsen the friction between garments and drum walls. This can release fibers. The low speed of 30 RPM is within safe and mild equipment operation. This can ensure basic cleaning performance while effectively protecting fibers. Besides, post signs in marked areas. Advise customers to do the laundry with laundry bags. This can further reduce mechanical friction during washing and fiber shedding at the source.
Kingstar commercial dryers also offer dedicated drying programs for synthetic fibers. The key is low-temperature drying. The recommended drying temperature is around 60℃. Synthetic fibers are sensitive to high temperatures. The drying temperature of acrylic fibers should be controlled within 60℃. The recommended drying temperature of polyester fibers is 50-70℃. Thus, the 60℃ drying temperature is relatively appropriate. This can effectively remove moisture from garments. This can also prevent thermal deformation or poor performance.
The cold- and hot-circulation system can protect fibers under this temperature condition. Heat is evenly distributed through the alternating airflow circulation. This protects fibers from localized overheating. Thus, this protects garment fiber structures and reduces fiber shedding risks. Besides, the dryer features high-intensity lint filters. This can effectively trap fibers and lint from garment surfaces during drying. Also, high-intensity filters are effective in capturing microfibers compared with other similar products. They can effectively reduce fiber emissions. This reduces microfiber pollution and filter cleaning frequency. This achieves environmental protection and usage convenience.
Conclusion
Synthetic fibers can be found everywhere. The commercial laundry industry is a major emission area. It is also a trial field for solutions. The technology is developing, from built-in and external filters to bionic fish-inspired filters. The earlier laundromats adopt microfiber management, the faster they’ll gain opportunities in environmental compliance, brand trust, and operational efficiency.
Q&A
Q1: Besides filtering, how can microplastics be reduced during washing?
A1: Use low-temperature water washing, especially for bulk laundry. Remove localized stains from heavily soiled garments. For example, laundry shops can use Kingstar washers. Set the main wash temperature to below 20℃. Besides, use neutral detergents. Excessive alkalinity can damage garment fibers. Also, it can increase microplastic emissions.
Q2: How can microplastics be reduced during drying?
A2: The drying temperature should be lower. Otherwise, this can cause fiber aging and shedding. Kingstar commercial dryer features a hot- and cool-air circulation system. It can protect garment fibers. Also, over-drying can cause fiber aging and shedding and increase microplastics.
Q3: Can Kingstar commercial washers support program customization?
A3: Yes. Operators can adjust laundry parameters. However, customers cannot change them without a password.
