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Electrolux does not wait until 2025 to propose a solution to the problem of plastics discharged into the ocean by washing machines. The E9WHMIC1 filter is responsible for recovering particles before they are discharged into wastewater.
First of all, a little reminder: as part of the ecological and solidarity transition, new washing machines sold in France from January 1, 2025 must be equipped with a filter intended to recover microplastics. These should contribute to reducing the release of plastic materials present in our textiles which, according to the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), in a report published in 2017, would represent between 15 and 30% of the 9.5 million tonnes of plastic waste thrown into the sea each year.
Some manufacturers, like Grundig, have already started deploying this filter on their new washing machines (like the GW7P79419W). But appliances equipped in this way are still very rare on the shelves and it will take time before the French fleet of washing machines (around 30 million machines) is completely renewed with standard models.
There are a few rules to follow when installing the recuperator. (© Electrolux)
The solution provided by Electrolux therefore appears to be an interesting alternative. This is the E9WHMIC1, a filtration system for plastics, which can be connected to any washing machine equipped with a standard water drain. It takes the form of a white cylinder, 27 cm high and 17 cm deep, to be fixed to the wall. Once installed, the washing machine’s drain pipe is connected to it before connecting this time the filter’s drain pipe to the waste water pipe. The washing water, loaded with these microplastics, is sent to the filter, stripped of its plastic impurities (but not washing powders and other detergents, too bad) before being sent to the sewers. Good point, no electrical connection is required. The E9WHMIC1 works thanks to the pressure of the water entering it.
The interior of the E9WHMIC1 (© Electrolux).
Of course, we can only welcome Electrolux’s risk-taking. This type of product is not yet very well known and it is never easy to wipe the plasters in the world of household appliances. Moreover, there is nothing to confirm that the reception reserved for the E9WHMIC1 will be up to the ecological challenges. Indeed, it seems very bulky and it is therefore not easy to hide it or even to find a place for it in small surfaces. It is also necessary to empty the tray after six or seven washes and clean the whole with a brush provided. The discharges thus recovered are to be thrown in the trash, which may not prevent them from being found in our oceans, ultimately. Note also that the E9WHMIC1 works with cartridges that must be changed every six months and whose price has not yet been communicated. Nevertheless, the device comes with two cartridges.
The Electrolux E9WHMIC1 microplastic filtration system is already available for €79.90.