As concerns about microplastics continue to grow, a group of innovative students at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) has developed a groundbreaking solution aimed at reducing pollution from one of the largest sources: washing machines. In a world where a 2022 study by the World Wildlife Fund revealed that people consume a credit card's worth of microplastics each week, the urgency for effective filtration systems has never been more apparent.
On April 22, 2025, in honor of Earth Day, the CLEANR team launched pre-orders for their new washing machine filter, which is designed to capture 90% of microplastics as small as 50 microns. This initiative not only addresses a critical environmental issue but also empowers consumers to take action against microplastic pollution. Members of the CWRU community can enjoy a special discount of $20 off their purchase with the promo code CLEANRCWRU.
The CLEANR team, consisting of Max Pennington (CWR ’22), Chip Miller, and David Dillman, drew inspiration from nature while developing their filtration system. They looked to fish that naturally clarify water, leading to the creation of the VORTX technology, which is at the heart of their product. “It’s been really encouraging to work with a group of people from all around the United States to go after this really big problem,” said Pennington, who serves as the CEO and cofounder of CLEANR.
Traditional filtration systems often clog too easily to effectively filter out microplastics. To overcome this challenge, the CLEANR team utilized knowledge gained from their coursework in process control, design, and product testing. Their efforts were bolstered by support from CWRU’s entrepreneurial network, which provided essential resources, including prize money from the Morgenthaler-Pavey Competition that helped them purchase their first washing machine.
Currently, a pilot program is underway at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Residence Hall at CWRU, where students are among the first to test the filters. Alan Ly, a fourth-year accounting major and CLEANR team member, has been actively involved in replacing the filters on the residence hall washing machines each week. “It’s super rewarding to see our technology evolve from just an idea to now something we are installing on campus and getting ready to bring to market,” Ly remarked. He emphasized the excitement of working alongside a team of young entrepreneurs in a dynamic environment.
The CLEANR team estimates that for every 100 filters installed at CWRU, approximately 5,600 credit cards worth of plastic can be prevented from entering local waterways each year. This significant impact aligns with the university's mission to tackle pressing global challenges. CWRU President Kaler stated, “Installing CLEANR filters on our residence hall washing machines provides us with an easy and practical way to significantly reduce our microplastic emissions while serving as a model for our peers to do the same.”
Looking ahead, CLEANR plans to deliver products sold during the presale phase in June 2025. The company is primarily targeting the consumer market but has larger ambitions in mind. “Our end goal is to help demonstrate the technology in the market with people who are passionate and want to do something against the number one source of microplastic pollution,” Pennington explained. He noted that many consumers are eager to make a change in their laundry habits to prevent pollution.
Moreover, the CLEANR team hopes to collaborate directly with washing machine manufacturers to integrate their filters into future products. The recognition of their work has already begun, as the American Filtration and Separation Society named CLEANR's VORTX the 2024 New Product of the Year. The team is now fielding requests to license their technology for additional applications.
With their office located just a few miles from Lake Erie, the CLEANR team is well aware of the importance of their work in the context of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes hold one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water, and approximately 40 million people depend on them for drinking water. Bryan Stubbs, president and executive director of the Cleveland Water Alliance, highlighted the region's pivotal role in combating microplastic pollution, stating, “The more we learn about the health risks of microplastics, the more important that breakthrough inventions like CLEANR’s VORTX technology become to our community.”
As the CLEANR team strives to make a lasting impact, they invite consumers to join them in the fight against microplastic pollution. By pre-ordering the CLEANR filter, individuals can take a proactive step towards protecting the environment and ensuring cleaner water for future generations.
