Adam Root, an engineer from Saffron Walden, Essex, has developed filters to remove microplastics from water discharged by washing machines and industrial units. His invention emerged from a project that started at his mother-in-law’s dining table, and he is now a finalist for a global award, the Earthshot Prize, which recognizes innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Root’s company, Matter, aims to address the issue of microplastics, which have been identified as significant pollutants, found in diverse environments, including Antarctic sea ice and deep ocean fauna. He noted the widespread lack of awareness regarding the problem, stating that microplastics are among “the biggest pollution sources on the planet.”
The filters are designed to not only serve domestic washing machines but have also been scaled up for use in industrial contexts, processing millions of liters of water. Root emphasized the challenges he faced in developing the self-cleaning, reusable product, which took four years of labor to finalize after leaving his engineering job. His initial funding was supported by a £250 grant from The Prince’s Trust, coupled with assistance from his wife, who left her job to aid in the venture.
Currently, Matter employs around 45 people and has raised more than £15 million to further its mission. The technology is reportedly in use in textile factories globally. Root’s company competes in the “revive our oceans” category against notable global competitors, including countries and cities, which he found somewhat surreal.
The Earthshot Prize winners will be announced on November 5, and the competition highlights various approaches to ecological restoration and innovative environmental solutions.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78z9j7kd4do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss