Microplastic pollution is a global environmental problem that affects the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. According to a recent study, more than 1,000 tons of microplastics are released into the air every year, and about 22 million tons end up in the oceans. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size, and they can originate from various sources, such as textiles, cosmetics, packaging, and tires.
One of the main sources of microplastic pollution is the laundry process, which can release millions of microfibers from synthetic fabrics into the wastewater. These microfibers can then escape the conventional filtration systems and enter the environment, where they can accumulate in the food chain and cause harm to wildlife and humans.
To tackle this challenge, a fast-growing microplastic filtration technology company called Matter has developed solutions for capturing, harvesting, and recycling microplastics. Matter is based in Bristol, England, and was founded in 2019 by Adam Root, a former engineer and entrepreneur. Earlier this year, Matter completed a $10 million Series A round involving funds backed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher.
Matter’s Technology and Products
Matter’s technology is based on a patented microfiber capture system that uses a combination of physical and chemical processes to trap and remove microplastics from water. The system can be integrated into various applications, such as washing machines, industrial laundry facilities, textile factories, and wastewater treatment plants.
One of Matter’s products is Gulp, a sustainable, long-lasting washing machine filter that catches up to 90 percent of all microfibers from every laundry cycle. Gulp is designed to be easy to install and use, and it can be emptied and cleaned once every few months. The collected microfibers can then be sent back to Matter for recycling or repurposing.
Another product that Matter is developing is a microplastic recycling technology that can transform the captured microfibers into new materials, such as bioplastics, composites, and textiles. This technology aims to create a circular economy for microplastics and reduce the need for virgin plastic production.
Matter’s New Hires and Growth Plans
Matter has recently bolstered its senior leadership team with two new hires: Martin Allman as chief commercial officer and Jess Middlemiss as chief technology officer. Both Allman and Middlemiss have extensive experience and expertise in the green technology sector, and they will be responsible for scaling up Matter’s technology to international markets and driving forward innovation in microfiber capture and recycling.
Allman is a former British Army officer who has spent almost two decades in the renewable energy industry, working for companies such as Siemens, GE, and Vestas. He has led the development and delivery of several large-scale wind and solar projects around the world, and he has a strong track record of building strategic partnerships and growing businesses.
Middlemiss is a former engineer and product manager at Dyson, where she worked on developing and launching innovative products such as the Airblade hand dryer, the Airwrap hair styler, and the Lightcycle task light. She has a passion for creating solutions that combine technology, design, and sustainability, and she has a deep understanding of the technical and commercial aspects of product development.
Adam Root, the CEO and founder of Matter, said: “Our new hires are about culture as much as they are about technical ability. We look to appoint the very best industry talent who are committed to our mission of living in a world without micropollutants in the environment. Martin and Jess embody this spirit perfectly. Our new C-Suite team is an integral part of Matter’s evolving story and will support in driving industry transformation.”
Matter’s growth plans include expanding its presence in the UK and Europe, as well as entering new markets such as North America, Asia, and Australia. The company is also working on developing new products and applications for its technology, such as filters for dishwashers, showers, and faucets, as well as solutions for other sources of microplastic pollution, such as tires, cosmetics, and packaging.
Matter’s Vision and Impact
Matter’s vision is to create a world where microplastic pollution is eliminated and where plastic is used responsibly and sustainably. The company believes that its technology can make a significant impact on reducing the environmental and social costs of plastic, as well as creating new opportunities for value creation and innovation.
According to Matter, its technology can prevent up to 1.5 billion microfibers from entering the environment every day, which is equivalent to saving 15,000 liters of water per household per year. The company also estimates that its technology can save up to 500,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year, which is equivalent to taking 100,000 cars off the road.
Matter’s technology has been recognized and supported by various organizations and awards, such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the European Commission, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the World Economic Forum. The company has also received positive feedback and testimonials from its customers and partners, who have praised Matter’s technology for its effectiveness, simplicity, and affordability.
Matter is one of the leading companies in the field of microplastic filtration and recycling, and it is on a mission to stop microplastic pollution with innovative technology. By combining engineering, science, and design, Matter is creating solutions that work for both industry and the environment, and that can help shape a cleaner and greener future.
