Written question asked by Matthew Offord (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 June 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 June 2023. It was answered by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 June 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Washing Machines: Microplastics

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy to ensure that all washing machines manufactured and imported in the UK from January 2025 have a microfibre filter.

Answer: The Plan for Water outlines our position that we will expect industry to develop low cost, effective microfibre filters on washing machine and encourage their effective use. With the plan being published only recently, we are now considering the best actions for its implementation. As a first step, we will look to manufacturers to reduce costs and to provide appropriate evidence of the value of microfibre filters to persuade consumers to invest in them and use them correctly.

Secondary information