Skip to main content

Written question asked by Sarah Champion (Labour) on Thursday, 13 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2025. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 March 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Microplastics: Washing Machines

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the progress of industry and businesses in developing cost-effective microplastic filter solutions for washing machines.

Answer

Defra officials gratefully received information which the honourable member kindly provided in her recent letter to me. The information was reported by a washing machine filter technology group describing solutions to tackling microplastics and microfibres as a product of washing textiles and clothing. Officials are currently assessing the details.

The Government is concerned about the risks microplastics in our water environment may pose to public health and to the environment. Defra is working with water companies to investigate microplastics detected during wastewater treatment and their potential to enter the receiving aquatic environment.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
31458
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Cost effectiveness Pollution control Washing machines Microplastics
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk