An environmental facility that targets microplastics pollution has opened in Cornwall with the aim of preventing 86 tonnes of the material from reaching the ocean every year.

The group advises that every clothes wash releases up to 700,000 microfibres that go into the nation’s waterways - an average of 91,000,000 microfibres from every home each year. The microfibres are a form of microplastic pollution that are impacting ecosystems, marine life and food chains(1). 

The new centre, built by the Cleaner Seas Group (CSG)  in the coastal town of Bude features a Microfibre Filter Hub, a Microplastic Recycling Lab, and a Return and Recycle Centre.

CSG received a £1m grant from the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for the development that offers a microfibre-filter solution - a recyclable, easy-change cartridge system which plugs into front-loading home washing machines.

The group sells the cartridges system to consumers and industrial laundries to attach to their washing machines. When the cartridge is full of microfibres, it is sent by freepost back to CSG.

Microfibres are extracted from the cartridges at the centre and turned into usable materials for construction, packaging, including new domestic cartridges. CSG estimates once the centre is fully operational it could recycle 86 tonnes of microfibres each year(2).

Crisis hiding in plain sight

Dave Miller, CEO of Cleaner Seas Group advises: “Microplastic pollution is a global crisis hiding in plain sight. It's in our oceans, our food, even our bloodstreams. This facility proves that it's not too late to act, and that we can build commercially viable solutions that protect the planet.

“This new facility isn’t just about filtration or recycling – it’s about completely shifting the way we deal with waste and sustainable materials. It shows you don’t have to choose between protecting the planet and building a commercially viable business.”

The filters are already in use by Marella Cruises, a member of the TUI Group, across the cruise line’s entire fleet, and capturing an estimated 500kg of microfibres per ship annually, according to CSG.

A 2022 study found that 80 per cent of people tested had traces of microplastics in their blood. Meanwhile, the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that approximately 13 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually(3).

CSG is B Corp certified and collaborates with a diverse range of partners across various sectors, including retail, travel, and manufacturing.

10 ways UK business can help

SaveMoneyCutCarbon advises that UK businesses can significantly reduce microplastic pollution by minimising single-use plastics, adopting sustainable packaging, enhancing recycling efforts, and promoting a circular economy. 

Companies can switch to reusable options, opting for plastic alternatives, educating staff and customers, and collaborating with suppliers on sustainable practices. 

Key actions on microplastics

1. Audit and minimise: Conduct a waste audit to identify areas where single-use plastics are prevalent and then actively work to minimise or eliminate them.

2. Design for sustainability: Design products and packaging with the end-of-life in mind, focusing on recyclability and reusability. 

3. Support research and innovation: Invest in research and development of alternative materials and sustainable packaging solutions. 

4. Encourage a circular mindset: Promote a culture of reuse, repair, and recycling within the business and among employees. Provide training and resources to educate employees on the importance of reducing plastic waste and how they can contribute. 

5. Improve recycling programmes: Implement clear and accessible recycling systems in the workplace and educate employees on proper recycling procedures. Ensure proper disposal of waste, including biodegradable waste bags for refuse. 

6. Promote reusable options: Encourage employees and customers to bring their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags. 

7. Eliminate or charge for single-use plastics: Replace plastic bags with paper, fabric, or compostable alternatives. Ban or charge for single-use items like plastic cutlery, straws, and stirrers, replacing them with bamboo, metal, or compostable options. 

8. Provide refill stations: Offer water refill stations and consider bulk refill options for dry goods, cleaning products, and toiletries. 

9. Adopt Sustainable Packaging: Use biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable materials for product packaging and shipping. Explore options for reducing packaging, such as offering products in bulk or using less packaging material. 

10. Collaborate with suppliers: Work with suppliers to source products with minimal or plastic-free packaging.

Bibliography

1 ‘Our microfibre problem’ (Accessed July 2025) https://www.cleaner-seas.com/

2 ‘Centre recycles microfibres from clothes washing’ (Accessed July 2025) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c991z577e7go

3 ‘Cleaner Seas Group Unveils 'World-First' Facility to Recycle Ocean Microplastics’ (Accessed July 2025) https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/post/cleaner-seas-group-unveils-world-first-facility-to-recycle-ocean-microplastics