This week, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Microplastics, the Women’s Institute (WI), and a cross-party group of MPs and peers called on the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to support the Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill.

The Bill, introduced by Alberto Costa MP, Chair of the APPG on Microplastics, in October 2024, aims to make microplastic-catching filters mandatory in all new domestic and commercial washing machines. It also seeks to raise public awareness of the harmful impact of microplastic pollution on our rivers, seas, and food chains. The Bill is due to have its second reading on Friday 7th March and this letter puts pressure on the Government to adopt the measures outlined in the Bill.

Every time synthetic textiles are washed, tiny microplastic fibres are released into wastewater. Once in the environment, microplastics harm biodiversity, infiltrate aquatic ecosystems, and eventually make their way into the human food chain. They also absorb toxins and harmful chemicals like PFAS, raising serious concerns about their impact on human health.

The urgency for action has been highlighted by the APPG on Microplastics in its 2021 report, Microplastic Policies for Government. The report outlines six practical solutions to reduce microplastic fibre leakage, drawing on input from washing machine manufacturers, filter makers, trade associations, clothing companies, and environmental groups.

Alberto Costa MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Microplastics is hopeful that the Government will take the issue seriously:

“I am very grateful for the support of colleagues who have signed my letter drawing the Government’s attention to the critical importance of my Bill which aims to reduce the effects of microplastic pollution on the environment and our health. I hope the Government will listen to our serious concerns and look to support my Bill.”

Jeryl Stone, Chair of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, said:

“Microplastic pollution poses a huge risk to our environment and our health, and the WI is proud to support Alberto’s bill and the APPG. The WI has been campaigning against ocean pollution since 1927, and WI members have, since 2017, tirelessly campaigned to against microplastic pollution. We care passionately about the environment and are not afraid to take action when not enough is happening.”