Whirlpool Corp : Microfiber Filters for Washing Machines

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WHEREAS:  Plastic, and the growing pollution it causes, threatens the world’s oceans, wildlife, and  human health.[1] Mounting scientific evidence indicates that microplastic pollution, in particular, is a mounting health concern, creating material business risk and exposing companies to reputational damage, regulatory pressure, and potential litigation.

Microplastics have been detected throughout the human body, including the brain, where plastic accumulation grew over 50% over the last eight years according to a new study published in Nature Magazine.[2] The study notes that the rate of accumulation mirrors the increasing amounts of plastics in the environment. Recent scientific research by Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley found that microplastics are chemically active and are very likely to contribute to biological damage.[3] Microplastic exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease,[4] cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.[5]

Textiles represent the third-largest market for plastic at 14%, after packaging and building and construction.[6] Synthetic plastic fibers represent 63% of global fiber production – equal to 80 million tons – and shed large volumes of microfibers during both manufacturing and consumer use. This results in 500,000 tons of plastic microfibers from textiles entering the world’s oceans annually.[7],[8]

A single load of laundry can release up to 18 million microfibers. Washing machine microplastic fiber filtration systems are an effective strategy for capturing microfibers, catching 70% to nearly 90% of microfiber shed.[9]  Washing machines with built-in filters are already widely available in Japan among manufacturers like Hitachi, Panasonic, and Toshiba. Energy-efficient washers with microfiber filters are also commercially available in Europe from Grundig, Vestel, LG, Bosch, and Siemens. 

A recent Ocean Conservancy poll shows a significant surge in American concern over microplastics, with more than 80% of people surveyed supporting mandatory washing machine filters to capture microplastic fibers.[10] Failure to adopt such filters could translate into loss of market share for Whirlpool if other manufacturers provide this option to the U.S. market before Whirlpool does.

Bills requiring microfiber filters on new washing machines have been introduced in California,[11] Oregon,[12] New York,[13] Illinois,[14] New Jersey,[15] and at the federal level.[16] Mounting scientific evidence on the impacts of microplastics to human health could increase support for additional regulations aimed at reducing microplastic pollution.

Proactive action from our company, by developing washing machines with microfiber filtration technology, would mitigate regulatory and reputational risk, preserve market share, and meet the expectations of consumers and investors increasingly attuned to actions designed to reduce microplastic pollution. 

BE IT RESOLVED:  Shareholders request that Whirlpool issue a report, at reasonable expense and excluding proprietary information, evaluating the benefits and costs associated with developing microfiber filtration technology for its washing machines.  

Resolution Details

Company: Whirlpool Corp

Lead Filers: As You Sow

Year: 2027

Filing Date: November 2026

Initiative(s): Microplastics

Status: Filed

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Circular EconomyAs You Sowplastic pollution, Microplastic, Microplastics, Plastic Microfibers, microplastic, Fashion, Apparel, plastic, microfiber, microfiber shedding, microfibers, synthetic plastic fibers, textiles, Whirlpool