What material is the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag made of?

The GUPPYFRIEND washing bag is made from untreated polyester monofilament, which does not shed microplastics and is recyclable. Using the Guppyfriend bag helps protect both your garments and the environment.

Why doesn't the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag release microplastics?

Although the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag is made of polyester, it doesn't release microplastic fibers. This is due to the special structure of the monofilament yarn used, which resembles a stable stick that doesn't break apart easily. Additionally, the yarn is round, smooth, and highly resistant to detergents, resulting in a durable fabric that doesn't shed fibers. This differs from typical textile yarns, which consist of multiple twisted threads that can fray and release microplastics over time.

Does the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag really work?

The GUPPYFRIEND washing bag has been tested over three years by research institutes, universities, and the textile industry, including the German Textile Research Centre North-West, Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, and the University of California in Santa Barbara. Studies show that the bag reduces fiber shedding in two ways: it decreases fiber breakage by up to 86% and captures the fibers that do break off, reducing microplastic pollution by over 90%. Additionally, it extends the lifespan of garments. Tests confirm that the bag doesn't release microplastics, withstands at least 50 washes, and effectively cleans common stains. In summary, the GUPPYFRIEND is a sustainable way to protect both your clothes and the environment.

What garments can be washed in the GUPPYFRIEND?

The GUPPYFRIEND washing bag was developed to reduce the release of microplastic fibers that shed during the washing of synthetic textiles like polyester, acrylic, and nylon. It's particularly effective for fleece, sportswear, and outdoor clothing. However, many other garments also contain synthetic materials. Check the care label to determine the material content—synthetic fibers may be present even if not listed, as labeling regulations vary. Even natural materials like cotton and wool shed fibers during washing, but using the GUPPYFRIEND reduces fiber breakage, protecting garments and extending their lifespan—a bonus for sustainability.

What should I do after washing?

Dispose of the collected microfibers in the residual waste. It's best to gather and discard the fibers in a closed container to minimize the risk of them being dispersed into the environment during waste collection. Microfibers don't belong in recyclable waste, as they cannot be recycled.

Why can't wastewater treatment plants filter out microplastics?

Washing machines can't filter out the microplastic fibers that shed from clothing during washing, allowing them to enter wastewater systems. Despite filtration systems, a significant portion of these particles are released into the environment. A study from the University of California in Santa Barbara indicates that only 60–99% of microplastics are filtered out, and in Germany, only 20 out of approximately 10,000 treatment plants have advanced fourth-stage treatment, primarily targeting pharmaceutical residues. Microplastic fibers are particularly challenging to capture due to their shape and buoyancy, enabling them to pass through filters easily. Even when trapped in sewage sludge, they can re-enter nature if the sludge is used as fertilizer instead of being incinerated. During heavy rainfall, untreated wastewater can be directly discharged into water bodies through combined sewer overflows. Beyond washing, sources like tire wear, shoe soles, and airborne microplastics contribute to pollution. Since current treatment plants can't completely eliminate microplastics, it's crucial to reduce emissions at the source. By choosing sustainable textiles and modifying our washing habits, we can all help protect our oceans.

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Fleece clothes

The laundry bag GUPPYFRIEND

Our GUPPYFRIEND laundry bag is an effective, scientifically proven and patented solution to stop microplastic pollution.
It reduces fiber waste and protects our clothes.
It filters the microfibers that break and does not lose any fibers itself.

The microplastic problem

Microplastics released from washing harm the environment.
With every wash, countless microfibers from synthetic textiles make their way from washing machines to rivers, lakes and oceans. Once in the environment, the microfibers concentrate penetrating bacteria and pollutants. They are consumed by aquatic organisms, which can result in gastrointestinal infections and blockages, reproductive problems and starvation. Serious consequences are not limited to animals and nature.

The small pieces of plastic threaten our own health: They enter our food and our bodies through the food chain.

Which clothes can be washed in GUPPYFRIEND?

We developed the GUPPYFRIEND laundry bag to reduce the amount of microplastic fibers that enter the environment. These come off, for example, when washing synthetic textiles (polyester, acrylic, nylon, etc.). It therefore makes sense to wash these textiles in particular in the bag. Fleece jackets, sportswear and outdoor clothing are often made entirely or largely of synthetic fibers, but most other garments also contain some amount of synthetics. You can check the care label to see what your garments are made of.

But clothes made of pure cotton and wool can also be washed in the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag, as textiles made of natural materials also lose fibres. Washing in the GUPPYFRIEND laundry bag significantly reduces fiber breakage and thus protects your clothes from wear and tear. You can enjoy your clothes much longer - another sustainable benefit of the Guppyfriend laundry bag.

By the way: Unfortunately, synthetic fibers can even be found in clothes if they are not on the care label. The rules for listing the components on care labels vary widely, so a jumper labeled as 100% wool may contain up to 10% synthetic fibers.

FAQ - Questions About Washing Bags & Microplastics

What material is the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag made of?

The GUPPYFRIEND washing bag is made from untreated polyester monofilament, which does not shed microplastics and is recyclable. Using the Guppyfriend bag helps protect both your garments and the environment.
Why doesn't the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag release microplastics?

Although the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag is made of polyester, it doesn't release microplastic fibers. This is due to the special structure of the monofilament yarn used, which resembles a stable stick that doesn't break apart easily. Additionally, the yarn is round, smooth, and highly resistant to detergents, resulting in a durable fabric that doesn't shed fibers. This differs from typical textile yarns, which consist of multiple twisted threads that can fray and release microplastics over time.
Does the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag really work?

The GUPPYFRIEND washing bag has been tested over three years by research institutes, universities, and the textile industry, including the German Textile Research Centre North-West, Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, and the University of California in Santa Barbara. Studies show that the bag reduces fiber shedding in two ways: it decreases fiber breakage by up to 86% and captures the fibers that do break off, reducing microplastic pollution by over 90%. Additionally, it extends the lifespan of garments. Tests confirm that the bag doesn't release microplastics, withstands at least 50 washes, and effectively cleans common stains. In summary, the GUPPYFRIEND is a sustainable way to protect both your clothes and the environment.
What garments can be washed in the GUPPYFRIEND?

The GUPPYFRIEND washing bag was developed to reduce the release of microplastic fibers that shed during the washing of synthetic textiles like polyester, acrylic, and nylon. It's particularly effective for fleece, sportswear, and outdoor clothing. However, many other garments also contain synthetic materials. Check the care label to determine the material content—synthetic fibers may be present even if not listed, as labeling regulations vary. Even natural materials like cotton and wool shed fibers during washing, but using the GUPPYFRIEND reduces fiber breakage, protecting garments and extending their lifespan—a bonus for sustainability.
What should I do after washing?

Dispose of the collected microfibers in the residual waste. It's best to gather and discard the fibers in a closed container to minimize the risk of them being dispersed into the environment during waste collection. Microfibers don't belong in recyclable waste, as they cannot be recycled.
Why can't wastewater treatment plants filter out microplastics?

Washing machines can't filter out the microplastic fibers that shed from clothing during washing, allowing them to enter wastewater systems. Despite filtration systems, a significant portion of these particles are released into the environment. A study from the University of California in Santa Barbara indicates that only 60–99% of microplastics are filtered out, and in Germany, only 20 out of approximately 10,000 treatment plants have advanced fourth-stage treatment, primarily targeting pharmaceutical residues. Microplastic fibers are particularly challenging to capture due to their shape and buoyancy, enabling them to pass through filters easily. Even when trapped in sewage sludge, they can re-enter nature if the sludge is used as fertilizer instead of being incinerated. During heavy rainfall, untreated wastewater can be directly discharged into water bodies through combined sewer overflows. Beyond washing, sources like tire wear, shoe soles, and airborne microplastics contribute to pollution. Since current treatment plants can't completely eliminate microplastics, it's crucial to reduce emissions at the source. By choosing sustainable textiles and modifying our washing habits, we can all help protect our oceans.