There's nothing wrong with the way we wash laundry, right? Even so, the
Dow Chemical Company, along with international partners, is thinking about a way to change the way we do it, for the better.
Dow, along with Chinese appliance company
Haier, announced a new washing technology called "Magic Pellets Washing." It is meant to reduce water and detergent consumption in typical laundry practices, which will not only save consumers money, but substantially improve the environmental and energy impact of your clothes washing routine.
Haier and Dow scientists have worked for two years on the project, which introduces washing pellets into the laundry process. The pellets capture dirt from clothes by absorbing it, using only a small amount of water. They are self-cleaning, and reusable. Haier also has created a new washing machine to use the pellets, and less water, giving rise to its name.
"The Less Water Washing Machine, equipped with pellet technology, is a valuable result of the collaboration between two innovation leaders at different points in the value chain, as well as an evidence of our joint efforts to address market megatrends and introduce breakthrough technology that benefits consumers," says Dr. Weiguang Yao, who is chief technology officer at Dow Asia Pacific.
The machine and pellets are estimated to save about 70 tons of water and 1,300 kilowatt-hours of electricity over the appliance's lifetime, and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions that equals planting six trees.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Weiguang Yao, Dow Chemical Company
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