Summary
An engineer, Adam Root, has been shortlisted for a global award for creating filters that remove microplastics from wastewater. His company, Matter, developed these filters to prevent microplastics from entering oceans, and they are now used in both household and industrial settings. Root's invention is competing for a £1 million prize at the Earthshot Awards.
Key Facts
- Adam Root is an engineer from Essex who invented filters that remove microplastics from water.
- His company, Matter, developed a filter called Regen that is self-cleaning and reusable.
- The filters prevent microfibers from washing machines and industrial units from entering waterways.
- Root's invention is shortlisted for a £1 million prize at the Earthshot Awards organized by the Prince of Wales.
- Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm that pollute ecosystems.
- Matter has raised over £15 million and employs about 45 people to expand its technology.
- The filters are now used in textile factories worldwide to clean massive amounts of water.
- Adam Root initially worked on his invention at his mother-in-law's dining table and later expanded his workspace.
