Ahead of the Antarctic season, AE will install Indikon marine-grade microfibre filtration systems on the washing machines aboard its new ship, Douglas Mawson. The advanced filters, developed by Cleaner Seas Group, capture up to 99% of microfibres released during laundry cycles, preventing them from entering the ocean via the vessel’s greywater system.

“Microfibre pollution is one of the most overlooked forms of plastic waste, often invisible, yet pervasive from coastlines to the poles,” said Sasha Buch, Sustainability Manager, AE Expeditions. “By installing Cleaner Seas’ filtration systems aboard Douglas Mawson, we’re taking a proactive step to keep microplastics out of some of the most pristine waters on Earth.”

Microplastics, particles smaller than 5 millimetres, have been detected across the globe, including Antarctica and the Arctic. A single load of synthetic laundry can release hundreds of thousands of fibres; once in the ocean, these fibres can be ingested by plankton and marine life, transferring pollutants through the food chain.

Following a successful period aboard Douglas Mawson, AE plans to extend the system to its other purpose-built ships, Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer, when the vessels return to Europe next year.

“As part of Cleaner Seas Group’s closed-loop sustainability model, used filter cartridges from AE’s ships will be collected and recycled locally by Cleaner Seas Group, transforming captured microfibres into new, sustainable materials and ensuring nothing goes to landfill,” said David Miller, CEO of Cleaner Seas.

“Building on our global growth, Cleaner Seas Group is set to establish a dedicated recycling facility in New Zealand in the near future, further strengthening our commitment to reducing ocean microplastic pollution worldwide.”