What has France—and the rest of the world—really been doing?
Remember when we were all celebrating France’s bold move to fight microfiber pollution by requiring filters in all new washing machines? Well... fast forward to the second half of 2025, and here’s the truth: not much has changed.
🇫🇷 France: Big Promises, No Progress
France made headlines when it passed legislation mandating microfiber filters in all new washing machines. It was a moment of hope and a powerful signal to the world.
But as it turns out, that provision in the law has yet to be implemented. Why? Because the regulation depends on specific technical definitions—like what exactly qualifies as a microfiber and what defines a compliant filter. These definitions were never published, and without them, the law remains unenforceable.
On paper, France took a leap forward. In practice? It’s still standing still.
🇪🇺 What’s Happening in the EU
The European Union has now taken up the challenge of addressing microfiber pollution across its member states. The idea: create regulations that align with the principles of the European common market.
But before anything can be mandated, two things are needed:
- Standardized definitions, and
- Reliable measurement procedures.
To that end, a multi-stakeholder group under the International Electrotechnical Committee is currently developing standards to measure fiber shedding and filter efficiency. This work is expected to conclude by the end of 2026.
In parallel, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation for washing machines is under review, with microfiber filtration on the table. That revision process is also expected to finish by late 2026.
No guarantees, but here’s the good news: Microfiber pollution is finally being taken seriously—by lawmakers and manufacturers alike.
🇺🇸 The U.S.: A Veto and a Bill
In 2023, California nearly passed a bill to require built-in microfiber filters in all new washing machines sold in the state by 2029. The legislation cleared both chambers—but was vetoed by Governor Newsom.
His reasoning? He preferred incentive-based approaches over mandates. Still, he encouraged further efforts by the State Water Board, keeping the door open for future regulation.
On a national level, there’s been movement too:
In 2025, the Fighting Fibers Act was introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate.
Progress is slow, but the conversation is happening.
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back—But Still Moving
Finally, we should not forget that even an inefficient method of progressing in which we make two steps forward and one backward still takes us where we want to go. Not as fast as it could but still…
It’s easy to get discouraged by delays and bureaucracy.
But even a clumsy, uncertain path forward still counts as movement.
The reality is: change often starts with us. Every single PlanetCare filter in use is a real-world proof that solutions exist—and that people are ready to act before politicians do.
We’ve been able to show that our filters work, that people use them, and that microfiber pollution can be stopped—thanks to thousands of users across the world.
We're actively involved in policy conversations with governments and global standards bodies.
With your help, we’re making change happen.
Ready to take action?
Get the PlanetCare filter and start stopping microplastics at the source—right from your washing machine. EXPLORE THE SOLUTION →
Over the years, several independent organizations across Europe have put our filters to the test—and the results have consistently confirmed our commitment to science-backed impact. EXPLORE ALL INDEPENDENT TESTS →
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