CLEANR Launches Whale-Inspired Microplastic Filter, Putting Cleveland on the Map for Environmental Innovation
Years of research at Case Western culminate today with the launch of CLEANR's VORTX filter
The Pitch: CLEANR’s VORTX Tech Brings Hope to The Microplastic Dilemma
The microplastic crisis is a mounting global challenge, with 1.5 million tons choking our oceans annually. A staggering 35% stems from synthetic fibers released during laundry, escaping washing machines and infiltrating wastewater system. Innovative, urgent solutions are needed to stem this tide.
CLEANR is tackling this challenge head-on with its patent-pending VORTX filtration technology, inspired by the efficient filtering mechanisms of whale sharks and manta rays. This elegantly designed system is specifically engineered to trap over 90% of microplastics down to 50 microns directly within washing machine wastewater. This level of filtration surpasses the capabilities of many existing wastewater treatment systems and captures microplastics at the source.
Founded by Max Pennington (CEO), David Dillman (CTO), and Chip Miller (COO) at Case Western’s think[box], CLEANR emerged from a deep understanding of the urgent need for effective mitigation technologies. Its early success, including six “Best of IFA 2023” awards and traction with manufacturers holding 45% of Europe’s washing machine market, underscores the market readiness and global potential of this innovative solution to a well-documented and growing environmental threat. Partnering with GKD, a German mesh technology leader, CLEANR is accepting pre-orders for its CLEANR Filter for Washing Machines, with deliveries starting June 2025. Use Code "ODPFAM" for $20 Off.
Why Cleveland? A Strategic Hub for Environmental Innovation
Cleveland’s research-driven, business-friendly ecosystem, centered on Case Western Reserve University, provides CLEANR with an unmatched foundation to innovate, scale, and deliver impact in the environmental industrial technology sector. Ohio’s 2024 economic resurgence—marked by nearly 600 transformative projects, $20 billion in investments, and a No. 3 national ranking for economic development—amplifies this advantage.
World-Class Research and Prototyping: Case Western’s Swetland Center for Environmental Health leads microplastic health research, while Sears think[box] offers cutting-edge prototyping, including 3D printing for rapid VORTX development. Complementary research, such as Case Western’s thermoset plastic recycling and The Ohio State University’s chemical looping technology yielding 90% pure syngas from plastic waste, fosters synergies in microplastic mitigation and circular economy solutions.
Strategic Partnerships and Testing: The Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA), a network of researchers, businesses, and policymakers, enables CLEANR to test VORTX in Lake Erie’s real-world conditions, leveraging the lake as a living laboratory. The Ohio Water Resources Center (OWRC) connects CLEANR to statewide PFAS and microplastic initiatives via its interactive project map. Advocacy from the Ohio Environmental Council and Green Umbrella champions sustainable policies, amplifying CLEANR’s impact.
Manufacturing and Workforce Strength: Cleveland’s manufacturing base, backed by a skilled workforce of 600,000 statewide trained by organizations like MAGNET, ensures scalable production and talent. Ohio’s textile industry ties and semiconductor supply chains, bolstered by Intel’s $28 billion facility, provide strategic synergies for advanced filtration technologies.
Economic and Policy Support: JobsOhio and Team NEO offer incentives mirroring those that attracted Meta’s $800 million AI data center. Ohio’s No. 1 ranking in Site Selection’s 2024 Global Groundwork Index highlights its infrastructure—affordable energy, fiber networks, and Lake Erie proximity—ideal for scaling environmental solutions. JobsOhio’s R&D grants, $3 billion in Innovation Districts, and 47,000 annual STEM graduates drive collaboration. Firms like Verdantas and Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., provide compliance expertise, ensuring regulatory alignment.
The Market: Leading a $10B+ Microplastic Filtration Opportunity
CLEANR’s VORTX technology is poised to capture a significant share of the $10 billion+ microplastic filtration market, fueled by tightening regulations (e.g., France’s mandates and pending U.S. state laws) and consumer demand for sustainable appliances. With 1.5 million tons of microplastics entering oceans annually, VORTX’s 90%+ filtration efficiency offers a scalable solution for manufacturers and eco-conscious households. Early trials with global manufacturers demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards, positioning CLEANR as an industry leader.
Partnerships with GKD and appliance brands representing 45% of Europe’s washing machine market signal rapid adoption. By June 2025, CLEANR for Washing Machines will empower households to prevent microplastic pollution, addressing both environmental and health concerns.
“We are very proud to have designed and developed CLEANR for Washing Machines and our VORTX technology in Cleveland out of the Sears think[box]. We believe Cleveland can be the ground zero in the fight against microplastic pollution and in the spirit of keeping the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie, clean.” - Max Pennington
The Numbers: Why Investors & Industry Pros Should Care
Ohio’s economic momentum and the global environmental technology market’s projected growth to $690 billion by 2026 make CLEANR a startup to bet on that addresses a massive societal problem:
Environmental Impact: VORTX technology effectively traps over 90% of microplastics, significantly reducing the 1.5 million tons of annual ocean pollution by an estimated 400,000+ tons per year, thus preserving aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding human health.
Commercial Scale: Strategic partnerships with GKD and leading appliance manufacturers allow CLEANR to be in position to win integrated contracts with leading washing machine manufacturers that produce millions of machines every year.
Funding History: CLEANR has secured investment from a group of angel investors both inside and outside of Cleveland who are betting on its promising next-generation, patent-pending VORTX filtration technology, fueling its growth and enabling the continued expansion of its talented team and continued go-to-market traction.
Raise Status: The team is currently raising a round prior to an expected Series A in 12 to 18 months.
Despite challenges like R&D costs and competition from green tech hubs, Ohio’s low cost of living, skilled workforce, and public-private partnerships create a stable gateway. CLEANR’s alignment with Ohio’s sustainable leaders—like Honda/LG’s $4.2 billion battery center and Schaeffler’s $230 million electric mobility plant—positions it to shape the environmental industrial technology sector.
The Bottom Line
CLEANR’s Earth Day 2025 launch from Cleveland establishes Ohio as a trailblazer in commercializing environmental research. By tackling 35% of microplastic pollution with VORTX technology, CLEANR leverages Case Western’s innovation ecosystem, Lake Erie’s testing ground, and Ohio’s skilled workforce to drive a sustainable future. For founders, CLEANR is a model for research-driven startups. For investors, it’s a $10 billion+ market opportunity with significant growth potential. For industry professionals, it’s a call to join Ohio in leading environmental innovation.
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