Xeros cleans up at the Climate Week Awards
The first Climate Week Awards has named Xeros - designed by a University spinout company - as the 'Best Technological Breakthrough' for the unique way that it cleans clothes by using hardly any water.
Harnessing over 30 years of research by the University, Xeros technology has the potential to transform the way the commercial laundry market cleans clothes by offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional aqueous washing. Xeros cuts water and energy use, and reduces carbon and effluent emissions.
Xeros uses special polymer beads rather than the usual large amounts of fresh water to clean clothes. Instead a small amount of water is added to loosen clothing stains and activate the beads. Used within a special washing machine also invented by Xeros, the garments are tumbled gently in the beads. They suck dirt off the clothes by absorbing it into their molecular structure. The Xeros beads work for hundreds of washes. At the end of their cleaning life, they will be re-used for other applications. For example, by the automotive industry.
Independent analysis confirms that Xeros cleans as well as normal aqueous washers, and environmental consultancy URS found its carbon footprint to be 20% lower. Xeros has raised funds at every stage of its development, most recently £4million in October 2010. The company will achieve full commercialisation later this year with a system designed specifically for the commercial laundry industry.
Bill Westwater, CEO of Xeros, said: "Xeros is delighted to win this award for Best Technological Breakthrough. It is a testament to Dr Steve Jenkins, our Chief Technology Officer at Xeros and his team, who have developed a unique cleaning technology that significantly reduces the environmental impact of cleaning clothes. The global laundry industry is worth over £60 billion per annum, and this award gives Xeros a tremendous boost as we continue down this exciting path towards commercialisation this year."
Backed by the Prime Minster David Cameron, Xeros received the prestigious 'Best Technological Breakthrough' award from Lord Marland, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The Awards are the centrepiece of Climate Week (21-27 March), which recognises the very best of what Britain has to offer in combating climate change.
The Climate Week Awards were judged by an internationally-recognised panel of experts, including Lord Nicholas Stern (author of the Stern Report); former Irish President Mary Robinson; eco-adventurer David de Rothschild; Ian McEwan, best-selling author of 'Solar'; and Tim Smit, founder of the Eden project.
Climate Week CEO Kevin Steele said: "The Climate Week Awards celebrate the very best that Britain has to offer in combating climate change. They offer a powerful illustration of what can be achieved to help create a more sustainable, low-carbon society. It's through shining examples like these that we can help inspire others to raise their game."
Further information can be found at the Climate Week Awards website.