Cleanr targets microplastics in reusable bottles

Cleanr is preparing to launch Cleanr Sip, a stainless-steel straw filter designed to reduce exposure to microplastics and other contaminants when consumers drink from reusable water bottles.

The system has been developed to fit into bottles consumers already own rather than requiring a dedicated container, positioning the filter as an add-on intended to extend the functionality of reusable drinkware.

Filter claims more than 99% microplastic removal

According to Cleanr, the system can remove more than 99% of microplastics from drinking water while also reducing contaminants including PFAS, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and chlorine.

The filter uses the company’s patented Vortx technology, which creates a vortex-inspired filtration process based on the way manta rays separate microscopic plankton from water while feeding.

Vortex design supports filtration performance

The main engineering challenge was combining high filtration efficiency with comfortable drinking flow and sufficient filter longevity. Conventional filters can become more difficult to drink through as smaller particles are targeted or contaminants accumulate.

Cleanr says its Vortx architecture enables small-particle capture while incorporating natural self-cleaning characteristics that help maintain flow through the straw during use.

Stainless steel supports reuse

The Cleanr Sip is manufactured from stainless steel and includes an adjustable sizing system that allows it to fit bottles of different dimensions.

Rather than introducing another disposable water container, the company is positioning the product around continued use of existing reusable bottles. Cleanr estimates that adopting the system could reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles by up to 35 times.

Microplastic exposure draws greater attention

The launch comes amid growing research into micro- and nanoplastic exposure through drinking water and food-contact materials. Studies have identified plastic particles in both bottled and tap water, while researchers continue to investigate potential health implications.

Packaging has become an important part of this discussion because PET bottles, caps and other plastic components can contribute particles during production, storage, handling and use.

Reusable packaging does not eliminate every risk

The Cleanr development also highlights a broader consideration for reusable packaging. Moving away from single-use bottles can reduce material consumption and waste, but water quality and contamination remain separate issues that reuse alone does not address.

Integrating filtration with reusable bottles could therefore provide an additional layer of functionality for consumers concerned about both packaging waste and water quality.

Product launch planned before year-end

Cleanr expects the Sip filter to reach the market before the end of 2026. The company is positioning the product as a portable filtration solution that can combine reusable packaging with microplastic reduction.

As public awareness of microplastics continues to increase, technologies that complement reusable containers may become a growing part of the beverage packaging ecosystem, extending packaging functionality beyond containment and into active water treatment.