CLEANR & Cleveland vs. Microplastics
Founded & based in Cleveland, CLEANR is leading the global fight against microplastic pollution. From protecting our Great Lakes today to clean water everywhere tomorrow.
Our Cleveland Story
CLEANR was developed at and is based out of Case Western Reserve University’s Sears think[box], right here in Cleveland. Surrounded by world-class researchers, innovators, and a passionate community, we built a microplastics filter that can work in every home to make filtration possible.
Laundry is the top source of microplastic pollution worldwide, and Lake Erie is one of the most polluted of all the Great Lakes. That makes Cleveland the perfect place to lead this fight.
We believe our city can be ground zero for solving the microplastics crisis. Watch to hear Max, CLEANR Co-Founder, CEO, and Ohio native, talk about why CLEANR was started and how proud we are to call Cleveland home.
“From Cincinnati to Cleveland, Ohio has always been home for me. Launching CLEANR here means everything. We’re tackling a global challenge, but we’re doing it with the spirit that makes Cleveland special. Every time I visit Lake Erie, I’m reminded why this work matters: protecting our water, our families, and our future.”
Max Pennington
CLEANR CEO and Co-Founder (Ohio-Native and Cleveland Resident)
CLEANR Around Cleveland
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CLEANR was born in Cleveland and created by three Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) students who believed a small team could take on a massive problem: microplastic pollution. From the beginning at Sears think[box], we’ve been guided by innovation, grit, and Cleveland pride. CLEANR is proud to call Cleveland home.
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In June 2025, we officially launched at the Great Lakes Science Center, standing beside our neighbors, community leaders, and global voices all united by one mission: to protect our water. There was no better place than Cleveland, on the shores of Lake Erie, to share our vision with the world.
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Our journey has been shaped by Northeast Ohio’s incredible ecosystem of researchers, partners, and advocates. We have recently collaborated with CWRU and the University of Akron to rollout our university filtration program, capturing microplastics and involving students in sustainability. We love the Ohio community and feel united by a passion for science, sustainability, and innovation.
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Most recently, CLEANR was honored with the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Best in Tech Award of 2025, recognition that our Cleveland-born innovation is making a global impact.
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Cleveland is more than our home. It’s where the fight for clean water begins. From the Great Lakes to every river, tap, and family, we’re proud to carry Cleveland’s spirit of resilience into the world.
From Cleveland. For the World.
The CLEANR Team Proudly Launching at the GLCS
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
This summer, CLEANR joined the Great Lakes Science Center for their Summer of Innovation: Sustainability Event. Families and kids across Cleveland got hands-on with science activities and learned how innovation can protect our water and environment.
Our team loved connecting with the community and showing how cool everyday items (like clothing) can look under a microscope. Seeing Cleveland’s youngest innovators get excited about science reminds us why we do this work: to protect the future of our water for the next generation.
Big thanks to the Science Center team for hosting and to all the kids and families who joined us!
Microplastics in Lake Erie are a Growing Threat
ABC News
Cleveland.com
Spectrum News 1
The Cleveland Spotlight
Ideastream Public Media
The Cleveland Water Alliance
Spectrum News 1
Crain’s Cleveland Business
CLEANR’s Cleveland-Developed Microplastics Filter for Washing Machines
CLEANR is an easy-to-install filter that connects to your washing machine drain hose and captures over 90% of microplastics from your laundry before they pollute our waterways. It’s time to stop the spread.
Protect our environment, your body, and our future.
Works on any washing machine make or model
Smart App Enabled: See your impact and what you're catching!
15 minute self‑install, no tools required
Less than 30 seconds of maintenance per week
Inspired by fish gill filtration
Make the world CLEANR