A former Nottingham Trent University student has created a lighter washing machine that could help reduce the amount of CO2 emissions.
Dylan Knight, who graduated with a first class degree in BSc (Hons) product design, developed the lighter machine alongside Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh, a professor in intelligent engineering systems.
They developed a hollow plastic counterweight which is filled with water to stop washing machines from vibrating during spin cycles.
Manufacturers currently use heavy concrete blocks weighing more than 25kg to prevent washing machines from vibrating heavily.
The current use of concrete increases appliance weight and creates carbon emissions through the production and transportation of concrete.
Dylan, 22, from Grove Park in London, tested the lightweight device – which weighs less than 3kg when unfilled – and found it was just as effective as a concrete counterweight when filled with water.
He said: “Concrete is actually quite bad for the environment due to the CO2 released when it’s produced.
“The use of concrete is also the reason why washing machines are normally very heavy to move.
“The hollow container is left unfilled until the appliance is installed; we found it worked as good as a concrete counterweight, stopping the spinning drum from heavily vibrating the machine.”
The new design cuts the weight of the home appliance by 30 per cent which in turn lowers the cost of fuel through appliance transportation.
It also reduces the risk of physical injury when lifting and installing the product in the home.
Research suggests reducing the weight of a truck carrying washing machines by 100kg could save around 8.5g of CO2 and 0.35 litres of fuel per 100km in transportation distance.
Around 3.5 million washing machines are sold every year in the UK.
If each was fitted with the new lightweight device, the carbon savings would equate to around 44,625 tonnes of CO2 and a reduced fuel consumption of 183,750 litres, when transported on average for only 50km.
Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh said: “This sustainable solution not only reduces cost and energy needed for transportation, but also provides ergonomic and health and safety benefits to those physically handling washing machines.
“This is a great example of how we integrate our teaching and learning processes and research with industry, to solve real problems and support job creation.”
The research was provided through the Enabling Innovation programme at NTU, a scheme to support businesses by investing in research.
Siobhan Urquhart, innovation coordinator at Enabling Innovation, said: “The project has provided a great opportunity to work closely with both a local business and the expertise within our university.
“It has provided an outcome that will help reduce carbon emissions and is a project that we have been very proud to be involved in.”
