Cleaner Seas Group Unveils 'World-First' Facility to Recycle Ocean Microplastics

A one-of-a-kind environmental facility has officially opened its doors in the coastal town of Bude, and it’s taking direct aim at one of the planet’s most persistent and invisible pollution problems.

The new centre, built by the Cleaner Seas Group, combines three innovative elements under one roof: a Microfibre Filter Hub, a Microplastic Recycling Lab, and a Return and Recycle Centre. Together, they make up a global first in the fight against microplastic waste. The goal? To stop up to 86 tonnes of microfibres every year from reaching the ocean.

You might not see them, but microplastics are all around you. They are floating in the air, swimming in the sea, and circulating through our bloodstreams. A 2022 study found that 80 per cent of people tested had traces of microplastics in their blood. Meanwhile, the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that approximately 13 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually.

Cleaner Seas Group says its Bude centre is not just about capturing microfibres. It goes a step further. The fibres collected at the facility are recycled into materials that can be used again in real-world applications. Think packaging, construction materials, and even components for batteries. It’s a closed-loop system designed not only to intercept waste but to give it new life.

Dave Miller, CEO of Cleaner Seas Group, said:

“Let’s be honest – microplastic pollution is a global crisis hiding in plain sight. It’s in our oceans, our food, our brains and our bloodstreams. We’re told it’s too complex to fix, too late to act – but we’re proving that’s not true.

“This new facility isn’t just about filtration or recycling – it’s about completely shifting the way we deal with waste and sustainable materials. It shows you don’t have to choose between protecting the planet and building a commercially viable business.”

Located in the southwest of England, Bude may not be the place to launch a world-first environmental hub. But with nearly £928,000 in funding from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, backed by Cornwall Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, this coastal town is now leading the way.

Cllr Adam Paynter, Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council, said:

“We’re proud to support innovative, purpose-led businesses like Cleaner Seas Group that are placing Cornwall at the forefront of global environmental solutions. This world-first facility is a testament to the kind of bold thinking we need to protect our planet and grow our green economy.”

The technology behind this effort is not new to Cleaner Seas Group. Their microfibre filters are already being used in homes and businesses across the UK. In 2024, the company partnered with Marella Cruises, a member of the TUI Group, to install these filters across the cruise line’s entire fleet.

Each ship is expected to capture up to 500 kilograms of microfibres every year. That is half a metric tonne per vessel kept out of our oceans.

According to the team behind the facility, Bude is only the first chapter in a much larger story. Cleaner Seas Group plans to expand its technology and grow its network of partners in the coming years. More innovations, more facilities, and more impact are already in the pipeline.

Who Is Cleaner Seas Group?

Based in Cornwall, Cleaner Seas Group is an environmental innovation company focused on practical solutions to microplastic pollution. It develops scalable filtration technology for homes, businesses, and large-scale industrial settings. The company is B Corp certified and collaborates with a diverse range of partners across various sectors, including retail, travel, and manufacturing.