Tackling Microfiber Pollution - HOW THE CORA BALL IS LEADING THE WAY
05/15/2025 02:51PM ● By EMILY PARKER
Microplastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with tiny synthetic fibers shedding from clothing and household materials into waterways and the air. While the problem is vast, solutions are emerging to help mitigate its impact. One such innovation is the CORA BALL, an easy-to-use, Vermont-made device designed to reduce shedding and capture microfibers in washing machines before they reach lakes, rivers, and oceans.
The Cora Board is made from one
plank of naturally antimicrobial Vermont maple
wood by Vermont craftspeople. Invented by Rachael Z. Miller, CEO and founder of Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, and her team, the Cora Ball is an example of how individuals, businesses, and policymakers can work together to reduce microfiber pollution. As the product gains recognition, Rachael and her team continue to push the boundaries of sustainability, developing new solutions that make a tangible impact on both human and environmental health.
The Cora Clip for hanging your laundry
THE BIRTH OF THE CORA BALL
The inspiration for the Cora Ball came in 2013, when Rachael first read about microfiber pollution in a popular science article. “The problem screamed at us, and right away we set about learning more about it and spreading the word,” she says. Understanding that an immediate solution was necessary, Rachael and her team at Rozalia Project began working on what would eventually become the Cora Ball.
The device was inspired by natural coral, which naturally filters tiny particles from water. Using a similar structure, the Cora Ball is designed to both prevent microfiber shedding and capture fibers that would otherwise flow down the drain. Independent tests have shown that the device reduces microfiber pollution by 26 to 31 percent, even before visible accumulation occurs, making it a significant tool in protecting both clothing and aquatic ecosystems.
Rachael’s work with Rozalia Project, which she founded in 2009, played a major role in the Cora Ball’s development. The Burlington-based organization focuses on four key strategies to combat marine debris: data-driven cleanups, education, technology, and solutions-based research. In 2012, the team conducted an early study of microplastics in the sediment of Lake Champlain. Since then, they have expanded their research to the Arctic and Antarctic oceans, publishing data that highlights the widespread impact of microplastics on marine environments.
The Cora Ball can be used in any washing machine, including condensing hybrid washer/dryers.
KEEPING PRODUCTION LOCAL: THE VERMONT CONNECTION
From the beginning, Rachael’s organization was committed to manufacturing the Cora Ball in Vermont. “Human connections are powerful, and we found amazing teams of people who shared our goals of sustainability and social responsibility,” she says. These partnerships allowed the team to develop eco-friendly production strategies, such as reusing shipping boxes between manufacturing and assembly facilities to minimize waste.
The Cora Ball itself is made from synthetic rubber that includes recycled materials—including old Cora Balls. Durability was a key factor in its design, with the product lasting at least eight years despite the harsh conditions inside washing machines. Additionally, the Cora Ball is repairable—if a piece breaks, it can be replaced rather than discarding the entire unit. At the end of its lifespan, consumers can return used Cora Balls through a take-back program, ensuring that materials are recycled into new products rather than ending up in landfills.
EXPANDING ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY BEYOND THE LAUNDRY
While washing machines are a major source of microfiber pollution, the company recognizes that they are not the only source. One lesser-known contributor is plastic cutting boards, which release tiny plastic particles into food with every use.
To address this issue, the team recently launched the Cora Board, a single-piece, hardwood cutting board free from glues, resins, waxes, and oils. “Studies have quantified just how much microplastic is being introduced into our food from plastic cutting boards,” Rachael explains. “We saw an opportunity to create a solution that is not only better for the environment but also directly impacts human health by making food preparation safer.”
The Cora Board is sourced from Vermont maple trees and crafted in Middlebury, VT, further reinforcing the organization’s commitment to local, sustainable production.
SIMPLE ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
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Wash clothes in cold water to reduce fiber shedding.
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Spot-clean clothes instead of washing garments after every wear.
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Air-dry clothes whenever possible.
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Shop secondhand before buying new clothing.
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Support legislation that promotes sustainable manufacturing and filtration.
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT IS ESSENTIAL
Microfiber and microplastic pollution requires solutions at multiple levels. While government regulations, industry changes, and scientific research play a crucial roles, individual actions are also essential.
“We all have a role to play, as this
problem requires several solutions that
neither fall entirely on consumers nor
exist only upstream in the manufacturing
process,” Rachael says. She advocates
for laws that require better filtration in
washing machines and encourage textile
companies to create more resilient,
recyclable fabrics. At the same time, she urges individuals to adopt small
changes to their daily habits that reduce
microfiber pollution.
“Everyone who wears and launders clothing is part of the problem of microfiber pollution,” Rachael notes. “But the good news is that everyone can also be part of the solution.”
Spot-cleaning with products like soap sticks can help reduce microfiber pollution by keeping clothes clean without needing to wash the whole garment.
THE FUTURE OF MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION SOLUTIONS
As awareness of microfiber pollution grows, Rachael and her team remain focused on expanding solutions that help individuals and businesses take action. With their success with the Cora Ball and the introduction of the Cora Board, they continue to develop products that address both environmental and human health concerns.
Through ongoing research, education, and community engagement, Rachael and her team hope to inspire policy changes, industry improvements, and individual action that collectively reduce the impact of microplastic pollution. By providing practical, science-backed solutions, her work ensures that cleaner oceans and healthier lives are within reach.
For more information about the Cora Ball, Rozalia Project, and ways to reduce microfiber pollution, visit www.coraball.com.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORA BALL
