News: Xeros Ltd shortlisted at Climate Week Awards

Xeros Limited, an innovative cleantech company based in Rotherham, has been shortlisted at the Climate Week Awards 2011.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Leeds University spin-out is developing the world's first "virtually waterless" washing machines.

The Climate Week Awards recognise the very best of what Britain has to offer in combating climate change, including outstanding achievements by individuals, businesses and communities. Xeros are shortlisted for Best Technological Breakthrough, in association with Tesco.

Xeros will join the Secretary of State for Climate Change, other finalists and likeminded individuals at the launch of the inaugural Climate Week in London on March 21 at Lancaster House, London.

Xeros' patented technology has been developed over the past 30 years by textile chemistry professor Stephen Burkinshaw at the University of Leeds. The new washers will re-use polymer beads which act as a cleaning agent to remove dirt from clothes. The Xeros process saves up to 90 per cent of water compared to conventional washing machines.

Bill Westwater, CEO, Xeros, said: "With Climate Week shining a spotlight on the big innovations that will inspire millions more people to tackle climate change, Xeros is delighted to be shortlisted as Best Technological Breakthrough for our virtually waterless cleaning system.

"The Climate Week Awards in particular, are a fantastic initiative for smaller companies like Xeros who need to raise their profile with potential partners and customers alike. That Xeros is shortlisted could not be a better boost for our team, and it marks another important step in our journey to the market and our mission to reduce the carbon footprint of laundry."

The company successfully completed a £3.5m round of funding in November and has developed a prototype machine that removes the beads from clothes after washing. A machine for the commercial laundry industry is planned to go on to the market in 2011, with a domestic machine planned for 2013.

Xeros website

Images: xerosltd.com