Stopping Microplastics at the Source Ft. Max Pennington (CLEANR)

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Max Pennington, CEO and Co-Founder of CLEANR. Max shares how an internship at P&G and an entrepreneurial drive from Case Western Reserve University sparked his mission to tackle microplastic pollution. With most microplastics coming straight from our washing machines, Max and his team developed a vortex-based filter that captures over 90% of microplastics before they reach waterways. He talks about the product’s nature-inspired design process, early engineering hurdles, and a go-to-market strategy focused on universities and long-term B2B goals. Max also dives into brand storytelling, upcoming regulatory pushes in the US and EU, and how CLEANR’s vision extends from everyday households to hospitals and hotels. If you’re passionate about sustainability and real-world tech innovation, this episode is a must-listen.