Matter and Living Ink recognized in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026

Two Katapult Ocean portfolio companies are behind innovations named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026: the Bosch Microplastic Filter, engineered by Matter, in the Household category, and Living Ink’s Algae Black™ in Sustainability.

One captures microfibers released during laundry. The other turns waste algae biomass into a petroleum-free black pigment. Both address environmental challenges through products designed to fit into existing routines and manufacturing processes.

Matter: capturing microfibers in everyday laundry

Washing clothes releases microscopic fibers that can enter wastewater systems. Matter’s filtration technology captures these fibers at source, before they leave the washing machine’s drainage system.

The Bosch Microplastic Filter, developed in partnership with BSH and engineered by Matter, brings that technology into the home. It captures up to 97% of microplastics released during washing and uses a self-cleaning system, without disposable filter cartridges or bags. The aim is to make microfiber capture a practical part of everyday laundry.

Matter is also applying its Regen® technology in textile manufacturing, helping manufacturers capture microfiber pollution at an industrial scale.

Living Ink: making black pigment from waste algae

Black pigment appears in everything from clothing and packaging to cosmetics and paints. Conventional carbon black is typically derived from fossil fuels. Living Ink offers an alternative: Algae Black™, made from waste algae biomass.

Recognized in TIME’s Sustainability category, Algae Black is a petroleum-free, carbon-negative pigment that retains carbon absorbed by algae. It is designed to replace conventional carbon black without requiring manufacturers to change their existing equipment.

The pigment is already reaching consumers through commercial applications, including Stella McCartney collections, Waiākea beverage labels, and New Balance hangtags.

Recognition across the portfolio

Matter and Living Ink join several Katapult Ocean portfolio companies whose innovations have appeared in previous editions of TIME’s Best Inventions:

• Sway’s TPSea Flex, a seaweed-based alternative to conventional plastic film, in 2025.
• Flocean’s Subsea Desalination Plant in 2025.
• Coral Vita’s BrainCoral platform for coral restoration in 2025.
• Aquaria’s Atmospheric Water Generators in 2024.

Congratulations to the Matter and Living Ink teams, and to the partners helping bring their technologies into everyday use.