After the chips are caught in the bottom chamber...then what? Do you keep reusing the same chips? Do you have to buy new chips for each wash? Can you clean the dirty chips? (how much water will that take???)

So... What happens to the plastic chips?

I don't understand how this can be environmentally friendly. If you have to keep replacing the dirty chips, won't you be using an oil based product -- assuming oil is used in the manufacturing of the plastic? And how much will replacement chips cost?

And how are plastic chips better for the environment than using a few more ounces of water? How much energy (and water) goes into the making of those plastic chips too?

Comments from the CEO of Xeros Ltd with regardzs of how the machine works:
Quote
"In essence we tumble damp, dirty clothes in a particular type of plastic bead that has the unique property of attracting and absorbing the dirt. The same beads can be used multiple times before they are then recycled.
Think of it as replacing an aqueous solvent( water) with a solid solvent( Xeros beads)".
Unquote

@ Adrian
The plastic chips can be recycled.

@ Robert
The average washing machine uses 55 Gallons per load, there are 128 ounces per gallon, so that's an average of 7040 ounces per load.
This machine uses 8 ounces, which is .11% as much.
Or, 880 loads can be done using as much water as 1 normal load.
That's substantially more than 'a few more ounces of water'.
Cost wise, in California a lot of us pay for water by the gallon. The huge savings there, coupled with the cost savings on not running my dryer (especially during rolling blackout season) is certainly going to offset the cost to purchase a bag of plastic chips.

I'm no fanboy; I'm skeptical that my clothes will get as clean, but I'm definitely up for seeing a demonstration.

How much energy is required to run this washing machine?

Is CR testing this one???

FROM THE EDITOR: No plans yet to test this.

Is this washing machine available in California and if so, where?
The Best
Regina

Does your company have plans to make these machine's available in the United States?

According to the company in their tests the beads will be able to last for 100 washes. They plan to start in 2010 at commercial sites and dry cleaners since their bead technology can be used for dry cleaning as well. Then they will try and market for consumers probably a few years away. Another positive if this technology works is your clothes will be virtually dry hence the savings from not having to use your dryer. Hope it works out.

You can find more info at;
http://www.xerosltd.com/index.htm

I saw this performed live at a trade show. Let's just say, they have a LONG WAY to go.

I cannot find any updated information on the Xeros washing machine. Is it still in testing phase with manufacturer? Has it hit commercial markets? When will it hit U.S. residential markets? Does CU plan on testing in near future? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Our water/sewerage bills are skyrocketing and we'd like to replace our 15 yr old top-loader with something ultra-water-friendly within a year or less. Thank you.