At CEATEC 2026 in Japan, Sharp is demonstrating a washing system that will have a significant impact in places where clean water is scarce or conventional plumbing is unavailable. Called Triple Free Laundry, the company’s new Drainless Recirculating Washing System filters and reuses wastewater instead of sending it down the drain, reducing water consumption by approximately 96%, according to Sharp.

The technology is particularly relevant for Japan, where earthquakes can interrupt water supplies for days or even weeks. Without running water, even basic activities such as washing clothes become difficult, creating hygiene problems for families living in evacuation shelters.

We saw the prototype yesterday at Sharp’s CEATEC booth and spoke with a company representative about how the system operates and its commercialization plans.

Unlike conventional washing machines, which continuously draw fresh water and discharge used water, Sharp’s system is designed to clean and recycle the same water across multiple washing cycles.

The prototype demonstrated at CEATEC combines a conventional washing machine with a separate purification unit and water storage tank.

After washing, dirty water flows through Sharp’s proprietary filtration system, which removes contaminants before returning the purified water to the tank. The water can then be reused for subsequent loads, creating a closed-loop washing process.

The system does not require a permanent connection to conventional water supply or drainage infrastructure, making it ideal for temporary installations and locations without plumbing.

Sharp also avoids synthetic detergents, instead using alkaline ionized water for cleaning. This approach helps maintain compatibility with the water filtration system while reducing the discharge of detergent-related pollutants.

According to the company, the system generates no wastewater containing microplastics, an environmental benefit in addition to its considerable water savings.

However, the technology is not entirely waterless: it still requires an initial water supply, and some replenishment may be needed.

During our conversation at CEATEC, a Sharp representative told us that the company expects to introduce the technology in Japan during fiscal year 2026, ending in March 2027.

The initial focus will be disaster-preparedness applications rather than household consumers.

This makes sense given Japan’s exposure to earthquakes and floods that can damage water infrastructure. A washing system that operates without conventional plumbing could help evacuation centers maintain basic hygiene even during prolonged disruptions.

Sharp also sees opportunities beyond Japan.

According to the company, the next phase would involve expanding into international markets where water supplies are limited. Potential markets include the Middle East, Africa, and regions with fragile water infrastructure.

The technology could also prove useful in remote locations, including islands and other facilities where transporting water or installing conventional plumbing is expensive or impractical.

Sharp’s Triple Free Laundry won an Excellence Award at CEATEC 2026 for its approach to water conservation and disaster resilience.

Sharp could not share pricing or detailed commercial specifications, but we were impressed by the technology’s huge environmental benefits and the range of practical applications it could unlock in emergencies or in regions facing water and infrastructure shortages.

Sharp also showcased several other technologies at CEATEC 2026, including a portable 5G network, a zinc-air flow battery, and a water leak detection system; we also had a chance to see its LEO/MEO satellite communication terminals, currently under development to provide connectivity in remote areas and during emergencies.

Visitors can see the system at Sharp’s booth 5H340 in Hall 5 at CEATEC 2026, held at Makuhari Messe in Japan.

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