Air Filters: A Novel Way to Keep Your Homes and Workplaces Clean and Fresh in Covid-19

Air filters come in handy for circulating indoor air and filtering dust efficiently to make it suitable for breathing. They are very popular among those living with breathing problems, such as allergies and asthma as they cannot reside in a house with poor indoor air quality. Pollutants will always find their way to invade your home even if it is the cleanest of all. These could be several harmful things including bacteria that are exposed by fresheners, radon or radioactive dust, and second-hand smoke that remain in the air much longer than we can smell or see it. Unless there’s an allergic or asthmatic person in the house, the signs of these impurities can be difficult to identify.

Concept of Green Buildings: An Environmentally Responsible Way to Tackle Pollutants

As per a report by Fortune Business Insights ™, the global market of air filters is projected to reach USD 20.63 billion by 2027. The urgent need to eliminate microbiological contaminants is surging their demand rapidly. Also, maintaining a high indoor air quality (IAQ) quotient is very essential across spaces for protecting the health of occupants. At the same time, the emergence of green buildings is expected to accelerate the demand for air filters worldwide. In May 2021, for instance, the NZ Green Building Council declared that the New Zealand Building Code will be updated by 2030 to ensure all newly constructed buildings are zero carbon. Similarly, the World Green Building Council mentioned in 2018 that 33.0% of environmental norms, 27.0% of healthier building development, 15.0% of higher building values, and 15.0% of market transformation would intensify the demand for green buildings.

Furthermore, in May 2021, the Center for Green Schools and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) announced the survey results from school districts at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The survey included responses of around 4000 schools located in 24 states across the country regarding the measures they have taken to enhance IAQ in schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of them have shifted towards HVAC systems to increase air supply or have upgraded filters to deploy more protective measures for teachers and students. Such initiatives by regulatory bodies are likely to propel the demand for air filters in the near future.

Companies in North America Strive to Get Back to Business with Robust Portfolios

Out of all the regions, North America is anticipated to progress immensely during 2016-2027 because of the implementation of stringent norms by government agencies to prevent air pollution across Canada and the U.S. Besides, various manufacturers are developing affordable products, such as box filters for end-users. These filters are highly efficient in eliminating dust and saving energy. According to Fortune Business Insights’ Desk and Primary Research, 2021, the region stood at USD 4.09 billion in 2019.

In May 2021, for instance, Welbilt, Inc., a leading provider of various equipment and solutions based in Florida launched a cost-effective and portable air purifier named AeroTherm™ in the U.S. It was crafted by the company with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as a touchscreen user interface. As per one of the company officials, “The COVID-19 pandemic has made us realize the importance of clean and safe air. Whether you are reopening a fitness studio, reuniting your team in an office, or welcoming customers to dine in restaurants, offering a safe environment where people can breathe easily is very essential. That is why we have developed this unique product.”

COVID-19 Pandemic Opens Door to Multiple Opportunities for Reputed & Start-up Firms

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has created multiple growth opportunities for air filter manufacturers, such as MANN+HUMMEL, Camfil, and others to develop technologically advanced products. Most of these companies are joining hands with local or international organizations to introduce products equipped with the nanofiber technology, hybrid membrane technology (HMT), and biofiltration methods to prevent transmission of the coronavirus.

In April 2020, Paige Freeland, marketing manager of General Filters, stated, “The COVID-19 pandemic made us understand the significance of healthy air inside our homes. We are therefore experiencing an astonishing surge in the sales of all types of indoor air products.” Moreover, in April 2021, O2Cure, a start-up company based in India developed a novel air purifier named Plug & Play that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 virus. The new product was designed to fulfil the unmet needs of Indians and consumers abroad, especially for those residing in densely populated cities. It was tested by Innovation Bio-Analysis lab (U.S.) and CCMB-CSIR virology lab (India) for the reduction of 99% and 97.48% COVID-19 virus.

Can COVID-19 Be Considered a Game Changer for the Future of This Industry?

Before COVID-19, people never really put much thought into air purification and because of that, only water purifiers dominated the market worldwide. However, the present situation has compelled mankind to think otherwise. As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), in a building or a small space, HVAC filters and air cleaners can help lower airborne contaminants including viruses. Hence, numerous companies are constantly trying to launch state-of-the-art products featuring the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating system. Also, in future, connected air purifiers are anticipated to emerge.