Unilever brand Blueair, headquartered in Stockholm, is partnering with New Zealand-based wool filter company Lanaco on the development of a range of high-performance electrostatic wool and plant fibre-based air filters.

The collaboration marks another significant step in Blueair’s ongoing growth strategy focused on air wellness, following the launch of its Air Designed for a Better Life campaign to sheds light on the importance of clean indoor air and its impact on sleep, mood and physical health.

Lanaco has combined the unique properties of wool with its proprietary data-driven technology to produce filter media with proven efficiency and ultra-low resistance. Its EcoStatic electrostatic filter technology uses positive and negative fibre surface charges to attract and retain particulate matter effectively and the media’s porous structure allows air to easily flow through a purifier. Unlike oil-based plastics or synthetics which the air purifier industry has been built on, EcoStatic filter media is based entirely on wool, which is naturally fire resistant and hydrophobic so water won’t build up and clog it.

“Partnering with Lanaco to produce the industry’s first natural wool fibre filter is not just a milestone for Blueair, but a transformative moment for the air purifier industry,” said Andy Lu, CEO of Blueair. “With Lanaco’s New Zealand wool filter technology we’re ushering in a new direction of performance. Lanaco’s filter has been ten years in the making, starting with the Astino bespoke wool breeding programme through to today’s sophisticated result, which has been refined and tested in challenging environments, including space exploration.”

“Wool is a renewable resource that’s helping change the filtration industry for the better,” said Nick Davenport, CEO of Lanaco. “Our partnership with Blueair is built on our commitment to improving air quality and making a positive impact.”

The first Lanaco wool filters will be available to purchase before the end of the year in the US and European markets.

www.blueair.com