by Brianna Crandall — August 17, 2016 — As air pollution becomes a major concern across the globe, technologies that can filter multiple pollutants and are intelligent as well as cost effective will gain traction in all end-user segments, finds new analysis from Frost & Sullivan. Rising income levels, heightened awareness of the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ), and the commercialization of more low-cost indoor air purifiers will further boost the development of novel air purifiers.
The global growth partnership company’s new report, Technologies Enabling Indoor Air Purification, finds that in addition to outdoor air pollution, concerns regarding outbreaks of airborne diseases are driving the adoption of air purification technologies. The three major air purification technologies in the market are advanced air filtration, advanced photocatalytic oxidation and combined technologies. Of these, air filtration continues to be the most popular.
Air pollution is a critical issue in India and China, with the latter reporting several deaths related to this hazard. Similarly, in Indonesia, agricultural fires frequently cause a haze that affects many parts of Southeast Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia and south of Thailand. Expectedly, there is a surge in the use of household air purifiers as citizens show urgency in protecting themselves against the deteriorating air quality.
TechVision research analyst Najhan Rahim pointed out:
To tap the expanding market potential, technology developers are striving to enhance the efficiency of air purifiers while keeping costs low through the use of inexpensive materials. Keeping costs competitive will be crucial since high installation and maintenance costs may cause indoor air purifiers to be tagged as luxury items.
According to the report, technology development is advancing at a rapid pace, with companies rolling out mixed technologies and artificial intelligence air purifiers. However, the commercial availability of air purifiers that do not comply with regulations, and produce hazardous by-products such as ozone, is restraining uptake. End users also tend to expect instant improvements in health once they install air purifiers, and are impatient with their slow effectiveness in alleviating allergies and asthma.
TechVision senior industry analyst Jennifer Tan added:
Nevertheless, stringent quality controls and low-cost, energy-efficient technologies that can sterilize air quickly and effectively will enjoy huge success. In the near future, photocatalytic technologies such as filterless Airocide will find enthusiastic acceptance. Autonomous air purifiers too will be increasingly deployed, chiefly in offices, museums and large indoor spaces.
The study provides an overview of the indoor air purification industry, examines technology innovations and analyzes opportunities in key application markets. It includes indoor, built or covered environments, such as residential homes, offices and commercial buildings, hospitals, automobiles and industrial plants.
Technologies Enabling Indoor Air Purification, part of Frost & Sullivan’s TechVision (Clean and Green Environment) subscription, is available for purchase from the company’s Web site.
