Air Purifier Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Emergence of advanced air purifiers – Metal pollution due to rampant industrialization has emerged as a global environmental concern. Conventional filtering methods including ion exchange and chemical precipitation have limitations such as low efficiency and generation of secondary pollutants. Ongoing research on the use of nanotechnology by public and private organizations including the National Laboratory of Medicine (NIM) showcases promising results in filtering heavy metals.  According to a January 2024 Nature report, carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNMs) emerged as potential alternatives owing to their high surface area, providing multiple binding sites for heavy metal ions.
  
  Nanotechnology-based filters can efficiently trap air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and airborne pathogens. Other novel applications include photocatalytic nanomaterials, activated by UV/visible light, which have the unique property of breaking pollutants into harmless byproducts.
  
  PHILIPS 1000i Series NanoProtect HEPA and VitaShield Technology Smart Air Purifier, Nano Aerpod Personal air purifier, and SWASA Nanoguard Air Purifier are a few examples of cost-effective and sustainable nanotechnology-based air purifiers that offer real-time monitoring of air quality, reduced energy consumption, higher efficiency, and extended filter lifespans.

• Growing emphasis on public health and awareness around environmental sustainability - In 2021, the World Economic Forum (WEF) initiated the Alliance for Clean Air to advocate the role of private players in measuring carbon footprint and harnessing innovation to pilot projects that can drive sustainability.
  
  Companies such as IKEA, GoTo, and Biogen have successfully decoupled from the adverse impact of carbon footprint and embedded the highest ESG standards in their operation ecosystems.Such programs are estimated to create growth opportunities for air purifier manufacturers during the forecast period.

• Rising pollution levels in the residential sector - As per a December 2023 report by the WHO, poor household air quality increases the burden of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The burning of fuels such as animal dung, wood, charcoal, kerosene, and agricultural waste primarily causes it.  The study further adds that around 3 million people die each year globally due to household air pollution. Of these, 32% succumb to ischaemic heart disease, 23% to stroke, 19% to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 21% to lower respiratory infections, and 6% to lung cancer. The alarming mortality rate due to poor indoor air quality has impelled the adoption of air purifiers in the residential sector.  

Challenges

• Overheating - Availability of duplicate air purifiers is posing a threat to the market penetration. It creates a sense of confusion among the consumer while purchasing a suitable one. Additionally, the air purifier with low quality, does not constitute a standard cooling system which leads to overheating and damage to the motor.

• Irregular maintenance - For optimum performance of the air purifier, regular maintenance is crucial. The more utilization increases, the more cleaning is required. Keeping the air purifier dust-free and timely replacement of filters, which otherwise hampers the longevity of the product.