The OLUS air purifier unlocks the power of plants with its biophilic design
Kieron is a freelance writer and Digital Consultant who doesn't consider himself a design lover but a user of design - which to him is more than enough.
LinkedinInspired by the benefits of biophilic design, the OLUS air purifier is an ingenious air filter that proves that plant-based alternatives can be sustainable and effective.
Believe it or not, breathing clean air isn’t recognised as a human right. Despite being aware of the impact bad air can have on us, the United Nations estimates that between 6 and 7 million people die prematurely each year as a result of pollution.
Air pollution is a dual killer: not only is it one of the biggest risks to public health worldwide, airborne pollutants also exacerbate the climate crisis. Access to pure, fresh air is good for the planet and it’s good for humans because it keeps lungs healthy and improves brain function.
That’s why recently, a lot of air purifier products have appeared on the market and filter concepts like the OLUS are receiving extensive attention. What makes OLUS different to industry-standard models, however, is the fully biodegradable, plant-based filters it uses to clean the air.
These organic filters are ethically sourced and generate zero waste, minimising the environmental impact of using an air filter. They are made from Polylactic Acid sustainably sourced from corn plants and are capable of removing 99% of particulate air pollution.
How is nature creating healthier environments? Don’t miss the Guide to Biophilic Design and the benefits of nature.
Developed by product designer Louie Duncan, OLUS uses organic materials and biophilic design to develop a more sustainable, efficient and compact air purifier. The device works in conjunction with dried moss and a houseplant that sits on top to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen to create a healthy home.
This is in contrast to the use of standard HEPA filters commonly seen in most air purifiers which take thousands of years to decompose.
“Currently, domestic air purifiers provide a solution, at the expense of the environment where 6000 tonnes of used air filters are sent to landfill every year,” says Duncan.
“These products commonly neglect small urban living spaces, where air pollution is most prominent.”
OLUS provides its benefits within a small, lightweight product and is guided by a circular design process, meaning the product moves from conception to eventual disposal. When a filter is replaced every eight months or so, the old filters can be returned to the supplier before being shipped to municipal composting facilities.
Discover more air purifiers improving human health, head to The Icon air purifier designed with internationally renowned life care science company Coway.
