In the dynamic and global filtration industry, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Filtration News is tracking stories relevant to our industry from air and gas filtration to liquid filtration and the various end-uses for filtration technology. Here we will post news stories relevant to filtration and its downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg: ken@filtnews.com
Most recent update: February 24, 2025
Thermo Fisher to Acquire Solventum’s Purification Unit
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a global leader in serving science, announced a definitive agreement to acquire the Purification & Filtration business of Solventum for $4.1 billion in cash. This strategic move is set to enhance Thermo Fisher’s bioproduction capabilities and expand its presence in the rapidly growing bioprocessing market.
Solventum’s Purification & Filtration business, which generated approximately $1 billion in revenue in 2024, is recognized for its purification and filtration technologies. These technologies are essential in the production of biologics, medical technologies, and various industrial applications. The business employs about 2,500 people across multiple regions, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.
Marc N. Casper, chairman, president, and CEO of Thermo Fisher, emphasized the strategic fit of the acquisition, stating that it will deliver significant value to customers and shareholders. He highlighted the anticipated mid- to high-single digit organic growth and strong margin expansion expected from the integration of Solventum’s business into Thermo Fisher’s Life Sciences Solutions segment.
The Shaw Institute Validates CLEANR for Washing Machines is Over 90% Efficient
The Shaw Institute, a nonprofit science research organization, has tested CLEANR’s external microplastic filter for washing machines and certified it to be over 90% efficient at capturing microplastics as small as 50-microns. CLEANR for Washing Machines will be available for purchase in the U.S. later this year.
CLEANR’s technology, VORTX, is unique among microplastic filtering solutions for washing machines. CLEANR’s design was inspired by manta rays and basking sharks whose unique gill structures allow them to glide through the water and feed passively without clogging their gills. Instead of forcing particles against a filtering surface like conventional filters, VORTX creates vortices which suspend and isolate microplastic particles from washing machine wastewater and channel them into the CLEANR Pod, a microplastic capture unit, which ensures proper disposal of the microplastics.
The Shaw Institute tested the effectiveness of CLEANR for Washing Machines by running a mix of tap water and plastic flock fibers (10 microns in diameter and 300 microns in length) through the filter at various concentration levels to simulate real world laundry conditions. The test was repeated three times in January and February and resulted in 90%, 97%, and 98% microplastic fiber removal rates.
FiltXPO Releases Conference Schedule
The premiere North American filtration exhibition and conference FiltXPO has released the conference schedule for the April 29 – May 1 event at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. The three-day event will focus on indoor air quality and innovations in materials and sustainability. In addition, global innovators and industry pioneers will showcase their latest materials, components and technologies shaping the future of filtration.
Schedule
The conference schedule starts with Tuesday April 29th with the following topics:
- Healthy Buildings: Transforming IAQ – Strategies, Technologies, and Innovations for Healthy Living
- Space Indoor Air Quality in Data Centers: Balancing Airflow, Filtration, and Energy Efficiency
- Panel Discussion: Indoor Air Quality in Data Centers: Balancing Airflow, Filtration, and Energy Efficiency
Wednesday’s topics are:
- Innovations in Nonwovens: Advancing Quality, Sustainability, and Filtration Solutions
- Sustainable Filtration: Innovating for Circularity, Efficiency, and the Future
- Panel Discussion: Sustainable Filtration – Balancing Performance and Environmental Impact
For more details about the conference, including speakers, visit www.filtXPO.com
Pall Corporation and MTR Carbon Capture Partner to Advance Carbon Capture Solutions
Pall Corporation, a leading provider of filtration, separation and purification solutions and MTR Carbon Capture (MTR) have entered a collaboration focused on providing innovative solutions for carbon capture to diverse industry verticals dedicated to decarbonization. This partnership aims to promote a highly modular, scalable and cost-effective integrated solution leveraging MTR’s pioneering Polaris™ membrane system for carbon capture and Pall’s advanced filtration solutions for flue gas pre-treatment as well as innovative coalescer and filter technologies that safeguard critical assets throughout the carbon capture workflow.
The collaboration will help customers make informed decisions about investments in carbon capture, help accelerate deployment and achieve their net zero ambitions. A key objective of the collaboration is to effectively identify, pilot and drive adoption of decarbonization solutions with customers in emission-intensive industries such as cement production, refineries, steel manufacturing, and waste-to-energy facilities. This initiative will also involve engaging with other industry stakeholders, including Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms, equipment suppliers, project developers and regulatory agencies across the carbon capture value chain.
“Filtration systems play a pivotal role in carbon capture by effectively removing contaminants,” said Greg Sears, VP/GM of the Energy+ business unit of Pall. “As part of the flue gas pre-treatment system, and throughout the entire workflow, Pall’s technology ensures that only clean gases pass through the carbon capture system, maximizing membrane lifetime, safeguarding critical carbon capture equipment from contaminants, and optimizing the performance of carbon capture systems.”
The collaboration is well aligned with Pall’s mission to harness the power of science to deliver innovative solutions to customers and MTR Carbon Capture’s mission to deliver highly modular, scalable and cost-effective carbon capture solutions.
Veralto Enters Agreement to Purchase AQUAFIDES
Veralto Corporation, a global leader in essential water and product quality solutions dedicated to Safeguarding the World’s Most Vital Resources™, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Austria-based Ultraviolet (UV) treatment company AQUAFIDES for approximately $20 million. This transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
AQUAFIDES designs, manufactures and supports high-quality UV treatment systems that meet the stringent requirements for drinking water, treat wastewater for reuse and provide high purity water for a variety of industrial applications, including food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
“AQUAFIDES enhances Trojan Technologies’ ability to serve European customers with strong local support and excellent service while also expanding our UV treatment portfolio with high-quality, efficient, fit-for-purpose systems,” said Melissa Aquino, Senior Vice President of Water Quality at Veralto. “We look forward to welcoming the AQUAFIDES team to Veralto and unlocking new growth opportunities together.”
“AQUAFIDES and Trojan Technologies share complementary technologies with similar cultures inspired by the mission of bringing clean water to communities who depend on it,” said Friedrich Stadler and Wolfgang Ecker, Founders at AQUAFIDES. “We are excited to join Veralto and share in their purpose of Safeguarding the World’s Most Vital Resources™.”
FLSmidth to Expand Global Service Center Network in 2025
Leading mining technology and service supplier FLSmidth will open or expand seven service centers in strategic locations across the globe in 2025. These facilities are in direct support of FLSmidth’s CORE’26 mining strategy that includes targeting service growth and adds to the company’s already comprehensive global network of service centers that can enhance mining customers’ productivity.
New facilities will open in Accra, Ghana; Surabaja, Indonesia; and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, whereas the current operations in Mackay, Australia will relocate to a larger facility. Expansions are planned in Parauapebas, Brazil; Karaganda, Kazakhstan; and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Operations in each of these new locations will begin within the coming months with official opening details to be announced locally at a later date. In addition, an expansion of the service center in Chloorkop, South Africa is already ongoing and will be completed in 2026.
Camfil Unveils Opakfil ES+: Enhanced Design, Enhanced performance
Camfil, a global leader in clean air solutions, announced the launch of the Opakfil ES+, the latest innovation in compact V-Bank air filters. Designed to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable HVAC solutions, the Opakfil ES+ offers superior performance, extended operational life, and significant environmental benefits.
Building upon the success of the original Opakfil ES, the Opakfil ES+ features an increased filter depth, resulting in a larger amount of filtration media. This enhancement leads to a higher dust holding capacity, allowing the filter to last up to 50% longer in HVAC systems. The extended lifespan not only reduces maintenance frequency but also minimises waste and labor costs, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.
Energy efficiency is at the core of the Opakfil ES+ design. The filter achieves a 62% reduction in energy consumption compared to the industry average and a 24% reduction compared to other A/A+ rated compact filters. This remarkable performance is attributed to its low pressure drop and aerodynamic radial design, which optimise airflow and reduce energy usage.
The Opakfil ES+ is available in ePM1 and ePM2.5 efficiencies, in accordance with ISO 16890 standards, ensuring high indoor air quality across various applications. Its moulded frame, constructed from recycled plastic, underscores Camfil’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Toray Signs Agreement with Korea Water
![Kim Byung-ki, director of the K-water Research Institute of the Korea Water Resources Corporation (right), and Kang Chang-won, director of the Toray Advanced Material Filter Division, are taking a commemorative photo at the signing ceremony of a business agreement to promote the wastewater reuse industry and research field on the 11th. [High-tech material]](https://www.filtnews.com/wp-content/uploads/IFN_022025_movers_toray_korea.jpg)
Toray Advanced Materials and the Korea Water Resources Corporation recently signed a business agreement to promote the wastewater reuse industry and research field.
With this agreement, the two companies decided to cooperate, including joint research, throughout wastewater reuse technology.
Specifically, the two companies will cooperate on a technology to concentrate concentrated water generated in the process of reuse of wastewater to the extreme through ion exchange membranes. It also collaborates on elemental technologies that save energy and recover useful resources. Through this, it is expected to realize “free wastewater treatment” by discharging all residue into concentrated solid sludge without generating wastewater and recycling clean water.
Grundfos Starts Construction of New Global Headquarters
Grundfos has signed a contract with the construction company MT Højgaard for the building of a new global headquarters in Bjerringbro, Denmark.
The new headquarters will serve as a hub for Grundfos’ activities, equipped with their own energy-efficient solutions and designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. This project reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and roots in Bjerringbro. The building is located on Poul Due Jensens Vej near the Poul Due Jensen Academy and the Grundfos Center.
“Our headquarters will be an excellent setting for a modern workspace. We are meeting the highest sustainability standards, and the building will represent our relentless pursuit of quality featuring our own smart technologies to minimize environmental impact and optimize performance,” explains Mikael Geday, CFO at Grundfos and continues:
“Together with existing Grundfos buildings we are creating a campus for colleagues to work, learn and grow. In the design phase we have taken inputs from employees across many functions to create the best possible workspace, and we will continue this collaboration throughout the building phase,” Geday said.
The new global headquarters are scheduled to be ready by mid-2027 allowing for the first employees to move in in Q3 2027.
LG Introduces PuriCare AeroHit, a Compact Home Solution for Cleaner Air
LG Electronics has introduced the LG PuriCare™ AeroHit, an advanced air care solution designed to seamlessly integrate into any living space while delivering superb indoor air quality. Boasting advanced purification capabilities, convenient features and a modern, minimalist aesthetic, the AeroHit brings both comfort and style at home.
The LG PuriCare AeroHit delivers fresher, safer air at home with its Aero Series H Filter – a multi-layer “360-degress” filtration system that effectively reduces dust particles, odors, viruses and allergens while also absorbing various airborne pollutants. In addition, its Particulate Matter (PM) 1.0 sensor* detects ultrafine dust as small as 0.01 micrometers, enabling real-time air quality monitoring. The AeroHit automatically adjusts its purification performance to maintain optimal indoor conditions.
Setting itself apart from conventional air purifiers, the AeroHit features an ultra-slim, space-saving design that would fit effortlessly into even the smallest rooms. Its muted matte finish complements a variety of interior styles, while the integrated LED display provides intuitive control and air-quality updates. Along with the standard model, LG is launching the PuriCare AeroHit Pet, designed specifically for pet-friendly households.
Filter King LLC Opens Filter Manufacturing and Distribution Facility in Las Vegas
Filter King LLC, specializing in high-quality HVAC and furnace filters, announced the opening of its new manufacturing and distribution center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new facility, which includes production, warehousing, and distribution capabilities, will enhance the company’s ability to rapidly supply air filters across the Southwest and West Coast, including key markets in California.
With its established presence as the number one filter producer in Florida, Filter King has successfully expanded its footprint throughout the Southeastern United States, supplying products to homeowners, HVAC service providers, condominiums, hotels, schools, hospitals, and various commercial sectors. The Nevada expansion comes after several years of rapid growth for the company, which has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 83% since 2021. In 2024, the company’s revenue surged by 118%.
“We’ve established ourselves as the ‘go-to’ manufacturer of standard and custom-sized filters in the Southeast, and now we’re setting our sights on dominating the California and greater Southwest U.S. market,” said Filter King Founder and CEO Rick Hoskins. “The timing is right, and Nevada is the ideal location to support this expansion. Our investment in plant upgrades, equipment, inventory, and process optimization is expected to create approximately 120 new jobs by 2027, with significant opportunities for future growth.”
The new Las Vegas facility will benefit from the area’s skilled labor force and its proximity to major air and ground shipping infrastructure, ensuring that Filter King can quickly meet demand and deliver products efficiently to customers throughout the region.
ANDRITZ Acquires LDX Solutions
International technology group ANDRITZ has acquired LDX Solutions, a leading provider of emission reduction technologies and related services in the North American industrial market, with annual revenues of about $100 million.
This acquisition further strengthens ANDRITZ’s offering of environmental technologies and its presence in the growing North American market.
Comprising the strong legacy brands of Dustex®, Geoenergy® and Western Pneumatics, LDX Solutions offers a wide range of technologies and engineered solutions for a cleaner environment. The company’s wet electrostatic precipitators (WESP) and regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO) will further complement ANDRITZ’s comprehensive clean air technologies portfolio. With a team of 250 experts, decades of experience, and an installed base of more than 2,000 systems, LDX Solutions also enhances the service offering for ANDRITZ customers throughout North America.
Toray Develops High-Efficiency Membrane Doubling Filtration Performance
Toray Industries, Inc., announced that it has developed a high-efficiency separation membrane module for biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. This module delivers more than double the filtration performance of conventional counterparts by reducing clogging. It should also lift biopharmaceutical yields to more than 90% and enhance purification.
The company will initially supply prototypes to diverse customers to evaluate in purification processes for producing gene therapy drugs with a view to swift commercialization.
Recent years have seen the pharmaceutical market shift from conventional small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals. Gene therapies and other treatment modalities are also coming to market in what seems to be an ongoing trend. A prime downside is the high manufacturing costs for these biopharmaceuticals, which are driving up medical expenses.
Gene therapy drugs are made with cultured cells. Purification entails using a depth filter to remove cell fragments from the culture medium, after which an ultrafiltration membrane removes impurities like proteins. Depth filter clogging or gene therapy drug adhesion to the ultrafiltration membrane can cause active ingredient losses, leading to higher costs.
Toray’s new separation membrane module comprises a depth filter incorporating multiple types of non-woven fabric and a hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane.
Kurita Announces Merger with Avista Technologies, Inc.
Kurita America, part of the Kurita Group, a leading global provider of water treatment solutions, announced its pending merger with sister company, Avista Technologies, Inc. (Avista). This merger will officially take effect on April 1, 2025. Avista, headquartered in San Marcos, California, specializes in membrane treatment solutions and process support for reverse osmosis systems, microfiltration/ultrafiltration and multimedia filtration.
Avista Technologies has established itself as a key player in the membrane treatment industry with a reputation for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Their expertise in membrane treatment will seamlessly integrate with Kurita America’s comprehensive water solutions.
The merger between Kurita America and Avista Technologies is a strategic move aimed at combining their strengths to better serve industrial and municipal markets. By leveraging Kurita America’s extensive water treatment solutions and Avista’s specialized knowledge in membrane treatment, the merged entity will offer an expanded portfolio of solutions. This collaboration promises to bring innovative technologies and a fresh approach to the market.
