Safety first at e-filters from Staphorst

Certifications pave the way even better for international contacts

In the world of plasma filters, it is difficult for many people to fully understand the differences between the products. "The market simply doesn't know this," said Kenny van der Sluis, the engineer behind the PlasmaMade filter. We spoke with Kenny about the safety measures PlasmaMade uses to safely handle O3 (ozone) and the unique features of their patented e-filter.

"The differences are also hard to pinpoint," Kenny says. Although the informational texts of plasma filters frequently look similar, he says there are differences. "The main feature is that we have two techniques in our e-filter, Plasma (what everyone has) and an additional technique: our ESD in the outside of the filter, this eliminates particulate matter pollen bacteria. This is what makes our product so unique and is patented worldwide."

Safety first

According to Kenny, the market is particularly concerned about ozone (O3). "Ozone has to be taken very seriously," he stresses. "What many people don't know, however, is that all electrical appliances emit a certain amount of ozone. Even a hand blender produces ozone. Actually anything with an electric motor, but ultimately the story went that ozone was a big problem with plasma filters." And that this still stings, we notice as soon as we talk to Kenny about the safety of "his" PlasmaMade. "We have taken safety extremely seriously. From day one. All components of the filter can be removed and reinstalled without compromising safety. Should the system detect an abnormality, the circuit board automatically shuts down. That is our fail safe construction and, moreover, a component that is in our patent. The filter is then put out of operation. In fact, we take no chances in this," Kenny says.

Certifications as a guarantee of safety

To ensure the safety of their filters, PlasmaMade has obtained various certifications, including in the past Tüv Vde and now the heavier Kiwa certification in connection with delivery to the U.S. and Canada. Kiwa is an independent body that tests and certifies products based on strict safety requirements. In addition, PlasmaMade has UL certification for the U.S. and CSA certification for Canada. And so there are many more certifications that PlasmaMade may stick on the box of its filter. Together we flip through a thick file with all kinds of tests and results.

According to Kenny, these certifications greatly facilitate international trade. "You get in easier with the really big serious parties. But it is mainly the corridor that linked exciting stories to our filter, not to mention the cowboys within the industry." Indeed, around 2016 there was frequent talk about the visit of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Kenny: "But they were not negative at all. They immediately said that they were not here to stop our product, but to make it even better. Also because they quickly realized that we never took any chances. Later in the corona period, we were again sawed through by the government agency ILT (Inspectorate for the Environment and Transport ed.). But we did end up being asked by Jaap van Dissel fairly soon after that if we could look along with VWS (Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport) and a nice cooperation with TU-Eindhoven came out of that."

Rigorous testing procedures

To guarantee the quality of their filters, PlasmaMade works closely with Variass, a leading high-tech company based in Veendam. Variass has broad expertise in various markets and focuses on developing defense, medical, water and industrial products. All products where safety is of paramount importance. Variass extensively tests the PlasmaMade filters for 'quality safety'. Then the filters come to Staphorst. "Quality is paramount for us," says Kenny. "That's why we have everything tested by Variass first. After an approved test, it comes to us and we test it again. Only if all signals are green do we send it to retail."

Selling without worries

In addition to extensive safety testing and certifications, PlasmaMade also ensures that their filters comply with ROHS guidelines, which limit the use of hazardous substances in electronic devices. This was done back in the early days of PlasmaMade. During a test, a pilot model was found to still contain a minuscule amount of lead-based solder. "We didn't know that, but had it modified immediately. That's exactly why these authorities are so important. They help us to sell without worry." Another important aspect of PlasmaMade is sustainability. The product is 97 percent recyclable, which is unique in the air filtration market. "In terms of odor filtration, we balance between laws and regulations. We can do this through our smart software. For example, we control the plasma and the residual product O3 and we are the best in terms of operation, safety and sustainability. And precisely these three aspects we consider very important, because again ozone is no joke - and we take that extremely seriously."

International growth

PlasmaMade is not sitting still and is further expanding its presence in Europe. In addition to its headquarters in Staphorst, the company now also has a branch in Germany and is working on a branch in the US and Canada. This underlines PlasmaMade's international ambitions.