Karmactive TeamLouie Duncan is a Product Design graduate from Brunel University London. He is the designer of OLUS, a unique plant based air filter. This filter was inspired by humans ‘ innate relationship with the natural world and was the main source of inspiration, looking for natural forms, patterns and textures.
The market conditions in which local filters were said to not be suitable for home environments, as they were non-user friendly. OLUS focuses on mental wellbeing by building on the mental benefits of clean air to incorporate biophilic features. Through the use of plants and dried moss, OLUS helps to improve productivity and alleviate stress. .
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The innovative device uses specially treated plant fibers that absorb PM2.5 particles and volatile organic compounds. Unlike traditional HEPA filters, the plant-based system is biodegradable and can be composted after use. The creator hopes to partner with schools and community centers to provide clean air access to underserved populations worldwide.
The device features a modular filter design that can be customized for different room sizes and air quality needs. Users simply replace the plant-based filter cartridge every 6-8 weeks, similar to changing a coffee filter. The system has been tested in urban classrooms where it reduced particulate matter by 45% within 48 hours of operation.
The purifier’s plant-based filters are made from treated coconut husk and banana fiber, sourced from agricultural cooperatives in Southeast Asia. Each filter can process up to 200 cubic feet of air per hour while removing 93% of fine particulate matter. The device has won three sustainability awards for its innovative approach to indoor air quality.
The purifier has been adopted by several schools in Delhi and Mumbai, where it has shown measurable improvements in student concentration and attendance rates. Teachers report fewer absences due to respiratory issues since installation, particularly during peak pollution months.
