VIEWPOINT Prioritizing Sustainability and Reducing Environmental Impact

Steve Jobs is my hero of innovation. Every time analysts say Apple is dropping in the technology popularity contest, his innovative company follows his legacy of innovative thinking and wows us with new cool ideas like a computer in your watch! From iMac to iPod to iPad to iWatch, Apple makes technology fun, friendly and trendy. His inspiration rings truer than ever for industry leaders in any niche. Innovation is not just a buzzword; it is the force that sets leaders apart from followers, inspiring us to challenge the status quo and redefine the possibilities.

Keeping pace or outpacing competitors means we must dare to forge new paths, even when the way forward is uncertain. When it comes to filtration and green technologies, the industry is waiting for others to forge the path due to prohibitive costs and lack of consumer buy-in. Yet, someone needs to lead.

In this issue of IFN, contributors explore how creative thinking and experimentation can shape the future of filtration, leading the way for greener options:

• Urban Greening: Filter Media at the Roots of a Natural Skyline by Adrian Wilson, page 20, examines how nature and filtration can transform cityscapes, supporting greener, healthier urban environments.

• Exploring Bio-Electrostatic Options: Can Biopolymers Power the Future of Air Filtration?, page 24, by Yasar Kiyak, PhD, delves into the promise of biopolymer-based filters–demonstrating that sustainable materials can deliver high performance while reducing environmental impact.

• Harvest from Natural Materials: Trends in Sourcing for Filter Media Applications by Jason Chen, page 28, highlights the shift toward renewable, biodegradable resources, reflecting a broader industry move toward eco-friendly solutions.

• Fine-Tuning the Performance of Membranes for Liquid Filtration by Adrian Wilson, page 32, shares research from Professor Steffen Schütz, senior manager of membrane development at MANN+HUMMEL, outlining the key markets and applications for membrane technologies in liquid filtration, emerging new developments and challenges involved in balancing performance requirements and environmental legislation.

• Innovations & Trends in Residential IAQ and Ventilation by Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, page 36, interviews Andrew Guido, most recently a recipient of the GIA Global Innovation Home of the Year from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

As you read, I encourage you to reflect on how innovation shapes your own work and organization. Are you leading, or are you following?

Caryn Smith Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media, IFN

International Filtration News Editorial Advisory Board

R. Vijayakumar, Ph.D., Chair

AERFIL

Tel: +1 315-506-6883

Email: vijay@aerfil.com

Tom Justice, CAFS, NCT

ZENE, LLC Filtration

Tel: +1 757-378-3857

Email: justfilter@yahoo.com

James J. Joseph

Joseph Marketing

Tel/Fax: +1 757-565-1549

Email: josephmarketing120@gmail.com

Wenping Li, Ph.D.

Agriltech Research Company

Tel: +1 337-421-6345

Email: wenpingl@agrilectric.com

Rishit R. Merchant

Parker Hannifin

Tel: +1 805-604-3519

Email:rishit.merchant@parker.com

Thad Ptak, Ph.D.

TJ Ptak & Associates

Tel: +1 414-514-8937

Email: thadptak@hotmail.com

If you would like to utilize your expertise to help shape the content in the IFN , consider applying for the IFN Editorial Advisory Board. We welcome participation through input on trends and innovations, new story ideas and overall thought leadership. This is a collaborative board that meets quarterly to discuss the state of the industry. Send an email to Caryn Smith at csmith@inda.org for consideration.