Cleaner Air, Safer Water, Healthier Futures

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” — Henry Ford

Ford’s words remind us that progress requires change; doing things the same way leads to stagnation. In filtration, innovation is not optional – it’s a mandate. Our industry sits at the crossroads of science, society, and sustainability. We are tasked not only with creating solutions that make today’s world healthier but also ensuring that future generations do not pay the price with their health and well-being.

One area where this spirit of innovation is thriving is in Hollow Fiber Membranes, explored in Adrian Wilson’s feature on page 30. Japan continues to lead in ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technology, pushing the boundaries with nanostructured polymer blends and hybrid membranes. Their success is fueled by collaboration among academia, government, and industry – a model worth emulating globally.

Wilson also examines Securing the Future of Carbon Capture on page 27, highlighting renewed U.S. commitment through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Direct air capture represents an industry still in its infancy, yet its potential to help balance our planet’s carbon ledger is immense. The challenge ahead is to scale these technologies in a way that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.

Innovation also comes alive in our interview with Dr. Oliver F. Bischof of TSI Incorporated, led by Iyad Al-Attar. Their discussion on

R. Vijayakumar, Ph.D., Chair AERFIL

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Email: vijay@aerfil.com

Jay Armstrong, MBA, PhD Mott Corp.

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Email: JArmstrong@mottcorp.com

James J. Joseph Joseph Marketing

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Email: josephmarketing120@gmail.com page 34 underscores the pivotal role of particle technology in advancing air quality and filtration. Precision measurement is not just a scientific exercise – it is a cornerstone of public health, industrial safety, and environmental stewardship. Dr. Bischof’s global perspective reinforces the necessity of cross-border collaboration and data-driven solutions.

Finally, thought leader Philippe Wijns takes us deeper into the philosophy of sustainability with his analysis of the Six Pillars of Sustainable Value Creation on page 12, drawn from research by Germany’s Bertelsmann Stiftung. These six themes – ranging from circularity and climate protection to risk management and sustainable finance – offer a comprehensive framework for how filtration companies can build lasting value while protecting resources. His piece challenges us to reimagine how business models can align profitability with responsibility.

Collectively, these articles spotlight a truth: Filtration is more than an industry – it is an obligation. The choices we make today will ripple into the next generation’s tomorrows. But by embracing innovation, collaboration, and sustainable design, we can secure cleaner air, safer water, and a healthier planet now and for generations to come.

Caryn Smith

Chief Content Officer

International Filtration News Editorial Advisory Board

Tom Justice, CAFS, NCT ZENE, LLC Filtration

Tel: +1 757-378-3857

Email: justfilter@yahoo.com

Wenping Li, Ph.D.

Agriltech Research Company

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Email: wenpingl@agrilectric.com

Rishit R. Merchant Parker Hannifin

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& Publisher, INDA Media, IFN CSMITH@INDA.ORG +1 239.225.6137

Thad Ptak, Ph.D. TJ Ptak & Associates

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Email: thadptak@hotmail.com

Philippe Wijns CleverSustainability

Email: philippe.wijns@cleversustainability.com