HOW IKEA IS SOLVING IAQ PROBLEMS

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 8 million people die worldwide each year due to complications from air pollution. Around 91 percent of people breathe in air pollution that exceeds WHO’s safety guidelines, and it’s not just outdoor air we need to worry about. As air pollution worsens, indoor air quality can also be affected. This is what makes IKEA’s newest product so interesting.

In February 2019, the Swedish furniture giant announced Gunrid, an air purifying curtain. Improving air quality has been a big mission for IKEA since 2012. Last year, IKEA launched the Better Air Now initiative with the goal of turning rice straw into renewable materials for their products. Gunrid is the next big step in the company’s mission.

The curtain fabric is treated with mineral-based photocatalysts. When the Gunrid curtain comes into contact with light, it breaks down common air pollutants, like formaldehyde. The photocatalyst is activated by sunlight and indoor light, so the curtains can clear the air at any time, day or night. Gunrid has been compared to a houseplant, which isn’t far off; the photocatalysts behave a lot like photosynthesis in plants.

Does this really work?

Early laboratory tests say yes. IKEA has been working with universities in Europe and Asia for years to develop this unique technology. Company representatives reported laboratory tests were conducted to make sure the photocatalysts are effective and safe. Chamber tests and home tests are planned in the coming months to prove Gunrid can remove volatile organic compounds from a room. At the moment, Gunrid has the potential to become a revolutionary product.

“We wanted to create a simple, convenient, and affordable way to clean air that wouldn’t take up much space in people’s homes,” said Mauricio Affonso, product developer at IKEA Range & Supply, of the inspiration behind Gunrid. “We were also curious about creating a product that is multifunctional and would help break down air pollutants that many air purifiers leave behind.”

Curtains aren’t part of most workplace aesthetics — as Affonso said, the Gunrid was created with homes in mind. But this new technology could expand to other materials, helping purify air without excess electricity. Imagine carpets or desk chairs that can purify the air in your building. And unlike office plants, you don’t have to worry about Gunrid being overwatered and growing mold.

The Gunrid air purifying curtain will be available in IKEA stores in 2020. While this product won’t solve all your IAQ problems, it’s a promising start. These kinds of innovative solutions can help solve IAQ problems that have plagued us for years and offer great strides in combating the problem of air pollution.