In times of home office, open-plan offices, and increasing demands for a healthy indoor climate, many companies and individuals ask themselves: How do I ensure clean, healthy air indoors – preferably efficiently, sustainably, and with minimal maintenance?
Two systems are opposed here: classic, technical air filter devices and natural, plant-based air purifiers like the AIRY system. But what really works better?
What does science say?
1. Technical air filters: effective, but not without weaknesses
HEPA filters are considered the gold standard among technical solutions. They are effective at removing particles such as fine dust, pollen, and microbes from the air – but only as long as they are regularly maintained, cleaned, and replaced.
A review by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows:
"Air purifiers with HEPA filters can reduce indoor particle levels by 25–55 % reduce, but are hardly effective against gases and VOCs.
Source: EPA Indoor Air Facts
In addition, many devices cause noise, consume electricity, and generate electromagnetic pollution – a contradiction to natural room design.
2. Plant-based air purification: An underestimated natural talent
As early as 1989, NASA published a widely cited study on the air-purifying effect of plants. It showed that plants such as peace lily, pothos, or spider plant can actively break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, formaldehyde, or trichloroethylene.
> "Some plant species can grow up to 87 remove % of air pollutants within 24 hours.
Source: NASA Clean Air Study (Wolverton et al., 1989)
However, the NASA study is repeatedly criticized: the situation in a space capsule is not comparable to a living room or office. Furthermore, the plants are far too slow, as they only collect pollutants through the leaves, transport them to the roots, and convert them into nutrients there. In the magazine "Nature," scientists therefore called for rethinking air purification by plants, for example by using them as "biofilters."
This is exactly where the AIRY system comes in.
What makes the AIRY system special?
The patented AIRY plant system activates air purification through the roots by specifically circulating the room air through the substrate. This way, filtering occurs not only on the surface but also deeply effective – all without technology.
> ✅ Reduces VOCs and CO₂
> ✅ No electricity, no noise, no filter change
✅ Promotes humidity and well-being
✅ Aesthetic, low-maintenance, sustainable
Various studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, which AIRY has been pursuing since 2015.
The direct comparison
| Criterion | Technical air filter | AIRY Plant System |
|---|
| Particulate matter distance | ✅ Yes (HEPA filter) | ✅ (Increase in humidity) |
| Decomposition of VOCs & gases | ➖ Only with activated carbon filter | ✅ Yes, through microorganisms and plant roots |
| Power consumption | ❌ High | ✅ No consumption |
| Noise level | ❌ Partially disturbing | ✅ Silent |
| Maintenance & Operating Costs | ❌ Filter change, cleaning | ✅ Minimal effort |
| sustainability | ➖ Plastic, power consumption | ✅ Naturally, biodegradable |
| Additional benefit (feel-good factor) | ➖ No effect | ✅ Green indoor climate, Designplus |
Of course, artificial beats – long-term and sustainable
Technical air filters provide good service in specific areas – especially in medical facilities or for allergy sufferers. However, for continuous operation in offices or at home, plant-based systems like AIRY are convincing due to their combination of effectiveness, sustainability, and quality of life.
Instead of relying on loud technology, bring a piece of nature back with AIRY – and breathe easy.
Curious?
Get free advice and find out which AIRY system suits your rooms. For companies, we offer flexible rental models with full service.
