For over 50 years, Erlab has demonstrated unwavering dedication to sustainable business practices, starting with our pioneering development of air filtering solutions for laboratory and commercial applications. Concern for the environment and the need for clean indoor and outdoor air continues to be at the forefront of all our R&D endeavors. As Earth Day approaches, we wanted to share the road our sustainable filters take from raw materials to responsible disposal. Our process guarantees the highest quality filtration for removing contaminates, fumes, and harmful particulate matter safely from indoor breathing zones.
HARVESTING
Coconut shells are our organic medium of choice. For use as the first step in our sustainable journey as a filtering agent, these coconut shells must be farmed, and trees replenished. Once the coconuts are harvested, they are ground and activated using a proprietary process that ensures each granule will aid in providing the most efficient filtering surface area.
TRANSPORTATION
Since the transportation industry involves the shipment of goods from one location to another, the basic responsibility of reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere takes priority. Erlab subscribes to the sustainable benefits derived from planning and efficiencies that includes:
- Reducing emissions by reducing the overall number of miles driven, thereby reducing the
total amount of noxious gases released. - Reducing the amount of waste products
- Reducing the amount of energy consumed
- Alignment with government regulations and goals
- Increasing awareness among our customer base.
FILTER MANUFACTURING
Erlab does not buy standard activated carbon. We have developed a carbon for our unique filters that is exclusive. We collaborate with specialized partners to produce one of the most versatile active carbons in terms of molecular adsorption.
Production follows a strict set of rules which meticulously control the media during production at our refinery and then again at our laboratory where it is evaluated to ensure it meets our exacting standards. Additionally, we ensure that our carbon filters meet international ASTM standards as well as AFNOR NF X 15 211 and BSA result standards. Our experience in filtration allows us to offer four types of filters to cover a wide variety of laboratory applications.
These filters work in accordance with following principles –
- Interception: The particles are intercepted by the filter’s fibers when they reach them.
- Impact: The particles hit the filter fibers and are trapped.
- Diffusion: The particles follow their own trajectory and eventually come into contact with the filter fibers.
- The Electrostatic Effect: Using electrostatic forces, the particles passing by the filter’s fibers can be deflected, attracted, and then captured by them.
All Erlab filters provide an optimal level of filtration and guarantee an elevated level of filtration, thus ensuring the device users safety. We use filters of at least HEPA* H14 classification, in line with the MPPS method (most penetrating particle size) as described in the EN 1822 standard. For this particle size, the minimum efficiency of a H14 filter is 99.995%. We also have ULPA* U16 filters, which have a minimum efficiency of 99.99995%. Finally, we have developed a fifth type of filter based on Neutrodine® technology which ensures the user additional versatility, unequalled by other carbons available for filtration products.
INCINERATION DISPOSAL
§264.343 Performance standards…’an incinerator burning hazardous waste must achieve a destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) of 99.99% for each principal organic hazardous constituent (PHOC)’.
Our pollution control system includes the following steps:
- Nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide are removed.
- Mercury and dioxin are removed.
- Acid gas is removed.
- Particulates are removed.
- A pollution control test is performed.
- Water vapor and harmless cleaned flue gases are released to create clean Co2 to help replenish the coconut farms.
- Nontoxic sediment is taken to the landfill.
Our manufacturing and disposal process is a clear demonstration of just how seriously Erlab views their stewardship of our air and the environment. Although all companies can choose their own paths to sustainability, it is our hope that you will join us in our efforts to foster healthy, sustainable business practices that ensure a safer workforce and a cleaner environment.
INVESTING IN OUR ENVIRONMENTAL FUTURE
Erlab’s sustainability goes beyond providing clean indoor air. We have partnered with CleanHub to protect our oceans from plastic waste today to avoid the impact of poor air quality tomorrow. Find out more.
Why not choose Earth Day 2024 to begin your commitment to sustainability.
