July 7, 2022
During the pandemic, as public awareness of personal hygiene increased and products tailored to consumer preferences were developed, the growth of air purifiers accelerated. Additionally, due to deteriorating air quality, air purifiers have become almost essential in homes and offices. The increased recognition of air purification functions related to respiratory health has further driven sales of advanced air purifiers with enhanced capabilities. As a result, the industry has seen significant growth both in new market entrants and technological innovations.
This trend is expected to continue, with consumers showing increasing interest in the functionality and filtration technology of air purifiers. Notably, technology-driven features are being actively incorporated into modern air purifiers.
However, some question the effectiveness and practicality of current models. Most air purifiers today rely on physical filters, such as HEPA filters, to trap dust and harmful particles in the air. However, these filters accumulate contaminants over time, leading to reduced performance. Additionally, bacteria can breed on the accumulated contaminants, causing secondary pollution, and the replacement and disposal of used filters raise environmental concerns.
To address these issues, water-based air purifiers that use water to capture dust have emerged. However, regular water maintenance and cleaning requirements have made them less popular among consumers.
A Rising Innovator in the Air Purification Industry
Amidst these challenges, a startup with proprietary technology has gained attention by introducing an innovative air purification solution. Gonggong Co., Ltd. (CEO Lee Seon-eon) has developed Swasher, which has been recognized for its technological excellence, earning a T-4 rating, the highest level a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) can receive in Technology Credit Bureau (TCB) certification.
Swasher is an air purifier that eliminates the need for traditional filters. Instead, a rotating water vortex captures dust particles and releases clean air.
Gonggong, a company specializing in eco-friendly air purification technology, is currently developing an advanced water-based air purifier as part of the TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups) initiative, supported by South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The company is working on technology capable of removing 99.9% of ultrafine dust while ensuring safety and sustainability in indoor air quality management.
After years of research and development, Gonggong has successfully addressed the cleaning challenges of conventional air washers and introduced a safer, more user-friendly solution—Swasher. The company has worked extensively to overcome the shortcomings of traditional air washers, making them more practical for consumers. Unlike conventional models, Swasher requires no filters or disposable components, making it easy to clean and maintain.
The vortex filtration system efficiently captures both large particles like pet hair and tiny pollutants such as ultrafine dust and bacteria. Consumers appreciate that Swasher only requires a simple rinse of the water tank once a week, making maintenance effortless. Additionally, it operates at a low noise level of 33dB and consumes only one-third of the power of traditional air purifiers, making it an energy-efficient and eco-friendly choice.
Global Recognition and Expansion
Swasher has gained international recognition, winning the CES Innovation Award in the United States in 2022. Backed by an investment from Silicon Valley-based accelerator KSWAN VENTURES, Gonggong is accelerating its expansion into global markets.
One of Swasher’s key advantages is its ability to continuously circulate and refresh water, preventing bacterial growth and ensuring clean and hygienic operation. With its simple water replacement and cleaning system, it offers a safer and more sustainable air purification solution.
A Small but Powerful Competitor in the Air Purification Industry
Despite its relatively smaller scale compared to large corporations, Gonggong is making a significant impact by leveraging innovative ideas and strategic marketing to target niche markets. The company plans to expand globally, including entering the U.S. and other international markets, by participating in various global exhibitions and trade shows.
CEO Lee Seon-eon emphasized,
"Our top priorities in air purification technology development are safety and energy efficiency. From the early stages, we have worked with South Korea’s leading experts in this field, ensuring stable and reliable operations without failure. Gonggong is rapidly emerging as a global leader in air purification technology. Ultimately, we aim to develop an integrated air quality management solution that goes beyond air purification—addressing factors such as oxygen concentration and ventilation to provide comprehensive air quality control."
He further added,
"We are not just focused on present-day safety but are also committed to developing technologies that consider the future of environmental sustainability and public health. Instead of judging a product solely based on the fact that it is from an SME, we hope people will evaluate it objectively based on its actual performance and innovation.
Our water-based filtration system eliminates single-use waste, provides a sustainable way to improve indoor air quality, and contributes to a cleaner environment. We are committed to bringing this eco-friendly air purification solution to the global market. To achieve this, we will continue to enhance our technology and perfect our product for successful expansion into international markets.
With additional investment, we envision a future where Swasher is available worldwide, providing a healthier and more sustainable air purification solution wherever it is needed.”
https://www.kmunews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=20327
