The first ever Filtrex Innovation Award was won by Freudenberg Filtration Technologies. Votes were submitted confidentially by industry professionals attending Filtrex Europe, the leading nonwovens filter media conference and tabletop exhibition that was held in Geneva April 5-6, 2017, in conjunction with INDEX17.

The Filtrex Innovation Award recognize the efforts of all manufacturers of nonwoven based filtration products/elements and celebrate their continuous efforts for excellence and innovation. The occasion marks the first time the sector has officially recognized innovation in the filtration industry.

The five nominees each presented a 10-minute showcase of their innovation during the Filtrex conference. Freudenberg was then announced as the winner at an award ceremony at the Château des Bois, Geneva, where they received a specially commissioned trophy featuring an artist’s view of a filter media performance. It was noted at the event that the award carried significant merit as it was voted for exclusively by industry peers.

Freudenberg was honored for its brand new micronAir blue filter. The filter is a highly efficient four-layer particle filter that features a patented two layered filter media focusing on PM 10 and PM 2.5 particles as well as a combi-filter that protects against harmful gases and an anti-allergen filter layer. The new product, to be used principally in cars, eliminates almost 100% of occurring allergens and protects against microorganisms such as bacteria and fungal spores.

Alexander Oelsner of Freudenberg stated: "There is immense pride in this achievement. I hope this initiative will further innovation and collaboration across our industry. Together we can achieve so much."

Other nominees for the award were Ahlstrom Tampere, Europlasma, Johns Manville and Sandler.