About Us
We manufacture wool-based filter media in Auckland, New Zealand.
Learn more about our history and our team below.
Our History
The name Lanaco stems from the Latin word for wool, “lana.”
In 2011, amidst the sprawling innovation landscape of Auckland, New Zealand, visionary entrepreneur Nick Davenport recognized a critical gap in the world of high-performance materials. Dissatisfied with the limitations and environmental impact of conventional synthetic fibers, he founded Lanaco (initially Texus Fibre) with a singular, compelling mission: to unlock and harness the remarkable, often overlooked, capabilities of natural wool as a superior foundation for advanced filter media.
Read more in the drop-down menus below.
Premise
As a seasoned mechanical engineer, Nick Davenport witnessed firsthand the limitations of fossil-fuel based synthetics. Driven by the need for a sustainable yet powerful alternative, he turned to the abundant, bio-based treasure of his homeland: New Zealand wool.
Humble Beginnings
Nick ignited a scientific revolution, assembling a brilliant team of scientists and engineers. Rigorous methodology and uncompromising development standards became our bedrock. To truly understand wool's potential, we partnered directly with Wanaka sheep breeder Andy Ramsden, pioneering the Astino™ breeding program – a deep dive into the genetics and supply chain that create truly exceptional wool for electrostatic filtration.
Global Challenge
Initially focused on industrial filter media, Lanaco's innovative wool-based technology was thrust onto the global stage when the world faced its greatest challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. Our deep expertise was channeled into manufacturing uniquely breathable, high-performance PPE, becoming a vital shield in protecting public health.
A Fresh Start
As the shadow of COVID-19 receded in late 2022, Lanaco embraced a renewed focus, returning to our core mission: creating cutting-edge EcoStatic® air filter media for both consumers and industries. This pivot reignited our decade-long journey of harnessing the unparalleled power of wool-rich technology.
A New Vision
The filtration industry, long dominated by outdated synthetic options, stands at a crossroads, seeking innovation to meet the demands of advancing technology and urgent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pressures. Lanaco stands uniquely poised to lead this transformation, offering natural, renewable solutions that not only meet but exceed the performance standards of the future.
Future Facing
Today, Lanaco is forging a reputation worldwide for wool-based air filters that thrive in the planet's most demanding environments, both on and off the beaten path. Our journey of innovation continues, driven by a powerful vision: making natural the standard in filtration – providing superior solutions for the health of people, machines, and the planet itself.
Our Values
Making natural possible in air filtration
Here at Lanaco, we strongly believe in maintaining a cohesive team with strong values.
Integrity
Integrity is central to the way we work.
We value respect, honesty and professionalism and treat others as we would like to be treated.
We value respect, honesty and professionalism and treat others as we would like to be treated.
Collaboration
We work towards a common good – as a team working together, we can achieve much more than as individuals.
Curiosity
We look for innovative ways to solve problems rather than relying on the status quo.
Discipline
We focus on evidence and are methodical and strategic in working towards our goals.
Commitment
We are all committed to delivering our Purpose and working towards our vision at all times.
We are resilient and strong.
We are resilient and strong.
Customer-Focused
We work together with our customers to create value.
Our products, both current and in the future are driven by solving our customers greatest challenges.
Our products, both current and in the future are driven by solving our customers greatest challenges.
People
Nick Davenport (NZCE Mech Eng, Dip BIA, MBA)
Founder and CEO
Nick is a materials applications engineer who founded Lanaco following many successful years heading up materials company Nexus Foams Ltd. Nick has 30 years experience in product innovation and entrepreneurialism with fibre and polymer materials for industrial applications.
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Founder and CEO
Nick is a materials applications engineer who founded Lanaco following many successful years heading up materials company Nexus Foams Ltd. Nick has 30 years experience in product innovation and entrepreneurialism with fibre and polymer materials for industrial applications.
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Dr. Andrew West (BSc Hons PhD DBA)
Chairman of the Board
Dr. West is experienced in commercialising deep science businesses, following an extensive career in executive government and academic roles. He has co-founded, invested in, and governed high technology start-ups and public roles, especially those with a clean, green technology specialisation, such as Lanaco, GNS Science, NZQA, Aquafortus and Synthase Biotech.
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Chairman of the Board
Dr. West is experienced in commercialising deep science businesses, following an extensive career in executive government and academic roles. He has co-founded, invested in, and governed high technology start-ups and public roles, especially those with a clean, green technology specialisation, such as Lanaco, GNS Science, NZQA, Aquafortus and Synthase Biotech.
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Hansol Cha (M Eng Hons)
Chief Business Development Officer
Hansol has a Chemical Engineering educational background and brings years of technical sales experience into his role, specialising in R&D and deep tech commercialisation in public and private sectors. He leverages his strong networks to achieve top results.
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Chief Business Development Officer
Hansol has a Chemical Engineering educational background and brings years of technical sales experience into his role, specialising in R&D and deep tech commercialisation in public and private sectors. He leverages his strong networks to achieve top results.
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Tony Moffat
Chief QHSE Officer
Tony has more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles in agri-business with companies of the calibre of Livestock Improvement Corporation, Seales Winslow and Lincoln University. Tony has valuable experience in operations, procurement and logistics.
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Chief QHSE Officer
Tony has more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles in agri-business with companies of the calibre of Livestock Improvement Corporation, Seales Winslow and Lincoln University. Tony has valuable experience in operations, procurement and logistics.
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Valentine Chan (MSc Hons Chemistry)
Chief Scientific Officer
Valentine uses the chemistry of new materials to develop and improve Lanaco's natural and sustainable filter media materials. He wrote a Master's thesis on wool technology at the MacDiarmid Institute and Victoria University of Wellington, with experience in food, paint and wet wipes industries.
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Chief Scientific Officer
Valentine uses the chemistry of new materials to develop and improve Lanaco's natural and sustainable filter media materials. He wrote a Master's thesis on wool technology at the MacDiarmid Institute and Victoria University of Wellington, with experience in food, paint and wet wipes industries.
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Sonja Doo (BE Hons)
Chief Operations Officer
With her materials engineering based background, Sonja brings together the scientific findings of Lanaco technology to create and enhance products and processes. She manages the highly capable production team and works with R&D to consistently expand our capabilities.
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Chief Operations Officer
With her materials engineering based background, Sonja brings together the scientific findings of Lanaco technology to create and enhance products and processes. She manages the highly capable production team and works with R&D to consistently expand our capabilities.
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Mark Gilmour (BE Hons)
Production Engineer
Mark has a background in Mechanical Engineering, having worked with aerospace and vehicle systems previously. He has a strong background in SolidWorks, CAD, mechanical product design and product management. Mark also serves in the New Zealand Defence Force.
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Production Engineer
Mark has a background in Mechanical Engineering, having worked with aerospace and vehicle systems previously. He has a strong background in SolidWorks, CAD, mechanical product design and product management. Mark also serves in the New Zealand Defence Force.
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Andy Ramsden
Director at Ovis Global
Andy has been a key part of Lanaco’s wool breeding objectives, fibre supply chain quality and supplier relations. Through the Astino® Breeding Programme, Andy brings a lifetime of successful sheep breeding. He also provides a mutually clear pathway of communications between producer, processor, scientist, manufacturer and end-user.
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Director at Ovis Global
Andy has been a key part of Lanaco’s wool breeding objectives, fibre supply chain quality and supplier relations. Through the Astino® Breeding Programme, Andy brings a lifetime of successful sheep breeding. He also provides a mutually clear pathway of communications between producer, processor, scientist, manufacturer and end-user.
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