Lanaco is a company that makes filter media from natural wool fibres. They can customise their filters for different uses, such as ventilation systems, industrial respirators and face masks.
Thanks to AGMARDT funding, Lanaco has been able to innovate and develop new solutions based on market feedback and customer requests. For example, they have created technologies to turn their filter media into various types of face masks and purification systems (such as EcoStatic® Helix™ filter bags for DVS® Home Ventilation systems).
Dr Sam Yu, Head of Business and Marketing, says that AGMARDT funding helped them to find and visit overseas suppliers of specialised equipment and machinery, which allowed them to speed up their production and conversion processes.
“It also enabled us to meet potential customers in person, build trust with them for NZ wool, and get their feedback, which was crucial for improving our products and offering them something they valued and were willing to pay more for,” says Dr Yu.
Lanaco was well prepared for the challenges of the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the work they did in the past few years. Their current and future focus is on scaling up and delivering air filter media products, such as masks, that are essential for everyday life.