Filter industry Megatrends and Rising Demands for Healthy Buildings
Dr. Marc Schmidt
Vice President
AAF International, DE
Speaker Bio
Marc Schmidt, Ph.D., is Vice President of Technologies Europe at AAF International. He is an international air filtration professional with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany.
He has a proven track record in product and process development, sales, technical marketing, business development, and operations management in the filter and nonwovens industry in Europe and China. He is also Chairman of Eurovent Product Group Filters (PG-FIL). He frequently engages in international consulting and training related to air filtration topics on behalf of AAF International and acts as a speaker during various conferences and symposia.
Presentation time
December 2, 2025
8:40 am - 8:55am EST
Abstract
The global filter industry is at the intersection of powerful megatrends that are reshaping expectations for indoor environments. Climate change, sustainability, and neo-ecology are driving stricter regulations and a demand for energy-efficient solutions. At the same time, heightened health awareness—accelerated by recent global health crises—has positioned indoor air quality as a critical factor for well-being and productivity. Digitalization and smart technologies are enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, while urbanization and demographic shifts increase the complexity of building environments. Geopolitical dynamics further influence supply chains and material availability, adding pressure for resilient solutions.
Against this backdrop, the concept of Healthy Buildings is emerging as a key priority. Beyond filtration efficiency, stakeholders now expect systems that balance air quality, energy performance, and sustainability. This presentation analyzes the current situation, explores how these megatrends converge to create rising demands for advanced filtration technologies, and provides an outlook on how the industry can innovate to deliver healthier, more resilient, and sustainable indoor spaces.