A French company named Neoplants has revolutionized indoor air purification by developing genetically-enhanced houseplants that outperform conventional varieties.
These innovative plants, exemplified by the Neo P1, have the remarkable ability to remove indoor air pollutants at rates 30 times higher than traditional houseplants like the common Ficus.
Indoor air quality is often compromised by a plethora of pollutants emanating from household items, like paint, treated wood, household cleaners, insulation, and even unseen mold. These contaminants, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), include harmful substances like formaldehyde that can lead to inflammation and irritation in the human body.
While the ideal solution is to ensure a steady flow of outdoor air into living spaces, this may not always be feasible, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Recognizing the role of houseplants in mitigating indoor air pollution, Neoplants embarked on a mission to enhance their natural air-purifying capabilities through genetic modifications. Traditional houseplants absorb pollutants like formaldehyde and store them as toxins for later excretion.
Neoplants took an ingenious step by engineering houseplants to convert these pollutants into plant matterinstead, significantly boosting their air-cleaning potential. Additionally, they targeted the natural microbiome of houseplants to augment their ability to absorb and process VOCs effectively.
The company’s debut product, the Neo P1, features a Devil’s ivy plant strategically placed on a custom-designed tall stand. This arrangement maximizes the plant’s air-cleaning properties while reducing the frequency of watering.
Initial testing conducted by the Ecole Mines-Telecom of Lille University revealed that investing in the Neo P1, priced at $179, is equivalent to acquiring the air-purifying power of 30 conventional houseplants. Opting for the budget-friendly alternative of 30 regular houseplants would not only require more space but also demand increased watering efforts.
In an interview with Forbes last year, Neoplants’ co-founders, Lionel Mora and Patrick Torbey, emphasized that after identifying the suitable species and refining the winning genetic phenotype, the subsequent steps in the process were akin to standard plant cultivation practices found in nurseries and florists across Europe.
Anticipated for release in August 2024, the Neo P1 promised to be a game-changer in the realms of indoor air purification. Neoplants has successfully combined genetic engineering with horticultural expertise to create a solution that not only addresses the often-overlooked issue of indoor air quality but also provides a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional houseplants.
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