Tech Air Solutions is an environmental technology company dedicated to tackling one of the UK’s most pressing public health challenges: air pollution. Founded on the belief that cleaner air should be available wherever people live, work and travel, the company has developed innovative filtration technologies that actively remove harmful pollutants from the environment rather than simply monitoring them.
The inspiration behind Tech Air Solutions came from a BBC programme highlighting a concerning reality: air pollution levels around drive-thru locations were found to be up to 25% higher than normal background levels. For the company’s founders, this raised an important question—what impact could prolonged exposure have on the health of employees, customers and surrounding communities? Determined to find a solution, they set out to develop technology capable of actively cleaning polluted air in locations where people and traffic are concentrated.
This vision led to the creation of the AirSmart Bollard, an innovative air filtration system designed to capture and remove harmful pollutants from the atmosphere. Developed, funded and manufactured by Microtech Filters Ltd, the technology combines more than 36 years of industrial filtration expertise with modern smart technologies to deliver a practical solution to urban air quality challenges.
Air pollution is a complex issue driven by multiple sources, including vehicle exhaust emissions, tyre wear and brake dust. Harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are increasingly linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease and reduced quality of life. Beyond human health, vehicle tyres are also a significant contributor to environmental pollution. Research has shown that approximately 50 million vehicle tyres are sold or supplied each year in the UK, with tyre wear responsible for an estimated 28% of the microplastics entering the world’s oceans. In addition, tyre degradation releases a mixture of potentially harmful substances, including heavy metals such as copper, lead and zinc, into the environment.
Recognising the growing need for action, Tech Air Solutions designed AirSmart Bollard to target pollution hotspots where people are most exposed. Ideal for drive-thrus, schools, bus stations, train stations, transport hubs and industrial areas, the system actively filters contaminated air and helps create healthier environments in locations where pollution levels are often highest.
Prototype testing has delivered impressive results, demonstrating reductions in PM2.5 levels of up to 65%. By actively removing harmful airborne particles, the technology offers a practical way to improve local air quality and reduce exposure to pollutants that can have both immediate and long-term health consequences.
The potential impact extends far beyond cleaner air. Improved air quality can contribute to better public health outcomes, reduced pressure on healthcare services and enhanced wellbeing across communities. As respiratory illnesses continue to place increasing demands on the NHS, technologies such as AirSmart Bollard offer a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of pollution-related health issues. Healthier populations also support a stronger economy, helping reduce the billions of pounds lost annually through illness-related absence and reduced productivity.
Today, Tech Air Solutions is gaining recognition for its innovative approach to environmental challenges. The company’s commitment to developing practical, scalable solutions for cleaner air was recognised through its official nomination for The Earthshot Prize 2024 in the Clean Our Air category, highlighting the potential of its technology to make a meaningful contribution to environmental improvement.
By combining decades of filtration expertise with a clear environmental purpose, Tech Air Solutions is moving beyond monitoring pollution and focusing on what matters most—removing it. Through innovation, engineering excellence and a commitment to healthier communities, the company is helping shape a future where cleaner air is available wherever people need it most.