Across the globe, 58% of people recognize the urgency of protecting the environment (GfK Consumer Life 2024). Recently, this focus has been sharpened by the impact of climate change on people’s health. In this landscape, tech products that help consumers combat the effects of climate change, air or water pollution are poised for growth.
Warming trends and cooling solutions
The planet experienced record warmth last year, with the average temperature rising by 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, according to Berkeley Earth’s findings. Amid rising temperatures, air cooling solutions became paramount for many, with sales soaring during the first five months of this year. Between January and May, revenue from sales of electric fans grew +23%, air conditioners by +34%, and air coolers by a huge +77%, compared to the same period last year. With energy prices still at high levels, these trends highlight a growing need for economic cooling practices.
Respiratory health
In addition to the heat, growing air pollution in APAC and deteriorating air quality across Europe present an increasing risk to respiratory health. This has been exacerbated by smoke from wildfires, with the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reporting that many regions experienced record-breaking wildfire activity last year. Wildfire carbon emissions in Canada were the highest recorded since CAMS’ records began in 2003, while Greece experienced the largest wildfire in the European Union to date.
Outdoor air quality isn’t the only factor that affects health, however. Indoor air pollutants like fine particulate matter from cooking, volatile organic compounds, and formaldehyde from paints, cleaning products, building material and furnishings also can cause health problems. This is of even more concern given the numbers of people suffering from respiratory ailments such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. In America, for example, 12% of households are affected by asthma and 4% by chronic bronchitis (NIQ Consumer Outlook Study 2024).
These environmental factors are having a direct impact on sales of in-home tech for air cleaning. Last year, people globally spent over 2.2 million USD on air cleansers and air-cleanser multifunction products, accounting for more than half of all revenue for the total air treatment segment.
Water filtration
Water pollution continues to be a severe global problem, with millions of people lacking access to safe drinking water. Contaminated water sources are responsible for numerous health issues, including gastrointestinal diseases and other serious conditions, with 368 million people using unsafe sources of water.
Water filters, ranging from jug filters to under-sink systems, play a crucial role in providing safe drinking water by removing contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals. For example, the jug filter segment continued to grow by 2% last year, while wall-mounted filters have seen a resurgence of +3%.
These figures are indicative of the increasing consumer demand for reliable and efficient water purification solutions to mitigate the health risks
Summary
With consumers increasingly informed and proactive around personal health and well-being, product innovations that help consumers combat the effects of climate change and air or water pollution are poised for continued growth. Embracing these technologies can lead to a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner environment for future generations.
