Vol 4, 2003

Product Features Outdoor Radios Sounds for All Seasons Novelty Calculators Perennially Popular Air Purifiers & Ionisers A Breath Of Fresh Air

Air Purifiers & Ionisers

A Breath Of Fresh Air

Sharper Innovations Ltd was quick to market the anti-SARS USB ioniser (left) and an anti-SARS personal ioniser with light (right)

Ever-increasing concerns about pollution and health are driving demand for air fresheners and ionisers, both industry sectors in which Hong Kong has its usual strong market presence.

One prominent player is California Air Ltd (CAL), established in 1987 to focus on clean air products and ionisers for Asian countries. The Southeast Asia sole agent for AMCOR ionisers and purifiers, CAL is also a distributor for Five Seasons air cleaners.

"We pioneered the import of indoor air quality control equipment and introduced indoor environmental quality control equipment to Hong Kong," claims sales engineer August Yuen.

Typical of CAL's range are the AP2000-B air processor, the HC-1230 HEPA cleaner and the MA mobile car ioniser, which conform to ISO 9000 requirements and international quality control standards UL, CSA, CE, BS and PSC.

The negative air ionisers counter cigarette smoke, dust, soot, industrial pollutants, pollen and smog. "Suspended particles are charged by the negative ions and removed via electrostatic attraction, leaving fresher, healthier air," Yuen explains. "Other benefits include the elimination of odours, reducing airborne bacteria and enhancing inhalation therapy."

Also helping to improve the indoor environment is Sharper Innovations Ltd, which produces ionisers as well as gifts and premiums, computer accessories with USB connections, CCFL lighting products, cosmetics mirrors and small personal care items.

The 10-year-old company's ioniser offerings include an AP-170 personal ioniser with light, PC-161 USB ioniser, AP-161 automobile air-vent ozone ioniser and PC-166 ioniser with smokeless ashtray at FOB Hong Kong unit prices ranging from US$3-5.

Managing director Patrick Poon claims these products will help keep the environment clean and fresh and even fight SARS. "The negative ions and ozone reduce or get rid of airborne bacteria," he says.

Production takes place at Sharper's 7,000-square-metre plant in Dongguan on the Chinese mainland, using mostly ABS and electronic components imported from Taiwan.

The ISO 90001-certified factory's workforce varies from 200-400, and delivery is 3-6 weeks after confirmation of a minimum order of 2,000 items.

Another manufacturer helping to blow away pollution is Ginfax Development Ltd, which was established in 1990 and also offers electrical and home appliances, wine and can coolers, dehumidifiers, cameras and optical products.

Two ozone models are the EF605 indoor air purifier and the EF610 car air purifier. The EF605 includes a filter to remove harmful suspended particles by +2 KV on fibre tissue; multi-mode operation for ozone/continual/repeat; a safe-to-use, ozone level of 0.08ppm; a -7.5 KV ioniser; and a 12 V, 1200mA AC adaptor (included). The dimensions are 167x117mm and the weight is approximately 520g.

The EF610 Mini Ozone Air Purifier, with built-in infrared airflow sensor, is very compact and spreads ozone efficiently to remove odours inside a car.

"There is renewed interest in these items," reports assistant sales manager Kenny Chan. "Air fresheners generally had novelty value in the past but today they are seen as health aids in the fight against bacteria."

Ginfax has offices in both Hong Kong and on the mainland in Shenzhen and operates ISO 9001-certified mainland factories in Dongguan and Kaiping. Vertically integrated facilities mean in-house product development, mould making, plastic injection and product assembly.

With more than 13 years' OEM experience, mainly serving Europe and the US, Ginfax ships a minimum quantity of 1,000 units 45-60 days after confirmation of order.

Environmental products form part of the range offered by long-established Pacific Ultraweb Industries Ltd, which began operations in 1976 and also manufactures insect killers/repellers and money detectors.

Director Francis Yung says the company's Ionair brand draws attention, particularly in European markets. "Our units are appealing in design and functional in operation," he observes. "They sit unobtrusively in the home and guard against unwanted bacteria, smoke and odours."

Model IR-2000, a fan-driven charcoal filter air ioniser and purifier, operates on 12V DC and draws 1.5W from a supplied AC/DC adaptor. The effective range is 30 square metres. There are two switches for on/off and fan, and the dimensions are 184x93x51mm. "Available in black or white ABS, this model it is suitable for both home and automobile use," adds Yung.

Model IR-1000 is a dedicated ioniser for the car and operates on 12V DC from the cigarette lighter socket. It draws a current of 1W and has an effective range of about 15 square metres "which makes it suitable for most cars", says Yung. The IR-1000 measures 93x93x34mm and weighs 100g.

Raw materials come from Taiwan and Korea and the mainland, and production takes place at a 30,000-square-foot plant in Dongguan that manufactures up to 50,000 units per item per month. The minimum order requirement is 1,000 units, for delivery 30-60 days after confirmation. Prices are available on application.

The message is clear: buyers looking to freshen up their businesses should contact Hong Kong suppliers today.

WRITTEN BY ANTHONY WT MOORE

Contact Details

California Air Ltd
Rms 1319-20
New Tech Plaza
34 Tai Yau St
San Po Kong, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2320-7393
Fax: 852-2320-7247
Email: info@cal-air.com.hk
Web: www.cal-air.com.hk

BKR Electronics Hong Kong
Units 1108-1110
Wing On Plaza
62 Mody Rd
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2524-8108
Fax: 852-2810-6012
Email: sales@bkr-hk.com
Web: www.portabreezefan.com

Fukien Industry Co
Rm 1306
Arion Commercial Centre
2-12 Queen's Rd West
Sheung Wan
Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2542-0290
Fax: 852-2854-0486
Email: fukien@hkstar.com

Ginfax Development Ltd
Units 10-12, 13/F, Blk A
Ming Pao Ind Centre
18 Ka Yip St
Chai Wan
Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2897-2977
Fax: 852-2558-0274
Email: ginfax@ginfax.com
Web: www.ginfax.com

Pacific Ultraweb Industries Ltd
Unit 1501
Goldfield Ind Centre
1 Sui Wo Rd
Fo Tan, New Territories
Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2604-4822
Fax: 852-2605-1648
Email: sales@pic-ultraweb.com
Web: www.pic-ultraweb.com

Sharper Innovations Ltd
Rm A, 14/F, Blk A
Chung Mei Centre
15 Hing Yip St
Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2341-3332
Fax: 852-8147-4113
Email: admin@sharper-i.com
Web: www.sharper-i.com

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