Rahul Kapoor, Managing Director โ India, Camfil India, believes that Indiaโs air quality challenge demands a more realistic and performance-driven approach to air filtration. As particulate pollution continues to pose serious health and operational risks, the way air filters are evaluated and selected has become just as critical as the systems in which they operate. The adoption of ISO 16890 marks a significant step forward in aligning filtration standards with real-world air quality conditions.
ISO 16890 represents a decisive move away from traditional arrestance-based classifications toward a particle sizeโspecific performance framework, measuring efficiency against PMโ, PMโ.โ , and PMโโ. According to Rahul Kapoor, this shift allows consultants, OEMs, and facility operators to make more informed, application-specific decisions, particularly important in the Indian context, where ambient particulate levels are often high and variable. The standard brings greater transparency and comparability, enabling stakeholders to assess filters based on how they actually perform over their lifecycle.
From Rahul Kapoorโs perspective, the true impact of ISO 16890 lies in its ability to connect indoor air quality goals with energy efficiency and long-term system performance. By focusing on lifecycle efficiency rather than initial filtration claims, the standard supports more sustainable outcomes for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. This performance-led approach also encourages a deeper understanding of how filtration choices directly influence health, operating costs, and system reliability.
Rahul Kapoor notes that effective adoption of ISO 16890 in India requires industry-wide education and collaboration, not just regulatory compliance. Camfilโs early alignment with the standard, through product innovation, testing methodologies, and technical engagement with consultants, OEMs, and end usersโhas helped accelerate awareness and confidence across the market. Such proactive efforts have supported a smoother transition toward evidence-based filter selection and higher air quality benchmarks.
Looking ahead, Rahul Kapoor views ISO 16890 as a foundational enabler of Indiaโs evolving focus on health, sustainability, and energy-efficient building design. As awareness continues to grow, the emphasis must remain on practical implementation and informed decision-making. When applied effectively, ISO 16890 has the potential to redefine air filtration standards in Indiaโdelivering measurable improvements in indoor air quality and long-term environmental performance.