Using filtration to reduce CO₂ emissions and pollution from industrial water & air
Industry stands as one of the world’s most essential engines for a vibrant planet – driving prosperity, security, and opportunity. Yet, like any powerful engine, industry also produces harmful emissions that can threaten those very foundations. Industrial emissions are one of the biggest and most urgent ecological challenges facing society today. Globally, CO₂ output and industrial air and water pollution cost the economy hundreds of billions of euros1 each year. In the EU alone, nearly 40 percent of all greenhouse gases2 stem from industrial processes. Around 20 percent of harmful air and water contaminants2 – often caused by insufficient wastewater treatment – also originate from industry . These facts highlight the urgent need for solutions that meaningfully reduce both the environmental footprint and the societal costs of industrial pollutants.
Our mission: Driving sustainable industries
With the need to adhere to the United Nations’ sustainability goals3 – especially SDG 94 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 125 (Responsible Consumption and Production) – sustainable industry practices have never been more important. The EU Industrial Emissions Directive6 sets the legal foundation for reducing industrial pollutants, enforcing strict standards that require high-emitting sectors to comply with maximum limits and adopt innovative emission control solutions. Around 55,000 industrial plants7 across Europe are affected, including major emitters such as the chemical and raw materials processing industries. MANN+HUMMEL supports these companies every step of the way: Our filtration solutions enable cleaner mobility, cleaner air, cleaner water, and cleaner industry.
Key technologies for reducing industrial emissions
While CO₂ emissions from industry often dominate headlines, the challenges are much broader. It’s not just about shrinking the carbon footprint – industrial air and water pollution also require immediate action. The negative impact on people, wildlife, and ecosystems cannot be overstated. That’s why we believe filtration is the first line of defense in the fight against industrial pollution. Our technologies empower industrial operations to keep air and water clean – effectively, efficiently, and reliably.
Our products: Combating industrial water and air pollution
Our diverse range of solutions are used across countless industries and leading companies worldwide trust them for their proven efficiency, durability, and performance. Whether it’s reducing energy-related emissions and industrial waste pollutants, or delivering precise air quality monitoring, MANN+HUMMEL is making a real impact – helping to mitigate industry’s effect on the climate, the environment, and human health. Here are just a few examples of our innovative filtration solutions, expertly tailored for each sector to lower CO₂ emissions and wastewater, prevent machine downtime, and enhance product quality and process stability.
MANN+HUMMEL supports sectors like textiles and food not only with effective air filtration to reduce their carbon footprint, but also with solutions that support water recycling and reuse. Our unrivaled or market-leading membranes play a crucial role in fighting water pollution.
- iSep 500+ UF: The iSep 500+ ultrafiltration modules combine innovative membrane and tank design for the direct, efficient treatment of heavily contaminated and oily wastewater – without the need for complex pretreatment. They offer maximum solids retention while significantly reducing both system footprint and costs.
- PureULTRA II UF: PureULTRA II UF modules feature highly hydrophilic PVDF hollow fiber membranes with a pore size of 0.025 microns, reliably removing suspended solids, pathogens, and viruses – even under varying raw water conditions. The outside-in flow design enables easy cleaning, high durability, and robust particle rejection – making them suitable for a wide range of applications at low operating costs.
- BIO-CEL MBR Series: The BIO-CEL product line offers two membrane types – based on PES and PVDF – renowned for superior water quality, durability, and chemical resistance. Thanks to patented self-healing technology and the optional combination with activated carbon, even micropollutants and antibiotic-resistant bacteria are efficiently removed from wastewater. This makes them ideal for demanding water treatment applications with a minimal footprint.
- MICRODYN RO: MICRODYN RO membranes reliably remove more than 99% of dissolved salts, particles, and organic compounds, making them ideal for efficient water treatment and desalination. They are well-suited for applications such as seawater desalination, process water, water reuse, and effluent polishing.
From exhaust gases to complex chemical pollutants, industrial environments often expose workers to hazardous airborne contaminants. Our filtration solutions are designed to significantly reduce the impact of industrial pollution.
Carboactiv Cube: This activated carbon filter reliably captures gaseous pollutants, VOCs, ozone, and chemical vapors – ensuring cleaner air, even in highly challenging production environments.
Protecting people, the environment and valuable machinery often go hand in hand. Our filters and filtration systems provide manufacturing with reliable tools for safe workplaces, extended maintenance intervals, and consistently produce exceptional end-product quality.
- ScandMist (mechanical oil mist separator): Its three-stage filtration system efficiently removes oil mist and fumes, protecting workers while also extending machine life.
- TriMist (electrostatic oil mist separator): A high-performance, low-maintenance system ideal for turning, milling, grinding, and plastics processing.
- EDM filters: Clean cooling oil and cutting liquid from metallic particles, prolong machine uptime, and ensure stable, efficient processes.
- Process ProFluid+ filters: Customizable for various uses, PF-Filters are known for their high contaminant capacity, corrosion resistance, and long service life.
Our filters not only help reduce energy-related emissions, but they also support safe and efficient operation of production and extraction systems.
Airpanel Pro H20 Duo: This combined air and water filter removes sea salt, water, dust, sand, and fine particles – perfect for turbines at coastal sites and offshore platforms.
Ever since the Industrial Revolution, freight transport has been a major driver of environmental pollution. Our solutions help ensure cleaner shipping and rail operations.
ESC 600 centrifuge (easy service centrifuge): Keeps soot and contaminants out of lubricating oil, protecting engines and machine tools with easy handling.
IQORON air filtration system: Filters dirt and water droplets from intake air, allows for pre-separator integration, and protects engines and equipment – especially outdoors.
These are just a few examples of our innovations that support a more sustainable industry. Our filter elements and complete systems are designed to help reduce automotive emissions, improve air quality in industrial and urban areas, and can also contribute to lowering industrial noise. Contact us for customized filtration solutions to meet your specific needs.
Innovation drivers for industry and environmental protection
The future of industrial environmental solutions is innovative, intelligent, and connected. We’re harnessing advanced technologies to tackle air, soil, and water pollution.
- The MANN+HUMMEL Digital Filter Suite collects real-time filter data via sensors and analyzes it with intelligent algorithms. This enables demand-based maintenance, optimizes filter change intervals, and reduces downtime. Artificial intelligence will further increase predictive accuracy and automate maintenance even more – delivering a modern preventive care system.
- Graphene-coated filters and nanofiber media are setting new performance standards, even for the tiniest particles. Advanced composite materials make filters more efficient than ever, meeting the highest and most demanding separation requirements.
- Hybrid systems combine filtration technologies – such as electrostatics for fine dust and downstream biofilters for odors and VOCs – creating powerful solutions that tackle multiple pollutants at once and ensure high air quality in any industrial environment.
Comprehensive filtration for a future-ready industry
From oil production and construction to manufacturing and mining, filtration is absolutely indispensable in the fight against industrial pollution. Outfitting factories, vehicles, and extraction equipment with advanced filtration systems and digital maintenance tools helps reduce CO₂ emissions and other industrial pollutants, contributing to cleaner air, soil, and water. With over 85 years of filtration expertise, we tackle this challenge driven by our vision for a cleaner planet. As one of the leaders in filtration, we help deliver high-performance solutions that serve as a primary barrier against industrial air, soil, and water pollution.
MANN+HUMMEL delivers intelligent, durable filtration solutions and continuously innovates – in both analog and digital systems. For various sectors – from manufacturing and energy through to food and transport – we offer proven solutions that set new benchmarks for efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Together, we’re shaping a world worth living in – for today and for future generations to come.
Are you looking for modern, efficient filtration solutions for your business? Would you like to protect your employees, machines, and equipment, reduce maintenance efforts, and continue to meet the strictest regulations in the future?
Contact us and let’s work together to separate the useful from the harmful.
Sources
1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/industrial-emissions/
2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/industrial-emissions/
3 https://unric.org/en/united-nations-sustainable-development-goals/
4 https://unric.org/en/sdg-9/
5 https://unric.org/en/sdg-12/
6 https://www.subsportplus.eu/EN/Regulations/Legislation/IED_node
7 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/industrial-emissions-directive-key-figures/
