IQAir CEO: China a 'stabilizing anchor' for global business

China is IQAir's second-largest market worldwide and serves as "a stabilizing anchor" in the company's global business map, Frank Hammes, CEO of the Swiss air quality technology company said in an interview with China Daily during the ongoing ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

"We use China as an innovation laboratory and then feed technologies and solutions validated in China back into global markets," Hammes said, adding that the current phase is about "co-innovating and co-defining solutions with China".

This marks IQAir's seventh year of participation in the CIIE. The highlight of its booth is the global debut of the Atem Earth Plus air purifier, which combines high-performance purification with a sustainable design. Its housing is made from sustainably harvested beechwood, with a natural, unpainted finish, and its frameless filter design significantly reduces plastic use without compromising performance. The device also features upgraded HyperHEPA Plus filtration for Chinese consumers, capable of substantially removing renovation-related pollutants and allergens.

Hammes said China's push to spur consumption is steering spending toward green and health upgrades, with trade-in programs and state subsidies having a positive impact. He expressed confidence in China's long-term economic prospects, citing the institutional foundation of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement, continued technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and the country's high-quality labor pool.

Looking ahead, IQAir plans to strengthen its localized closed loop of hardware, data, and services, and increase B2B investment over this year and next. On AI-driven growth, Hammes said the company's opportunity lies in connecting with smart buildings and smart homes to achieve automated air management and using AI to expand air data services.