Work Environment in Focus – How Racoon Miljöfilter is Changing the Industry
It all started with a garage experiment 20 years ago – today, Racoon Miljöfilter has established itself as a leading player in air purification. The Robertsfors-based company specializes in customized filter solutions used in environments ranging from demanding mining operations to decommissioning projects.
"We have succeeded in carving out a unique position in the market. The combination of gas and particle protection is something that was previously missing, and it has truly driven our development forward, along with our focus on quality and customer customization," says CEO Kristoffer Sydlén.
Kristoffer Sydlén took over as CEO from his father Olle and has big plans for the family business.
Kristoffer moved to Umeå from Stockholm and took over as CEO after his father, Olle Sydlén, who founded the company in the 1990s. What started as an idea to improve engine filters turned into a solution designed to protect people in harmful environments. Olle had trained as an engineer and studied chemistry and physics, which turned out to be a perfect match for Racoon Miljöfilter.
“When I was a teenager, I thought filters were incredibly uninteresting, but today, I’m proud of what we can do to improve working environments. Dad laid a good foundation, and I’ve really tried to take advantage of his knowledge,” says Kristoffer.
Several family members remain involved in the company, and with a team of eight employees, Racoon Miljöfilter works closely with its customers to meet their specific needs.
A Unique Process
What began as an experimental idea with a microwave oven in a garage has grown into a technological innovation that has evolved over the years and is at the forefront of filter technology. Olle had been at an exhibition abroad, and it sparked his thinking – eventually, he woke up one night and felt the urge to test his theory in the garage. It worked as planned!
The result is Racoon Miljöfilter’s unique process, in which microwaves are used to treat the filter material – this has now become the core of their production.
“We call it ‘racooating.’ It’s a technique where the material is treated with a coating to maximize both gas and particle protection. This makes our filters unique and really effective,” says Kristoffer.
Different Demands Worldwide
The products are now used in a variety of industries, from mining and forestry to the chemical and defense industries.
“Initially, our filters were used in public transportation, but over time, the environments have become more demanding. In the mining industry, it initially involved exhaust fumes in confined spaces. Once we solved that, we started looking into ammonia and blasting gases – we’ve evolved over the years to provide the greatest customer benefit,” says Kristoffer.
At the same time, the industry places different demands depending on where in the world you are.
“The stricter the work environment requirements, the better for us. Here in northern Europe, we are advanced in terms of health and safety, but internationally, it looks different. In Australia, Canada, and Chile – where mining is big – there are still major challenges. In many areas, underground machines lack cabins, meaning there is no need for our filters. But work environment issues are becoming more important there too, and we look forward to the development reaching more markets,” says Kristoffer.
Working in the forest might seem like a green environment, but many don’t always think of the mold spores and exhaust gases that affect the lungs' oxygen absorption. Therefore, machine operators need to be protected, and improving the environment inside tractor and machine cabins has become a higher priority. For example, forest machine manufacturer John Deere is one of Racoon Miljöfilter’s largest customers, and their filters are delivered globally through distributors.
Volvo is another major customer using Racoon Miljöfilter’s filters.
"We Smell the Morning Air"
Racoon Miljöfilter is actively working on sustainability and, in collaboration with RISE, is developing an air filter based on recycled textiles.
“There is a clear market for more sustainable ventilation solutions. We’re excited to move this project forward,” says Kristoffer.
Despite the successes, the past year has posed challenges for Racoon Miljöfilter, not least due to changes in interest rates and the recession, which have led to a slowdown for some customers.
“It’s been an unusual year, but we’re seeing signs of improvement now. The mining industry is moving along as usual, and we see that work environment issues are becoming increasingly important internationally,” says Kristoffer.
Caption: This is what Racoon Miljöfilter's premises in Robertsfors look like, where they moved from Sikeå in 2016. Here, all the equipment is in place to produce unique ventilation solutions.