Ravi Singhal Pioneering Air Purification Solutions in India with Zeco Aircon

India’s battle with air pollution has reached critical proportions, with nearly 25 percent of all air pollution-related deaths globally recorded within the country in 2016, according to the Health Effects Institute. This alarming issue claims over six million lives annually due to respiratory problems. Amidst this crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of clean air. Gurugram-based Zeco Aircon, established in 1989 by Ravi Singhal, is a prominent player in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) management systems industry. The company operates across four key verticals: air conditioning, air purification, air distribution, and insulation.

The Genesis of Zeco Aircon:

Ravi Singhal’s journey as an entrepreneur began in 1989 when he founded Zeco Aircon. His vision was to address the growing need for effective HVAC systems in India. Over the years, the company expanded its product offerings, evolving into a holistic HVAC solutions provider. In 2010, with the emergence of severe air pollution concerns, Zeco Aircon made a significant pivot, entering the air purification segment.

The Transformational Role of Kartik Singhal:

In 2013, Kartik Singhal, Ravi Singhal’s son, joined Zeco Aircon as a trainee engineer. With a strong resolve to learn the business from the ground up, Kartik embarked on a journey of professional growth. His role soon shifted to heading the sales and marketing division. One of Kartik’s primary challenges was to streamline and professionalize the company’s operations, which had been functioning a certain way for years. He initiated cultural changes, introduced SAP software for digitization and operational efficiency, and emphasized workforce up skilling as a crucial driver of growth.

The Air Purification Revolution:

Zeco Aircon’s air purification vertical became increasingly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company manufactures air purifiers in approximately 19 product categories, designed to operate maintenance-free for up to four years. Kartik explains that air purifiers can be categorized into two types: recirculating and active. Recirculating purifiers filter the air within a room, while active purifiers generate hydroperoxides that neutralize microorganisms at the source. Zeco Aircon’s unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its bespoke air purifiers, customized to meet individual customer needs. The company collaborates with global air purification technologists, including experts from the US and Europe, to drive research and development. A strategic partnership with IIT Delhi aims to develop affordable air purifiers, with some models priced as low as Rs 400.

In January 2020, Zeco Aircon launched O2 Cure, a B2C website dedicated to its bespoke air purifier business. These air purifiers, manufactured at Zeco Aircon’s plants in Haryana, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, are priced between Rs 400 and Rs 2 lakh. Notably, Zeco Aircon has installed 12,105 air purifiers across India, including prominent locations like Delhi and Hyderabad airports.

Cutting-Edge Air Purification Technologies:

Zeco Aircon’s air purifiers rely on Photo Hydro Ionisation (PHI) technology, developed by the US-based RGF Environmental Group. PHI employs UV radiation to produce hydrogen peroxide, which safely and effectively purifies the air. PHI has demonstrated effectiveness against various bacteria, viruses, gases, odours, and smoke. Additionally, the company utilizes Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy (REME) technology, another patented RGF Environmental innovation. REME combines PHI and bi-polar ionization to neutralize particulate matter and other air pollutants effectively. Both PHI and REME cells offer an impressive 30,000 hours of service without maintenance or cleaning.

While Zeco Aircon has made significant strides in air purification, it operates in an environment with inadequate infrastructure. Kartik addresses this challenge by highlighting that in India, people predominantly spend their time indoors, making indoor air quality a critical concern. He emphasizes the need for government support in terms of investment and technological advancements to address this pressing issue.

India’s Growing Air Purification Market:

India’s air purifier market, valued at $49 million in 2018, is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 28 percent from 2019 to 2024, reaching over $220 million by 2024, according to a report by Research and Markets. Key players in this market include Dyson, Sharp, Blue Star, Samsung, Eureka Forbes, Blue Air, and Godrej, among others. Currently, South Korea and China lead the global air purification market. However, Kartik Singhal aspires to transform India into a hub for air purifier manufacturing in the years to come.