Pluvo

Pluvo is a UK-based clean air technology company that develops and delivers air purification solutions for public spaces. The company's flagship product is the Pluvo Column, an air filtration device designed for use in large public areas such as railway stations, airports, and commercial centers. The Pluvo Column features a three-stage filtration system that removes airborne pollutants including exhaust gases, particulate matter, and viruses. It draws in polluted air from the base, filters it, and releases clean air above head height. The device can operate on a pre-determined schedule or activate when air quality monitors inside the unit detect high levels of pollutants.

The Pluvo Column stands 2.7 meters tall and has an elliptical shape designed to be aesthetically pleasing in urban settings. It can clean one cubic meter of air per second, equivalent to 2,000 breaths of air. The company claims that the device can reduce pollutant levels by more than 25% within a 25-meter radius, with particulate matter reduction of up to two-thirds at closer distances. In addition to air purification, the Pluvo Column incorporates advertising screens on two sides, providing a potential revenue stream to offset operational costs. The device also includes air quality monitoring capabilities and can display travel information and air quality data.

Pluvo has been conducting trials of its technology in various locations. In 2021, a six-month test of the Pluvo Column in Finchley, north London, demonstrated the effectiveness of its three-stage purifying system in busy areas. More recently, in January 2024, South Western Railway installed a Pluvo Column at Salisbury station as part of a trial to improve air quality for passengers. If successful, the company aims to expand installations to more stations and other transport hubs.

Key customers and partnerships

Pluvo has formed partnerships with several transportation entities to trial its air purification technology. In January 2024, South Western Railway (SWR) became the first train operating company to install a Pluvo Column at one of its stations, specifically on platform four at Salisbury station. This partnership aims to improve air quality for passengers and could lead to further installations across SWR's network.

The company has also secured an agreement with Network Rail to install Pluvo Columns at Birmingham New Street station. Additionally, Pluvo has been exploring opportunities in the aviation sector, with plans to install units at international airports. The company's focus on transport hubs stems from the recognition that these locations often experience high levels of air pollution due to vehicle emissions and high foot traffic.