Opportunity amid quality concerns over compatible filters... Clean & Science adds overseas revenue to its domestic base

[Financial News]  A recent survey of compatible air purifier filters found differences in performance and safety across products, highlighting filter manufacturers’ quality-control capabilities. The Korea Consumer Agency tested 20 compatible-filter products, and four met the standard for harmful-gas removal efficiency. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a substance prohibited from being included, was detected in the deodorizing filters of two products. In a 2024 survey, MIT was also found in eight of 42 compatible-filter products.
These results do not mean that compatible filters as a whole are harmful or that there is actual exposure in the air. However, given the differences revealed in product performance and ingredient management, the ability to maintain quality consistently, as well as price, may become a purchasing and supply criterion.
Clean & Science has a production system that spans from meltblown (MB), a filter material, to finished products. Its ability to manage the production process from the materials stage through to finished products may help it ensure consistent quality and meet the specific requirements of each customer. Its track record of supplying products to major domestic appliance makers, including Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., LG Electronics, and Coway Co., Ltd., is also seen as evidence that it has met customers’ quality standards and delivery procedures.
On the 26th, Stunning Value Research estimated Clean & Science’s share of South Korea’s air purifier filter market at about 70%. Although this estimate is based on past industry data and is not the latest official statistic, it serves as a reference point for the company’s accumulated production experience and customer base in the domestic filter supply chain. Air purifier filters are consumables for which replacement demand recurs even after the initial sale of the appliance. Maintaining supply relationships with existing customers and securing volumes of replacement filters could build a stable revenue base beyond one-off deliveries.
Overseas supply of HVAC filters points to an avenue for business expansion. The company began supplying HVAC filters to a U.S. company in December 2024, and Stunning Value Research put related revenue at about 7 billion won in 2025. Since HVAC filters are a field requiring customer certification and quality verification, initial supply results could pave the way for follow-on orders and customer growth. Researcher Jeon Yeong-dae said, “Experience supplying PFAS-free products is also expected to help expand opportunities with new customers and create business opportunities in global supply chains where environmental standards are tightening.”
However, safety concerns in the market will not automatically translate into improved results for the company. Clean & Science recorded consolidated revenue of about 86.1 billion won in 2025, but continued to post an operating loss of about 1 billion won. Going forward, it will be important to see whether increased volumes for domestic customers and growth in overseas HVAC filter revenue lead to improved profitability. Researcher Jeon added, “The domestic production base, existing customer relationships and overseas supply track record are clear business assets,” and “whether these strengths can be translated into revenue growth and a return to profitability will be key to a revaluation of the company.” 


[email protected] Kim Gyeong-a Reporter