A closer look at why air filtration is a necessary step in the manufacturing of cosmetics products
South Africa is the market leader in Africa for cosmetics products. In fact, the cosmetic sector brought in a staggering $2,3 billion in revenue in 2018 alone, and this figure was expected to have climbed over the following years.
Whether you consider yourself the plainest Jane or Bombshell Barbie – we, and just about everyone we know, use cosmetics or personal care products on a daily basis, be it in the form of make-up, acne control or a carefully curated anti-aging skin care regime.
So why does this matter?
It matters because – whether we have realised this yet or not – we apply these products directly onto our skin without a second thought about where they have been produced or how they came to be. And no, in this case we are not referring to ingredients or chemical composition. Rather, we are referring to the need to be sure that these products are manufactured under sterile conditions so that the products do not spoil.
It matters because, even in an industry like cosmetics that is presumed to be shallow (albeit lucrative), cleanrooms are crucial to the manufacturing process. Manufacturers need to ensure that their cosmetics products are pristine and remain unspoiled throughout each stage of production. This can only be achieved in a closely monitored sterile environment such as that which is only offered by cleanrooms and air filtration.
Cleanrooms are constructed spaces that regulate the air pressure, temperature, humidity, and concentration of airborne particles by making use of vigorous air filtering channels such as HEPA filters. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter differs from ordinary air filters that are used around the home. HEPA filters are pleated, mechanical air filters that catch the air particulates. The pleats form an array of dense fibres that are randomly grouped inside the filter, which enable it to catch various sized particles. As a matter of fact, HEPA filters have the capacity to successfully remove up to 99.97% - 99.99% of airborne particles of around 0.3 microns in size.
Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the huma body? And since our bodies frequently come into direct contact with a vast array of cosmetic products, it is important that these cosmetics are considered safe to use. Hence, most cosmetics manufacturers are required to bottle or package their products within a cleanroom environment, to ensure that the relevant production lines do not come into contact with any any harmful contaminants, pollutants or airborne particles that could compromise the sterility – and ultimately the quality – of the product, and consequently cause adverse effects to the consumer.
Preventing contamination to cosmetic products during production is essential and can only be achieved successfully in a cleanroom environment. If the cleanroom is not correctly installed, manufacturers run the various risk of airborne particles like chemical vapours and contaminants escaping into the air and polluting it, which can result in skin irritations, allergic reactions and even diseases to the consumers who use these products.
To aid our clients in combating the risk of contamination, Vivid Air offers exceptional cleanroom installations that are tailored to suit our clients’ specific needs. Typically, a cleanroom would consist of a shell structure with specifically constructed physical barriers such as partitions, flooring, doors, and ceilings that are ergonomically designed to separate different areas. We acknowledge that the design of a cleanroom can impacts the safety of the workers, hence we are committed to ensuring our installations are ergonomically designed and fitted with our quality products to meet industry specific requirements.
In addition to cleanrooms, Vivid Air’s Safe Change Filter Housings, or BIBO (bag in bag out) are specially designed to safely house HEPA and primary filters. HEPA filter housings and holding frames are often the leading cause of facilities failing cleanroom compliance tests. At Vivid Air we are committed to ensuring that our modular safe change housings are constructed to accommodate your clean air and airflow requirements.
Vivid Air is your go to for all your clean air solutions. Contact us today to find out more about our product offering.