Cold plasma is an all-rounder, especially in medicine and hygiene: For instance, it accelerates the healing of germ-contaminated wounds and can be used for cleaning and disinfection. However, it is just as suitable for air purification as it eliminates odours as well as germs from the air. So, what could be more obvious than to use cold plasma in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic?

In the Plasma for Life partnership, initiated by the HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, the application of cold plasmas in hygiene, medicine, air purification and similar areas is the central topic of research and development. The network’s extensive experience with plasma technology led to an important product development last year: Together with the companies oxytec AG and PlasmaComplete GmbH, HAWK has developed the CleanAir Sky L air purifier which removes viruses and bacteria of all kinds and also destroys pollutants and allergens. Its effectiveness against viruses in aerosols has been tested under real conditions by a leading research institute in Europe. Moreover, the device is also extremely quiet and requires very little maintenance.

This development is in itself a great success for the Plasma for Life partnership, as it can make an important contribution to bringing the Corona pandemic under control. In addition, the Plasma for Life partners were also able to save jobs in the region: The Edelstahl Nord GmbH in Hildesheim, a company of long tradition, had run into difficulties due to the pandemic and had to file for insolvency. It was taken over by the oxytec AG and changed its name to stainlesstec GmbH; the CleanAirSky L is now manufactured there. The takeover saved 55 jobs in Hildesheim and also created additional jobs in Adelebsen, Göttingen, Sarstedt, and Hamburg.