Did you know that in a textile production hall, a single operator can release a very large volume of microfibres into the air simply by handling materials? In recent years, air quality in production areas has been analysed with increasing frequency within the textile manufacturing industry. In these workshops, the air can contain fibres, fine dust, bacteria and even viruses that circulate throughout the room and end up on equipment, in production processes or in areas where people are working. If not properly controlled, airborne contaminants can affect employees’ health, machine performance and increase the risk of unplanned downtime.
For this reason, choosing a suitable air filtration and sterilisation system is no longer merely a recommendation; it has become a necessity for any manufacturer seeking stable processes and a safe working environment.
Why does air quality matter more than ever in the textile industry?
In a textile workshop, the air quickly becomes laden with microfibres, dust and extremely fine particles that are released during cutting, sewing, finishing or the handling of materials. Added to these particles are volatile organic compounds from dyeing or chemical treatment processes, as well as pathogens that can easily circulate in an enclosed space where many people are working. All these elements are invisible, but they directly affect employees’ health and the stability of production processes.
For operators, contaminated air can lead to irritation, allergies, respiratory discomfort and a higher risk of infection. For equipment used in garment manufacturing, textile dust and microfibres can accumulate inside, affecting precision, increasing maintenance requirements and reducing the service life of sensitive components.
According to current studies, poor air quality can reduce employee productivity by up to 15 per cent, which has a direct impact on the pace of work, speed and the final quality of processes. As high throughput and accuracy are essential in this sector, clean air becomes a real competitive advantage.
How do air filtration and sterilisation systems work?
Modern systems are not limited to simply filtering out particles. They combine mechanical filtration with sterilisation technologies that neutralise viruses, bacteria, fungi and mould, ensuring that the air returned to the room is as safe as possible.
The process is simple and efficient:
✅Particle filtration. The air passes through high-performance filters that trap fine dust, microfibres and production particles. In the case of VEIT equipment, these filters are optimised for industrial spaces where textile particles are present in high quantities.
✅UV-C sterilisation. Systems such as the Veit AC 10 and Veit AC 20 use UV-C radiation to neutralise pathogens. UV-C has a wavelength of less than 280 nm and acts directly on the cellular structures of viruses and bacteria.
✅Steam cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. For high-touch areas and sensitive surfaces, the ideal solution is the VEIT SG 67/SG 66 MF steam generator. It cleans and disinfects using only steam, without chemicals.
It is extremely useful in the textile sector, industrial premises, laboratories, hospitals, the food industry, the automotive sector, packaging and many other fields.
How do air filtration and sterilisation systems help in textile factories?
- they reduce microfibre and dust levels;
- they neutralise up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, according to official VEIT tests. Some external studies indicate efficiencies of up to 99.9% under controlled conditions;
- they can operate continuously, even whilst staff are present;
- they do not use chemicals;
- protect equipment sensitive to deposits;
- they reduce the risk of unplanned downtime;
- they contribute to a healthier and more stable working environment.
Key criteria for choosing an air sterilisation system
Sterilisation technology
In industrial environments, simple air filtration is not sufficient. Conventional filters trap particles but do not inactivate microorganisms. Without UV-C sterilisation, the air may remain ‘visually clean’ but microbiologically contaminated
UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 254 nm acts directly on the DNA and RNA of bacteria, viruses, moulds and fungi, halting their activity. The process is effective, uses no chemicals and leaves no residues.
Another key advantage is safety: in VEIT equipment, the UV-C radiation is completely enclosed within the metal housing, meaning the devices can operate whilst staff are present. This is why UV-C systems are ideal for continuous, 24/7 operation, without having to halt production or evacuate staff, as is the case with chemical disinfectants.
Filtration capacity tailored to the production space
In textile workshops, the air flow rate is essential. Equipment that is undersized will fail to maintain a consistent air quality.
To make the right choice:
- measure the volume of the room (length × width × height);
- Check how many times per hour the air needs to be completely renewed (at least 2 air changes per hour for industrial environments);
- choose a steriliser suitable for the actual production area.
The Veit AC 10 is recommended for rooms such as offices, control areas or technical rooms.
The Veit AC 20 handles much larger spaces, making it a suitable solution for production rooms, packaging areas or workshops.
The filtration system
A high-performance sterilisation unit combines several stages to ensure thorough purification:
- Pre-filter for dust and textile fibres: captures large particles and reduces the load on the subsequent stages.
- Fine filtration (HEPA or activated carbon): optional, for very fine particles or to reduce volatile organic compounds.
- UV-C sterilisation: neutralises airborne pathogens.
- Clean air discharge: ensures even distribution throughout the hall, with no ‘dead’ zones.
This airflow is used in VEIT equipment, including the AC 10 and AC 20, which combine filtration with UV-C sterilisation for consistent results.
Continuous and safe operation
For industrial environments, round-the-clock operation is an absolute necessity. Therefore, systems must be designed for intensive use and comply with safety regulations:
- 24/7 continuous operation, without posing a risk to staff;
- fully enclosed UV-C housings, so that radiation does not escape;
- powerful fans, for constant and uniform air circulation;
- a service life for the UV-C lamps of approximately 9,000 hours, sufficient for one year of non-stop operation (as is the case with the Veit AC 20).
This combination ensures that the sterilisation process is efficient and safe, with no interruptions and no chemicals.
Why choose VEIT sterilisation and filtration systems?
VEIT AC systems are specifically designed for professional environments where hygiene control is essential. The UV-C technology used in this equipment is proven, reliable and suited to industrial environments – exactly the kind of solution required by a textile workshop with high levels of microfibres and particles.
4-stage purification process
The VEIT AC 10 and AC 20 use a simple and efficient workflow:
- Air intake: the internal fan continuously draws air from the room.
- Pre-filtration: dust, textile fibres and large particles are trapped before the sterilisation stage.
- UV-C sterilisation: germicidal lamps neutralise up to 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and moulds.
- Clean air discharge: the sterilised air is evenly returned to the room.
The entire process takes place inside the metal housing, so that UV-C radiation never escapes to the outside.
These features make them ideal for day-to-day operations in the textile manufacturing industry, where a continuous flow is essential.
VEIT AC 10 Air Steriliser
Recommended area: up to 100 m²
Installation: wall-mounted or freestanding
Lamp life: 9,000 hours
Maintenance: simple, with quick access to components
Ideal for:
- small tailoring workshops or garment production departments;
- factory administrative offices;
- fitting rooms, showrooms, presentation rooms;
- quality control rooms.
The VEIT AC 10 is the right solution when you want high efficiency in a compact device that is easy to install and use.
VEIT AC 20 air steriliser
Recommended area: up to 160 m²
Installation: ceiling-mounted or on a mobile stand
Airflow: high, for large volumes
Suitable for: areas with high levels of particles and microfibres
Its benefits in textile production:
- maintains cleaner air in cutting, pattern-making and fabric-handling areas;
- reduces airborne particles that can affect product quality;
- is very useful in areas where sensitive or premium-quality materials are handled;
- operates continuously 24/7, without interruption.
The VEIT AC 20 is designed for large production halls and high-volume production, where a greater volume of sterilised air and robust equipment are required.
Tangible benefits for your production facility
Implementing a professional air sterilisation and filtration system brings direct benefits to both people and factory processes. Firstly, employees work in cleaner air, which reduces respiratory problems and allergies associated with microfibres and textile dust. Better air quality translates into lower levels of sick leave and improved concentration, which contributes to the team’s overall productivity.
In terms of compliance, such systems help textile factories meet health and safety at work standards, as well as align with the requirements for any international certifications. For companies, this aspect is becoming increasingly important, particularly when they wish to demonstrate that they provide good working conditions and invest in employee safety – a factor that is also valued in the recruitment process.The implementation of a UV-C sterilisation system helps to meet the requirements of ISO audits and international textile standards, providing traceability and documented evidence of air quality control in production.
The effectiveness of UV-C in neutralising pathogens is officially documented by VEIT and independently confirmed by international studies. Tests carried out by Boston University, Dr Hönle AG and researchers in South Korea have shown viral inactivation rates of up to 99.9 per cent under controlled conditions, which validates the use of UV-C technologies in industrial environments, including textile production.
Another advantage is product protection. Air laden with dust, microfibres or particles can affect the quality of textile materials, leading to contamination or even the rejection of batches if impurities affect the fabric’s surface. A sterilisation system such as the VEIT AC 10 or AC 20 maintains a stable and clean environment, which is essential particularly for the production of premium items or sensitive materials.
From a financial perspective, the investment is a sound one. Maintenance costs are minimal; typically, only the UV-C lamps need to be replaced once a year, and the equipment can operate continuously without costly consumables. Furthermore, the reduction in absenteeism, health issues and waste leads to substantial long-term savings. And the reliability of VEIT equipment, manufactured in Germany, ensures a long service life and low servicing costs.
In many textile manufacturing plants, the uncontrolled costs caused by dust and airborne particles exceed, in less than a year, the cost of investing in a UV-C system, which is why more and more companies are treating it as a central element of production, rather than an accessory.
How does TEXCO implement the sterilisation system in production?
The process by which TEXCO installs a sterilisation system in textile workshops is simple and well-structured, ensuring that the equipment is selected correctly and commissioned without disrupting operations.
It all begins with an assessment of the space. The total area and height of the workshop are measured, the areas where staff work most intensively are identified, and the locations where the greatest amounts of dust and microfibres accumulate are noted. This stage helps to establish the exact volume of air that needs to be treated and the level of contamination.
Based on this data, the appropriate equipment is selected. For rooms up to 30 m², depending on the height, the recommended solution is the VEIT AC 10, which is compact, efficient and easy to integrate. For large halls or extensive production areas, the VEIT AC 20 or a combination of several units is used to cover the entire area. The Texco team analyses each situation and provides a bespoke recommendation, ensuring the choice is optimised for the actual workload.
Installation is quick and does not require complex work. The units can be mounted on a wall, ceiling or mobile stand, depending on the hall’s layout. Once installed, the unit is connected, calibrated and put into operation immediately, without disrupting the production schedule.
Maintenance is minimal. The UV-C lamps are replaced just once a year, and the pre-filter must be cleaned periodically. Otherwise, the system can operate continuously, without expensive consumables and without unplanned downtime.
In today’s textile manufacturing industry, where demands for sustainability, safety and responsibility towards employees are ever-increasing, air quality in production halls is becoming a genuine priority. Air quality control is no longer merely a matter of technical compliance, but a competitive differentiator. Manufacturers who invest in UV-C systems are perceived as trustworthy and socially responsible partners – a criterion that is increasingly valued when selecting suppliers in the fashion and premium goods industries.
If you’d like to find out which solution is right for your factory, the Texco team can provide you with a personalised assessment and clear recommendations based on your type of production and the size of your premises. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on ☎️+40736369802 or at office@texco.ro!
