Odours from restaurant exhaust fans, rubbish stations and sewage systems may soon become a thing of the past thanks to a breakthrough innovation from local start-up Albacastor.
The company’s UVent® smart ventilation system removes airborne pollutants and particulates, while using up to 70% less electricity than conventional solutions.
"Our system has the dual benefit of improving the environment, while reducing water and electricity consumption,” explains Co-Founder and CEO Peter Cheung, pointing to an impressive removal rate of 92% of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), 76% for PM (particulate matter) 2.5 and 85% for oil mist.
The technology can save customers an average of HK$50,000 (US$6,400) per year in operating costs, he estimates. This is 53% less compared to water hoods and over 70% less than electrostatic precipitators – devices that use static electricity to trap particles in the air.
In recognition of its technological and environmental impact, Albacastor was named a winner in the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) Start-Up Express 2025 programme, which assists start-ups in building capability and connections, exploring markets, seeking funding and enhancing brand awareness.
Chemistry drives business success
Mr Cheung’s entrepreneurial journey began when he discovered that industry-standard fume hoods and precipitators only achieve 30-50% grease removal efficiency.
Driven by the need for a more effective solution, Mr Cheung and his research team spent six years developing UVent®, a game-changing invention that removes emissions and odours, creating a cleaner and more comfortable breathing environment.
The core principle behind UVent® is the process that occurs when airborne water vapour reacts with a photocatalyst – a substance that accelerates the reaction – under exposure to light.
The process – known as a photolysis reaction – breaks down grease and odour molecules, offering a powerful alternative to legacy systems.
“Our technology is highly effective in reducing airborne hazards, such as suspended particulates, formaldehyde and total volatile organic compounds," explained Mr Cheng.
Equipped with advanced sensors, UVent® continuously monitors air quality and displays real-time comparisons of pollutants before and after treatment.
“The system can aid listed companies in meeting their ESG obligations, while demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable operations."
While its roots lie in the catering industry, the company’s services have expanded to address all kinds of odour management scenarios including sewage systems, grease traps, rubbish stations, barbecues and toilets.
Such innovations have taken the company beyond the kitchen and drawn interest from clients including property managers, developers and landmark venues, such as the International Commerce Centre – the city’s tallest building.
More than 100 venues have installed the purification system, spanning dining outlets, shopping centres and clubs.
Notable customers include Hong Kong-based restaurant chains, such as Café de Coral and Tai Hing,
And Albacastor won’t stop there.
With one initial financing round under its wing, the company aims to raise a further HK$23 million (US$3 million) for R&D as well as overseas market expansion.
Expanding overseas through green tech
Supported by the HKTDC, the enterprise is actively exploring markets, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the UK, and received a boost to its industry recognition and brand awareness from its triumph in Start-Up Express.
In addition, Albacastor has participated in HKTDC exhibitions, such as Eco Expo Asia – Asia’s premier trade fair for environmentally-conscious products and solutions – and the flagship tech showcase InnoEX, to demonstrate its outstanding research capabilities and grow its international business network.
With sustainability a key concern for businesses worldwide and demand for green technologies continuing to surge, Mr Cheung feels the timing couldn’t be better.
“There are many service providers, but few of them are truly focused on innovative equipment development and production.”
“Many of them have not tackled the problem of air pollution in a practical way or even realised that it could be addressed," Mr Cheung said. “UVent® fills a critical gap in the sector and offers huge commercial potential."
“By transforming pollution into breathable air and conserving energy and water, our technology realises the true value of light.”