When you’re looking for critical environment filtration services near you, you want a partner who understands the importance of air quality and can respond quickly. AES Environmental provides local, expert filtration services for laboratories, cleanrooms, hospitals, and other critical environments.
Our services go beyond just replacing filters. We provide a complete end-to-end solution:
Testing and certification of biological safety cabinets, laminar flow units, and fume cupboards
Supply and installation of HEPA, ULPA, and carbon filtration products
Validation of cleanroom environments to ISO and AS standards
On-site troubleshooting, decontamination, and airflow balancing
With decades of experience and NATA-accredited test facilities, we ensure your systems are compliant, efficient, and safe. Our team is based locally, with facilities throughout Australia, meaning fast response times and a deep understanding of regional regulatory requirements.
Whether you manage a university lab, a pharmaceutical cleanroom, or a hospital isolation area, our solutions keep your facility operating safely and efficiently.
If you’re looking for critical environment filtration services near you, AES Environmental is your trusted local partner.
Contact us today to see how we can deliver on your critical environment filtration needs.
Introducing the Ultima: A World First in Biosafety Cabinets
AES Environmental is proud to announce the launch of the Ultima Class II Biological Safety Cabinet. A breakthrough in laboratory safety and performance, the Ultima is designed and manufactured right here in Australia.
The Ultima is the first and only biosafety cabinet of its kind to feature a screw-driven sash actuator system. For decades, biological safety cabinets have relied on cable and counterweight mechanisms to support the sash window. These systems can wear down and fray over time. In the worst cases, this could lead to a dangerous sash free-fall, posing serious risks to laboratory operators.
The Ultima changes that. With its precision screw-driven actuator and rigid sash frame, the sash remains securely locked in place, even in the event of power loss. This innovation sets a new global benchmark in laboratory safety, giving operators complete confidence during every use.
But the sash isn’t the only area where Ultima leads the way.
Designed for Safety and Performance
Built in compliance with AS 2252.2:2025, the Ultima provides consistent protection for operators, products, and the environment. A dual-fan airflow system ensures stable performance, while dual H14 HEPA filters (99.995% efficiency at 0.3 microns) deliver exceptional particle retention. Negative pressure containment further guarantees that hazardous air cannot escape into the laboratory.
Comfort Meets Usability
Laboratories are demanding environments, and operator comfort is critical. The Ultima features an ergonomic slanted sash window to reduce strain on the neck and shoulders, with an optional electric height-adjustable stand for a customised working position. A refined airflow profile significantly reduces noise, creating a quieter and more focused working environment.
Easy Cleaning, Long-Term Reliability
The Ultima’s welded one-piece stainless steel work zone, smooth corners, and removable tray eliminate crevices where contaminants could collect, making cleaning and decontamination fast and effective. Designed for durability, the cabinet reduces downtime and extends performance life, backed by AES Environmental’s nationwide service and certification support.
The Safest Cabinet Ever Built
With its world-first sash mechanism, Australian manufacturing pedigree, and uncompromising design standards, the Ultima is more than just a new product, it’s a redefinition of what laboratory safety should be.
Contact AES Environmental today to learn more about the Ultima Class II Biological Safety Cabinet and how it can protect your people, your samples, and your environment.
The introduction of AS 16890 marks a turning point in how Australia evaluates and specifies air filtration. While it draws its foundation from the international ISO 16890 series, this modified version is not a copy-paste. It is a deliberate evolution that adapts global test methods to the demands of local industry, regulation, and climate.
From ISO to AS: Why Modify a Global Standard? ISO 16890 introduced a welcome shift in air filter testing. Rather than relying on grades, it classifies filters based on their efficiency at capturing PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 particles, aligning with the same metrics used in public health and environmental policy.
But the ISO standard, as adopted in many countries, is essentially a test protocol. It does not require construction criteria, does not reference independent test validation, and does not enforce minimum local compliance. In short: it tells you how a filter performs in a lab but says nothing about how that data is verified, or what materials the filter is made from.
Enter AS 16890.
What Makes the Australian Adaptation Different? AS 16890 is Australia’s modified adoption of ISO 16890 and those modifications matter. Here’s how:
Accredited Testing Is Mandatory All test data must come from an ILAC-accredited laboratory. This ensures test results are:
Independently verified
Repeatable
Traceable to a recognised quality system
In other words, filters sold under the Australian Standard aren’t just labelled, they’re proven.
Published Data Must Be Transparent Manufacturers must publish the date of testing and test data must match the filter sold.
Minimum Marking Requirements All filters must be clearly and permanently labelled with manufacturer identity and performance rating making specification and compliance easier for facility managers, engineers, and regulators.
Supports Local Safety Expectations AS 16890 doesn’t just reflect how a filter performs; it supports how it should be used in Australian systems, referencing the local HEPA filter standard AS 4260 and maintaining compatibility with AS/NZS ISO 9001 systems.
Why It Matters By strengthening ISO 16890 with accreditation, transparency, and local relevance, AS 16890:
Protects public health with verified PM removal performance
Supports Australian industry by recognising filters tested under local conditions
Prevents regulatory capture, where imported products flood the market without equivalent safety or construction scrutiny
And crucially, it restores confidence. End users no longer need to guess whether a filter lives up to its brochure. Under AS 16890, performance isn’t claimed, it’s certified.
AS 16890 and AS 1324: Working Together It’s important to understand that AS 16890 doesn’t replace everything. Where ISO 16890 falls short, particularly in construction safety, fire resistance, and fibre shedding, AS 1324 still applies. In fact, both standards are now referenced in the National Construction Code, each serving different but complementary roles.
AS 16890, Verified test performance (PM efficiency, under controlled conditions)
AS 1324, Construction, durability, and safety standards (including washable, renewable, and viscous filters)
Together, they ensure Australia’s air filters aren’t just technically efficient, they’re fit for purpose.
At AES Environmental, we understand the critical role of containment equipment in ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical operations. In our latest article, we delve into the nuanced comparison between cytotoxic drug safety cabinets (CDSCs) and pharmaceutical isolators. We’ll explore recent findings that highlight the benefits of CDSCs, examining aspects such as ease of cleaning, material transfer process, and operational training. Our focus is on guiding you towards making informed decisions in your pharmaceutical setting, balancing practicality, safety, and efficiency in handling cytotoxic drugs.
Complex Cleaning and Maintenance: Discussing the contrast in cleaning and maintenance between pharmaceutical isolators and cytotoxic drug safety cabinets. Isolators, due to their enclosed design, present challenges in thorough cleaning and maintenance. The open design of Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinets allows for easier and more effective cleaning.
Material Transfer Process: The process of transferring materials in and out of containment systems is critical. Pharmaceutical isolators often require a complex, multistage process for material transfer. CDSC’s offer a simple and direct material transfer process, enhancing both the safety and efficiency of drug preparation.
Operational Training and Experience: The challenges of operating a system with greater complexity are felt by all. Isolators, while offering protection against external contamination, are more prone to microbial growth due to cleaning and material transfer challenges. A study cited shows a higher rate of microbial contamination in isolators compared to CDSCs.
Initial and Ongoing Costs of Operating an Isolator: Costs associated with pharmaceutical isolators are typically far greater than Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinets. Isolators, owing to their complex design, have higher initial and maintenance costs. In contrast, CDSCs, while maintaining safety standards, have a simpler design leading to lower initial and ongoing costs, making them a more cost-effective option for facilities with budget constraints.
AES Environmental is excited to announce the capacity to provide AS1324 NATA testing for Air Filters within it’s laboratory based in Sydney, NSW. NATA is an independent testing organisation responsible for accrediting AS1324 test facilities in Australia. The Covid Pandemic highlighted the need for greater compliance and repeatability when testing air filtration products, Australia is once again raising that bar.
Mass stabilisation (Gravimetric, AS1324.2 Section 3)
Efficiency – Test dust No.1 (Photometric, AS1324.2 Section 4)
Gravimetric – Test dust No.4 (Gravimetric, AS1324.2 Section 5)
NATA is an signatory to the ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) mutual recognition agreement (MRA). NATA is one of 113 accreditation bodies from over 117 economies to have signed the MRA. ILAC’s primary goals include developing and aligning accreditation practices for various bodies, recognizing accredited laboratories and providers globally, and advocating for accreditation acceptance among industry, governments, regulators, and consumers. About ILAC.
A truly Global Accreditation. For more information on Air Filter testing, check out our previous post here or connect.
With this accreditation, we are able to offer this service for local and International customers wishing to certify their Air filters to the Australian Standards
For more information on our scope of accreditation click here
At AES Environmental, we’re excited to share our recent success at the NSW Premier’s Export Awards. We’re honored to announce that we received the prestigious ECA Global Achievement Award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to the New South Wales export market and our relentless commitment to advancing as an engineering and manufacturing organization.
Our Biological Safety Cabinets and other Laminar Flow products have witnessed remarkable growth over the past year, expanding into new markets. We maintain a steadfast focus on continuous product development to propel Australian manufacturing to new heights..
Our vision extends beyond the export market. We’re fervently invested in bolstering Australian manufacturing, diversifying our product portfolio, and expanding our operational capability. A significant milestone in this endeavor was the recent accreditation of our AS 1324 test facility by NATA, signaling just the beginning of a planned investment in technical and manufacturing capabilities set to unfold in 2024 and beyond.
In the months to come, we’re set to launch an array of innovative products, including a groundbreaking HEPA module and an advanced Class II Biological Safety Cabinet, reinforcing our position as an industry leader. We firmly believe that Australia boasts a unique blend of manufacturing potential, a highly skilled workforce, and the relentless Aussie spirit. It is with great enthusiasm that we commit to further enhancing our manufacturing capabilities in Australia.
While our nominations at the NSW Premier’s Export Awards didn’t result in victory, we certainly relished a fantastic evening of celebration alongside our esteemed peers. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the businesses that clinched the honors, and eagerly anticipate our continued presence in the competition in 2024.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our dedicated employees, our loyal customers, and all those who have acknowledged our efforts and provided unwavering support on this remarkable journey. With your continued support, we’re poised to reach even greater heights in the field of engineering and manufacturing. Thank you for being part of this exciting adventure with AES Environmental.
We are excited to announce we are finalists again for this year’s Premier’s NSW export awards, in two categories! We are nominated for Creative industries in the national category and NSW Exporter to Southeast Asia in NSW state category.
Congratulations to our team and fellow finalists and see you on October 23rd!
We are thrilled to announce our latest milestone. Effective from 1st July 2023, we have successfully acquired the air filter business interests of AES Environmental (WA) Pty Ltd, continuing our drive to expand our Australian sales and manufacturing operations.
This strategic investment, coupled with our recent investments, expanding our manufacturing capabilities and air filter test rigs, strengthens our position in the Australian market.
We extend a warm welcome to the employees of AES Environmental (WA), assuring them of continuity and stability within our growing business. Customers and Suppliers will be notified separately about any changes to payment and banking arrangements.
AMCCS takes pride in licensing iconic Australian filter brands, including Clyde-Apac (1923), Vokes (1939), and Email Air Handling (1958), and our commitment to quality is reinforced by our retained air filter test rigs in our IEC 17025 laboratory in NSW.
Concerns regarding the status of AS 1324.2:2003 as a test standard for air filter efficiency have been addressed. The recent edition of the ABCB handbook ‘Indoor Air Quality Verification Methods’ confirms that AS 1324.2:2003 remains relevant and applicable for Performance Solutions and Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Solutions, for the purposes of the NCC (National Construction Code). The handbook provides guidance for designers and installers, listing AS 1324.2:2003 as one of the suitable test standards for air filter efficiency. For DTS Solutions, AS 1324.2:2003 is the only applicable test standard.
The updated handbook is available on the ABCB website.
AES Environmental is investing in clean air. Partnering with an education facility and an investment of over half a million dollars, AES is constructing the next generation of ISO 16890 Test rig facilities for use in the Australian and overseas markets. The AES rig will be ILAC accredited ISO 16890 air filter test rig to complement its existing AS 1324 and AS 4260 test rigs, adding to it’s capabilities to provide air filtration qualification services.
AES considers it important for Australian industry to retain AS 1324, for non-stationary HVAC applications and regional areas of Australia that experience heavier concentrations of dust particles such as bush fires etc. AES and its partners consider the retention of Australian capability to test air filters will remain of crucial importance to the HVAC air conditioning when applied into the building construction tender market. This will ensure the product used in the market is safe to use, meets the required standards and does what it says it does, even if that product is imported to the county.
AES has continued to invest in its engineering division, with the latest round of funding representing a significant investment in the business on the back of a strong belief that clean air is crucial in todays environment.
