Voon: Filters That Turn Waste Wool into Clean Air

Every year, around 200,000 tonnes of sheep wool are discarded across Europe because they have little commercial value. Meanwhile, disposable ventilation filters contribute to growing plastic waste. Estonian start-up Voon is turning these two environmental challenges into a business opportunity by transforming locally sourced waste wool into compostable ventilation filters.

Priced at €13 per unit, comparable to conventional plastic alternatives, Voon's filters aim to make sustainable choices accessible without increasing costs for ventilation maintenance companies.

To strengthen its business model and explore opportunities for growth, Voon joined ClimateLaunchpad Estonia, supported through the Climate Engine project. The programme offered mentoring, practical business development tools and the opportunity to present its innovation to an international jury.

Although the structured pitch format initially felt restrictive, the team soon recognised its value. The mentoring and materials helped Voon communicate its business model more clearly and develop a presentation approach it intends to continue using.

The experience also brought important recognition. Voon secured second place in the Estonian national final and advanced to the top eight in Europe. For a hardware start-up navigating lengthy product testing, the achievement provided a welcome confidence boost. It also highlighted the potential of hardware innovation within Estonia's predominantly software-focused start-up ecosystem.

One of the most valuable outcomes came after the European final. Feedback from mentors and judges encouraged the team to reconsider its international expansion strategy and explore North America, particularly the United States, rather than focusing exclusively on smaller European markets.

Since participating in the programme, Voon reports that it has launched its product, with prospective customers increasingly approaching the company directly. Discussions with investors are also underway ahead of a planned fundraising round.

The company's environmental ambitions are equally significant. At its projected third-year production volumes, Voon expects to upcycle 144 tonnes of waste wool annually and avoid an estimated 640 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, with potential annual savings exceeding 1,500 tonnes by 2031. By purchasing wool that currently has little market value, the company also aims to create additional income for Estonian farmers while supporting local manufacturing jobs.

Looking ahead, Voon plans to expand sales in Estonia, prepare for international markets, and pursue the certifications and patents needed to support its growth.

“ClimateLaunchpad gave us a clear understanding of what we would need in order to expand to different foreign markets,” the team reflects.

Voon's journey demonstrates how entrepreneurship support through Climate Engine and ClimateLaunchpad can help climate-focused start-ups strengthen their business strategies, gain international visibility and move towards commercialisation.