What Kaltec does

Kaltec (カルテック株式会社) is a Japanese photocatalyst technology company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Osaka, with sales operations in Tokyo and an R&D lab in Sakai-machi, Ibaraki Prefecture. The company develops and sells proprietary titanium dioxide photocatalyst materials and a portfolio of more than 20 applied hardware products that use light-activated oxidation to decompose viruses, bacteria, mold, allergens, and odor molecules into water and carbon dioxide. Product form factors span large-capacity floor-standing, wall-mounted, ceiling downlight, partition, spot, vehicle-mounted, portable, and neck-worn air purifiers, plus a UV-C sterilization cabinet (KL-MV01), a room-temperature food preservation box (KL-K01), and personal-care devices including a desktop eye moisturizer (KL-HM01), mist sprays, and humidifiers. Distinctive technical features include a proprietary TiO2 formulation claimed to significantly outperform standard photocatalysis, washable and reusable filters that eliminate replacement waste, a patent-pending side-flow airflow structure, and dual-sided LED irradiation for high-throughput turbo-mode purification of spaces up to ~93 square meters in 30 minutes.

The company monetizes through one-time hardware sales across three principal channels: a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront (store.turnedk.com), general retail in Japan, and enterprise direct sales for institutional buyers such as schools, sports facilities, commercial buildings, and food-service venues. Most consumer products are sold at open retail price, while enterprise pricing for large-space units is set through inquiry-based quotation. The customer base is split between individual residential consumers (air purification, food preservation, personal care) and institutional/enterprise buyers (classrooms, gymnasiums, building entrances, food courts), with secondary use cases in automotive and agriculture. Distribution is currently Japan-domestic, though an English-language global site (kaltech-global.com) signals overseas expansion intent.

Kaltec's go-to-market is anchored by continuous third-party research validation: the company has published joint studies with universities, Hokkaido agricultural organizations, and named clinical experts (including ophthalmologist Dr. Reiko Arita) demonstrating efficacy against Streptococcus pneumoniae (99.99% decomposition), cat and dog allergens, avian influenza virus, and food-spoilage organisms. Sub-brands include Turned K (consumer portables), MY AIR (personal air), and Yuragi (misting/moisturizing). The company is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, revenue, or M&A activity, and operates with 51–100 employees across its three locations.

Name

Kaltec

Legal name

カルテック株式会社 (Kaltech Co.,Ltd.)

Website

https://kaltec.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Kaltec (カルテック株式会社) is a Japanese photocatalyst technology company founded in 2018 that develops and sells proprietary titanium dioxide air purifiers, food preservation devices, and personal-care hardware for both enterprise institutional buyers and individual consumers in Japan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Photocatalyst Air Purification Equipment

NAICS

Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (333413)

SIC

Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564)

akta.pro primary industry

Air Quality & Filtration Equipment (IAQ) (IMAHAKAI)

Keywords

• Photocatalyst air purifiers
• Air purification equipment
• Deodorization devices
• Food preservation systems
• UV sterilization cabinets

Headquarters

HQ city

Osaka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Photocatalytic Air Purifiers and Deodorizers: Sale of hardware products including wall-mounted, portable, vehicle-mounted, and large-space air purification units. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales for consumer models and likely bulk orders for enterprise clients.
2. Food Preservation Products: Sale of food fresh-keeping boxes (KL-K01 Food Fresh Keeper) that use photocatalysis to suppress mold and decompose ethylene gas, extending produce shelf life.
3. Beauty and Personal Care Products: Sale of personal care devices including eye moisturizers (KL-HM01 AiMoist), humidifiers (KL-H01 Yuragi), and mist sprays (KL-HS01, KL-HS03) incorporating photocatalysis technology.
4. Online Store Direct Sales: Products sold directly to consumers through the company's online store (store.turnedk.com) as well as through general retail channels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Kaltec develops and manufactures proprietary photocatalyst-based air purifiers, deodorizers, food preservation products, and personal care devices. The company's products use a specially formulated titanium dioxide photocatalyst material that decomposes viruses, bacteria, mold, odor molecules, and organic substances into water and carbon dioxide when exposed to light. The portfolio spans more than 20 models covering commercial-grade air purifiers, portable personal units, vehicle-mounted units, room-temperature food preservation boxes, UV-C sterilization cabinets, and wellness/beauty devices.

Product overview

Kaltec is a photocatalyst technology company that develops and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of air purification, water purification, and food preservation products using proprietary photocatalyst technology. The product lineup centers on photocatalyst-based air purifiers and deodorizers, ranging from large-capacity floor-standing units (KL-F01 Flagship) for commercial spaces up to 60 tatami, to wall-mounted (KL-W02, KL-WC01), table/partition (KL-T01 TableAir), spot (KL-S01), and downlight (KL-L01/L02) installations for business environments. Consumer-focused products include the portable Multi Fresh Air (KL-G01) with reversible design, turned k mini (KL-E01) personal purifier, MyAir (KL-P02) neck-hanging device with pollen filter, and Drive Air (KL-C01) vehicle-mounted unit. Specialized products include the Food Fresh Keeper (KL-K01) for room-temperature food preservation, Magic Air Box (KL-MV01) UV-C sterilization cabinet, and deodorizing LED bulb (KL-B01). The portfolio extends to wellness products including the Eye Moist (KL-HM01) eye moisturizing device, Yuragi water mist (KL-HS01), beauty humidifier (KL-H01), ICE Handy Fan (KL-HF01), Pocket Blower (KL-HB01), and pet-care spray (KL-HS03). All core products utilize Kaltec's proprietary photocatalyst filter technology that decomposes odors, bacteria, viruses, and organic substances through light-activated oxidation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Turned K: Online store brand for portable and consumer photocatalyst products
• MY AIR
• Yuragi

Products and services

• KL-F01 Flagship (大容量床置きタイプ) Large-capacity floor-standing photocatalyst air purifier for commercial/business use, covering spaces up to 60 tatami (~93 sqm) with Turbo Mode that purifies the space in 30 minutes. Features four photocatalytic filters with dual-sided LED irradiation. Targeted at schools, sports facilities, and large commercial spaces.
• KL-W02 Wall-Mounted Type (壁掛けタイプ) Wall-mounted photocatalyst air purifier designed for business and commercial use, providing continuous deodorization and air purification for indoor commercial spaces.
• KL-WC01 Wall-Mounted Type with Corrugated Activated Carbon Filter (コルゲート活性炭フィルター) Wall-mounted photocatalyst air purifier that integrates a corrugated activated carbon filter for enhanced deodorization performance in commercial and high-odor environments.
• KL-T01 TableAir (テーブルエアー) Partition-style photocatalyst air purifier with sterilization and deodorization function for business use, combining workspace division with air purification in a single unit.
• KL-S01 SpotAir (スポットエアー) Spot-type photocatalyst air purifier for targeted air purification in specific localized areas, suitable for smaller commercial or residential spots.
• KL-L01 / KL-L02 Downlight Air (ダウンライトエアー) Downlight-style photocatalyst air purifier that integrates into existing ceiling fixtures for discreet, hidden air purification in commercial spaces.
• KL-G01 Multi Fresh Air (マルチフレッシュエアー) Compact, portable photocatalyst air purifier with reversible design (fish or flower patterns) supporting vertical, horizontal, or flat placement with built-in battery lasting up to 3 weeks in ECO mode and omnidirectional airflow.
• KL-E01 turned k mini (ターンドケイ ミニ) Portable photocatalyst air purifier designed for personal on-the-go air purification and deodorization.
• KL-P02 MyAir (マイエアー) Neck-hanging personal photocatalyst air purifier with pollen filter, providing continuous personal air purification for individual users on the move.
• KL-C01 Drive Air (ドライブエアー) Vehicle-mounted photocatalyst air purifier with visor attachment that eliminates odors and protects drivers from germs and viruses inside the vehicle cabin.
• KL-B01 Deodorizing LED Bulb (脱臭LED電球) LED light bulb with integrated photocatalyst deodorization function, combining standard illumination with continuous air purification.
• KL-K01 Food Fresh Keeper (フードフレッシュキーパー) Room-temperature food preservation box that uses photocatalyst technology to suppress mold growth and decompose ethylene gas from produce, extending the freshness and shelf life of stored food without refrigeration.
• KL-MV01 Magic Air Box (マジックエアーボックス) UV-C equipped photocatalyst sterilization cabinet for rapid disinfection of items placed inside, combining UV-C light with proprietary photocatalyst technology for speed sterilization.
• KL-H01 Yuragi Beauty Humidifier (Yuragi潤水プルミエール) Beauty humidifier using Yuragi (oscillating) photocatalyst-derived water technology for personal skin moisturizing and hydration.
• KL-HS01 Yuragi Mist (Yuragi潤水ミスト) Additive-free, weakly acidic moisturizing mist spray derived from photocatalyst water technology for personal skin and face moisturizing.
• KL-HF01 ICE Handy Fan Handheld personal fan with both air-blowing and cooling mode functionality for personal use.
• KL-HB01 Pocket Blower (ポケットブロワー) Pocket blower delivering wind speed of 14 m/s for high-power personal air circulation on the go.
• KL-HS03 Yuragi Ag+ (ペット用除菌・消臭スプレー) Pet-use sterilization and deodorant spray using photocatalyst-derived safe moisturizing water combined with silver ions (Ag+) for safe deodorization and sterilization of pet areas.
• KL-HM01 Eye Moist (アイモイスト) World's first desktop eye area moisturizing device using photocatalyst water technology, clinically proven to improve moisture around the eyes and relieve dry eye and digital eye fatigue.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60 tsubo (93 sqm) air purification in 30 minutes (KL-F01 Turbo Mode)
• +5 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hokkaido Agricultural Organizations (北海道農業団体)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2025Joint research collaboration with Hokkaido-based agricultural organizations to demonstrate the effectiveness of photocatalysis technology in reducing spoilage and maintaining freshness of agricultural produce such as pumpkins during storage.
• Dr. Reiko Arita (有田玲子博士)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOphthalmologist and leading researcher in dry eye studies, supervised clinical research demonstrating that photocatalysis water improves moisture around the eye area, effective for dry eye and digital eye strain relief.
• Yoshitatsu Shouten (吉辰商店)minorOthersWooden handle manufacturer using Yoshino cypress thinned wood from Nara Prefecture. Creates handles for the Food Fresh Keeper product from residual materials left after column processing, supporting environmental sustainability.
• University and Research Institutions (大学・研究機関)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive joint research programs with universities and research institutions on applications of photocatalysis including virus inactivation effectiveness verification, water purification experiments, and clinical studies for eye and skin health applications.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Panasonic Corporation: Panasonic's nanoe X technology uses hydroxyl radicals for air purification and deodorization across consumer air purifiers, bathroom fans, refrigerators, and automotive applications. The technology positioning is similar to Kaltec's photocatalysis, and Panasonic's global distribution dwarfs Kaltec's reach.
• Blueair: Blueair (now owned by Unilever) is a premium HEPA-based air purifier brand with strong consumer recognition in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. While the technology approach differs (HEPA vs. photocatalysis), Blueair represents the premium-positioned consumer and small-business benchmark Kaltec's brand must reach to expand internationally.
• Sharp Corporation: Sharp's Plasmacluster ion technology powers a dominant installed base of air purifiers, refrigerators, and HVAC products across Japan and Asia. As the home-market leader with vast distribution and brand recognition, Sharp represents the primary Japanese incumbent Kaltec must displace or differentiate against in commercial and residential channels.
• Daikin Industries: Daikin's Streamer discharge technology addresses airborne contaminants in HVAC systems and standalone air purifiers, and the company is the global HVAC leader. Daikin's industrial R&D budget, global sales force, and integrated HVAC+IAQ portfolio make it the most resource-rich potential competitor and partner for Kaltec's institutional segment.

Emerging players

• IQAir: IQAir specializes in high-end residential and commercial air purification (HealthPro series) with strong credibility among medical and institutional buyers. IQAir's positioning in health-driven IAQ overlaps with Kaltec's pathogen-decomposition messaging and serves as a comparable go-to-market reference for enterprise air purifier sales.
• Winix: Winix is a Korean air purifier manufacturer with a strong Japanese retail presence and growing North American distribution. Winix competes directly with Kaltec on Japanese e-commerce shelves and shares the small-to-mid-cap, Asia-based hardware manufacturer profile with international expansion aspirations.
• RGF Environmental Group: RGF Environmental Group commercializes PHI-Cell (Photohydroionization) and REME technologies for air and water purification across commercial, residential, and food-safety channels. Like Kaltec, RGF applies an advanced oxidation technology across multiple verticals (IAQ, food preservation, water) and serves institutional buyers with proprietary hardware.
• BioZone Scientific International: BioZone manufactures UV-based and advanced oxidation air and water purification equipment for commercial kitchens, food processing, and institutional facilities. Its commercial-channel focus on food safety and odor control closely parallels Kaltec's institutional segment (schools, food courts, commercial spaces) and Hokkaido agricultural produce preservation work.
• Coway: Coway is a Korean home appliance leader specializing in air purifiers, water purifiers, and bidets, with growing Asia-Pacific distribution. While not photocatalyst-based, Coway competes head-to-head with Kaltec on Japanese retail shelves and in Asian enterprise channels for institutional air quality buyers.

Direct peers

• Molekule: Molekule (acquired by Airoom/Aarhus) commercializes PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) air purification technology, the most direct technological analogue to Kaltec's photocatalyst approach. Both companies build consumer and enterprise hardware around light-activated oxidation rather than HEPA filtration, and target health-conscious consumers with premium-priced hardware.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kaltech_jp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kaltech-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kaltec