Ambius & UTS research: how indoor plants improve indoor air quality

Indoor environments in commercial buildings are far from pollutant-free. Offices, hotels, shopping centres, and other corporate spaces are filled with hidden sources of air contamination. Furniture, carpets, cleaning products, and printers steadily release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally outdoor pollution, particularly petrol vapour, enters indoors through buildings located on the main/busy roads, within 200m of a petrol station, as well as any building that is connected to an underground garage or parking. These pollutants quickly circulate through the indoors, making indoor air quality a critical factor in workplace health.

To address this challenge, Ambius partnered with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in a landmark research project that produced evidence of how impactful plants are in removing these nasties and improving indoor air quality. The findings are transforming the way businesses view plantscaping: no longer just an aesthetic choice, but a scientifically proven investment in employee wellbeing and productivity.

Why does the indoor air quality in workplaces need attention

Poor indoor air quality is a silent problem for many businesses. Pollutants such as petrol-related VOCs, are critically dangerous to us, including the additional toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene to name a few. These are directly linked to a range of serious illnesses, as well as fatigue, respiratory issues, reduced cognitive function and more. In a workplace, this translates into decreased employee focus, increased sick days, and an overall decline in well-being.

For facilities managers and decision-makers in corporate settings, indoor air quality is not only a health concern but also a performance issue. Clean indoor air improves concentration, reduces absenteeism, and enhances the overall experience of both staff and visitors.

The Ambius & UTS Study: breakthrough results

The research study utilised the Ambius Live Picture GO, a compact, wall-mounted living plant system. The experiment was conducted under strict laboratory conditions, with nine replicate green wall units placed inside specially designed, sealed perspex chambers. Each unit contained four individual plants, featuring a mix of hardy species such as Scindapsus aureus (Pothos), Syngonium, and Chlorophytum. The systems were then exposed to a controlled mixture of petrol-related Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and hourly testing was performed to precisely measure the rate at which the green walls removed these harmful pollutants from the air. 

Key findings

The results were remarkable:

• Indoor plants removed up to 97% of petrol-related VOCs within just 8 hours.
   
• Plants continued to break down pollutants over longer periods, maintaining ongoing indoor air-cleaning benefits.
   
• The effect was consistent across different species, proving that a variety of healthy indoor plants can deliver similar results.

This was one of the first studies to quantify VOC removal at this scale and speed, confirming that indoor plants are not passive décor but active, natural air filters.

How Ambius ensures plants deliver these results

Healthy plants are the cornerstone of VOC removal. Without expert care, the benefits seen in the study cannot be replicated in real workplaces. Ambius ensures long-term plant health and performance through:

Ambius Grow Formula: 

Starts with our Interior Plantscape Consultants: Assessing your indoors, measuring light levels and recommending the right plant for the suitable light level in your office space. 

Supported with our Horticultural experts: Ensuring the correct watering and specific trained maintenance method.

They key to this approach: 

• The right plant in the right light level
• Correct watering - via Ambius Best Practice Sub-irrigation – A precise watering system built into Ambius containers that reduces overwatering, prevents plant stress, and extends lifespan.
• Maintenance Program – Horticultural experts service plants ensuring they continue to thrive. This includes the The Ambius GROW Formula approach – Groom, Rotate, Observe, Water. 

By integrating this process, Ambius ensures that plants continue to be healthy and thrive in workplaces enabling them to achieve the same pollutant-removal impact demonstrated in the UTS study.

The business case: health, productivity, and employer brand

Investing in indoor plants has measurable benefits for organisations:

• Improved Employee Health – Cleaner indoor air reduces the risk of respiratory problems and long-term health impacts from VOC exposure.
   
• Enhanced Productivity – Studies have proven that indoors with plants improve indoor air quality in turn: reducing fatigue, reducing sick leave related absenteeism, improving productivity, to name a few. 
   
• Stronger Employer Brand – Workplaces that prioritise wellbeing attract and retain top talent. Employees increasingly value green spaces and healthy environments.
   
• Positive Client Impressions – Visitors experience a welcoming, professional atmosphere where wellbeing is visibly prioritised.

The Ambius & UTS study provides hard data that supports these business advantages.

Sustainability in air quality solutions

Ambius combines its focus on health with a commitment to sustainability. Eco-friendly products and practices are built into every plantscaping project:

• ECO Pebbles – Produced from 80% recycled computer parts and homewares, offering a sustainable alternative to mined stones.
• Recyclable Containers and VOC - free Finishes – Minimising environmental impact while supporting workplace health.
• Rainforest Rescue Partnership – Ambius actively supports the restoration of the Daintree Rainforest, reinforcing its mission to create greener spaces inside and out.

This dual commitment ensures that businesses can improve indoor environments while contributing to global sustainability goals.

Why professional care matters

While research proves the capability of plants to improve indoor air, these results are best achieved with professional care. In order for the plant to be able to photosyntesise and thrive, it must be in the right light, correctly watered and maintained. 

Ambius’ expert horticultural care ensures that every plant continues to thrive. With the GROW formula approach Ambius ensures ongoing plant health and indoor air purification performance for the long term.

Conclusion

The Ambius & UTS research provides groundbreaking evidence that indoor plants can remove up to 97% of harmful VOCs, delivering healthier, cleaner indoor air in just hours. For businesses, this represents more than aesthetic value — it is a measurable solution to a critical workplace challenge.

By partnering with Ambius, organisations gain access to expert design, installation, and maintenance services that replicate the study’s results in real-world workplaces. Combined with sustainable practices and eco-friendly solutions, Ambius ensures that every plantscaping project contributes to employee wellbeing, productivity, and a healthier future.