Ac�ve Surfaces® is an innova�ve ceramic technology developed by Iris Ceramica Group in collabora�on

with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Milan. This 100% Italian technology transforms
ceramic slabs into eco-ac�ve materials with mul�ple beneficial proper�es[1].

Key features of Ac�ve Surfaces® include:

1. An�bacterial and an�viral proper�es

2. An�-pollu�on capabili�es

3. An�-odor effects

4. Self-cleaning characteris�cs

The technology is based on photo-cataly�c proper�es, which ac�vate these features in the ceramic
surfaces. This allows the materials to contribute to safety and well-being in various environments without
compromising on design aesthe�cs[1].

Applica�ons of Ac�ve Surfaces®:

Ac�ve Surfaces® are recommended for use in a wide range of se�ngs, including:

- Public spaces

- Health facili�es

- Residen�al areas

- Wellness centers, SPAs, and swimming pools

- Commercial areas

- Hospitality industry

- Workplaces

- Furnishing elements

The versa�lity of this technology makes it suitable for diverse projects where both design and func�onality
are crucial[1].
Recent developments and recogni�on:

1. The technology has been used in high-profile projects, such as the Italian Vice Consulate in Tenerife,
where it was combined with decora�ve murals[1].

2. Ac�ve Surfaces® has received recogni�on in the health and wellbeing sector, with the CEO of Iris
Ceramica Group, Federica Minozzi, receiving an award at the "CEOforLIFE" Awards in Rome[1].

3. The technology has achieved "Food Contact" cer�fica�on, allowing its use in food-related environments.
This was showcased in the 11th edi�on of the cooking show "Bake Off Italia," where kitchen tops made
with Ac�ve Surfaces® were featured[1].

4. Ac�ve Surfaces® con�nues to be a focus of ongoing research and development, with efforts aimed at
further improving the technical performance of the materials[1].

In summary, Ac�ve Surfaces® represents a convergence of design and science, offering a solu�on that
enhances both the aesthe�c and func�onal aspects of ceramic surfaces. Its eco-ac�ve proper�es make it
a valuable technology for crea�ng safer, cleaner, and more sustainable environments across various
sectors.

The photo-cataly�c proper�es of Ac�ve Surfaces® offer several specific benefits, making these ceramic
materials highly func�onal and versa�le. Here are the key advantages:

## **An�bacterial and An�viral Proper�es**

- **High Efficacy**: The surfaces are effec�ve against a wide range of bacteria and viruses, including
an�bio�c-resistant strains like MRSA and viruses such as H1N1 influenza and Enterovirus 71. They have
demonstrated over 99% efficacy in elimina�ng these pathogens[2][4].

- **SARS-CoV-2**: Research has shown that Ac�ve Surfaces® can eliminate 94% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
a�er just 4 hours of exposure to low-intensity UV light[4].

## **An�-Pollu�on Capabili�es**

- **Pollutant Decomposi�on**: The photo-cataly�c reac�on decomposes both organic and inorganic
pollutants, significantly improving air quality. This is par�cularly beneficial in urban environments where
pollu�on is a constant issue[2][3].
- **Versa�le Ligh�ng Condi�ons**: The technology is effec�ve under various ligh�ng condi�ons, including
natural light, tradi�onal light bulbs, and even low-energy LED lamps, ensuring con�nuous an�-pollu�on
ac�on[3][4].

## **An�-Odor Effects**

- **Odor Elimina�on**: The surfaces can neutralize unpleasant odors, making them ideal for
environments like kitchens, restaurants, and public spaces where maintaining a pleasant atmosphere is
crucial[4].

## **Self-Cleaning Characteris�cs**

- **Reduced Maintenance**: The self-cleaning proper�es allow surfaces to stay cleaner for longer periods,
reducing the need for frequent cleaning and the use of aggressive, toxic detergents. This not only lowers
maintenance costs but also minimizes environmental impact[3][4].

- **Rainwater Cleaning**: For outdoor applica�ons, rainwater can naturally clean the surfaces, further
reducing maintenance efforts and costs[3].

## **Enhanced Hygiene**

- **Food Safety**: The an�microbial proper�es make Ac�ve Surfaces® par�cularly suitable for food-
related environments, such as kitchen countertops and restaurant surfaces, ensuring high standards of
hygiene and safety[4].

- **Permanent Ac�on**: The beneficial effects are long-las�ng and do not diminish over �me or with
heavy use, making them reliable for high-traffic areas and cri�cal environments like hospitals and
schools[3].

In summary, the photo-cataly�c proper�es of Ac�ve Surfaces® provide comprehensive benefits that
enhance health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. These surfaces are effec�ve in various ligh�ng
condi�ons, offer significant reduc�ons in pollutants and pathogens, and contribute to lower maintenance
needs, making them a valuable addi�on to both residen�al and commercial spaces.

The photo-cataly�c proper�es of Ac�ve Surfaces® offer several specific benefits, making these ceramic
materials highly func�onal and versa�le. Here are the key advantages:

## **An�bacterial and An�viral Proper�es**

- **SARS-CoV-2**: Research has shown that Ac�ve Surfaces® can eliminate 94% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
a�er just 4 hours of exposure to low-intensity UV light[4].

## **An�-Pollu�on Capabili�es**

- **Pollutant Decomposi�on**: The photo-cataly�c reac�on decomposes both organic and inorganic
pollutants, significantly improving air quality. This is par�cularly beneficial in urban environments where
pollu�on is a constant issue[2][3].

- **Versa�le Ligh�ng Condi�ons**: The technology is effec�ve under various ligh�ng condi�ons, including
natural light, tradi�onal light bulbs, and even low-energy LED lamps, ensuring con�nuous an�-pollu�on
ac�on[3][4].

## **An�-Odor Effects**

- **Odor Elimina�on**: The surfaces can neutralize unpleasant odors, making them ideal for
environments like kitchens, restaurants, and public spaces where maintaining a pleasant atmosphere is
crucial[4].

## **Self-Cleaning Characteris�cs**

- **Reduced Maintenance**: The self-cleaning proper�es allow surfaces to stay cleaner for longer periods,
reducing the need for frequent cleaning and the use of aggressive, toxic detergents. This not only lowers
maintenance costs but also minimizes environmental impact[3][4].

- **Rainwater Cleaning**: For outdoor applica�ons, rainwater can naturally clean the surfaces, further
reducing maintenance efforts and costs[3].

## **Enhanced Hygiene**

- **Food Safety**: The an�microbial proper�es make Ac�ve Surfaces® par�cularly suitable for food-
related environments, such as kitchen countertops and restaurant surfaces, ensuring high standards of
hygiene and safety[4].

- **Permanent Ac�on**: The beneficial effects are long-las�ng and do not diminish over �me or with
heavy use, making them reliable for high-traffic areas and cri�cal environments like hospitals and
schools[3].
In summary, the photo-cataly�c proper�es of Ac�ve Surfaces® provide comprehensive benefits that
enhance health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. These surfaces are effec�ve in various ligh�ng
condi�ons, offer significant reduc�ons in pollutants and pathogens, and contribute to lower maintenance
needs, making them a valuable addi�on to both residen�al and commercial spaces.

Ac�ve Surfaces® degrade vola�le organic compounds (VOCs) in the air through a photocataly�c oxida�on
process. Here's how this works:

1. Photocataly�c ac�va�on:

The surfaces contain photocataly�c materials, likely �tanium dioxide (TiO2), which are ac�vated by light.
This includes natural light, ar�ficial light, and even low-energy LED lamps.

2. Genera�on of reac�ve species:

When ac�vated by light, the photocatalyst generates highly reac�ve oxygen species, such as hydroxyl
radicals (OH•) and superoxide anions (O2•-).

3. VOC adsorp�on:

VOC molecules in the air come into contact with and adsorb onto the Ac�ve Surfaces®.

4. Oxida�on reac�on:

The reac�ve oxygen species atack the adsorbed VOC molecules, breaking them down into simpler, less
harmful compounds. This process can ul�mately convert VOCs into water vapor and carbon dioxide.

5. Con�nuous ac�on:

This process occurs con�nuously as long as there is light and air circula�on, allowing for ongoing VOC
degrada�on.

6. Wide range of VOCs targeted:

Ac�ve Surfaces® can degrade various types of VOCs, including formaldehyde, benzene, and other common
indoor air pollutants.

7. Effec�veness in typical condi�ons:

8. Permanent func�onality:

The photocataly�c proper�es of Ac�ve Surfaces® are integrated into the ceramic material itself, ensuring
long-las�ng effec�veness without diminishing over �me or with heavy use.

By con�nuously breaking down VOCs through this photocataly�c process, Ac�ve Surfaces® contribute to
improved indoor air quality, reducing the concentra�on of poten�ally harmful organic compounds in the
air.

Ac�ve Surfaces® are designed to interact effec�vely with various ligh�ng condi�ons, making them versa�le
for different environments. Here's how they interact with different ligh�ng condi�ons:

1. Natural light:

Ac�ve Surfaces® work efficiently under natural daylight condi�ons. The photocataly�c proper�es are
ac�vated by the UV component present in sunlight, allowing the surfaces to perform their an�-pollu�on,
an�bacterial, and self-cleaning func�ons.

2. Ar�ficial light:

The surfaces are engineered to func�on under various types of ar�ficial ligh�ng, including:

- Tradi�onal light bulbs

- Fluorescent lights

- Halogen lamps

3. Low-energy LED lamps:

Notably, Ac�ve Surfaces® are the only photocataly�c ceramics in the world that can work effec�vely even
with low-energy LED ligh�ng. This makes them par�cularly suitable for modern, energy-efficient buildings
and spaces.

4. Low-intensity light:

The surfaces remain effec�ve even under low-intensity ligh�ng condi�ons. For example, research has
shown that Ac�ve Surfaces® can eliminate 94% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus a�er just 4 hours of exposure to
low-intensity UV light.
5. Con�nuous ac�on:

An exclusive produc�on process ensures that Ac�ve Surfaces® remain effec�ve 24 hours a day, regardless
of ligh�ng condi�ons. This means they con�nue to provide benefits even during periods of low light or
darkness.

6. Permanent func�onality:

The interac�on with light does not diminish over �me or with heavy use. The photocataly�c proper�es
remain ac�ve throughout the lifespan of the material.

7. Indoor vs. outdoor ligh�ng:

Ac�ve Surfaces® are designed to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, adap�ng to the different
ligh�ng condi�ons present in each se�ng.

8. Broad spectrum effec�veness:

The surfaces can u�lize a wide range of the light spectrum, from UV to visible light, to ac�vate their
beneficial proper�es.

This versa�lity in interac�ng with different ligh�ng condi�ons makes Ac�ve Surfaces® highly adaptable and
effec�ve in various se�ngs, from homes and offices to hospitals and public spaces, ensuring con�nuous
benefits regardless of the specific ligh�ng environment.