According to a recent major study carried out by Iris Ceramica Group, the Active Surfaces® eliminate 94 per cent of SARS-CoV-2 – the virus responsible for COVID-19 – after minimal light exposure.
Before COVID-19 struck, many of us hadn’t given a second thought to the hygiene of the surfaces in our surroundings. Now, though, users are seeking assurances. To help them rest easy, Iris Ceramica Group has subjected the ceramics in its Active Surfaces® to a major study by the Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health of the University of Milan, to verify their antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Known for combining high performance with high aesthetic appeal, Active Surfaces® proved to eliminate an impressive 94 per cent of SARS-CoV-2 after just four hours of exposure to natural or artificial light.
Even before the pandemic, though, hygiene has been integral to Iris Ceramica Group’s material R&D, with the development of its cutting-edge eco-active ceramic technology dating back to 2009. The patented Active Surfaces® technology is based on a photocatalytic process that uses titanium dioxide with added silver to eliminate pollutants, microbial agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi and moulds) and offensive odours, resulting in self-cleaning ceramic surfaces.
Cyberwall is an art installation curated by Alessandro Melis and realized with Active Surfaces®. Cyberwall is hosted inside the Italian Pavilion at the International Architecture Exhibition of Venice.
In addition to their efficacy in eliminating SARS-CoV-2, the ceramics have already been ISO certified in the antibacterial field for several years, even against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ISO 27447 – ISO 22196). The Active Surfaces® material also has ISO certifications (ISO 21702 – ISO 18061) against four well-known viral strains: the H1N1 and H3N2 pandemic influenzas, Enterovirus 71 and the poliovirus. This foresighted vision is in Iris Ceramica Group’s DNA: it aims to be ‘one step ahead of the times, developing materials with the future and wellbeing in mind.'
The company believes that as the world is still experiencing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 crisis, scientific value has never been so fundamental for protecting human health. Sanitizing environments and surfaces and ensuring hygiene have become essential for protecting people not only in public spaces, but also at work and at home. The results achieved by Active Surfaces® illustrate the importance of this research, supported by detailed scientific documentation, demonstrating the innovation that characterizes Iris Ceramica Group materials.
