Ecomat supports the Eco-Coating project through the supply and application of materials. Input from Ascoparg and Tera-Environnement consists of study and analysis. The Interdepartmental Roads Directorate for Central and Eastern France (DIR-CE) took charge of the preparation, availability and security of the experimental site on the ringroad.T

The overall envelope for the Eco-Coating project amounts to €200,000, funded as part of the Innov'R initiative (25% by France’s Environment and Energy Management Agency [Ademe] and 25% by the Rhone-Alpes region). The project also enjoys the local authorities’ active support (Greater Grenoble Council, Isere Departmental Council, Grenoble City Council).

Project partners:

Ecomat is a French company that develops and markets photocatalytic solutions based on a Japanese process for applications in surface and air treatment. The Vercline® and Baticline® self-cleaning applications have already convinced several big names, notably the insurance companies Axa and MMA which decided in 2006 to coat the outside walls of their headquarters with Ecomat products. Ecomat became involved in the present project because it is keen to validate the air-purification capability of its products under real-life conditions.

Ecomat’s industrial development in Grenoble is assisted by AEPI.

Tera-Environnement specializes in the analysis of chemical contamination, among others, airborne molecular contamination and photocatalysis. It also develops and markets equipment and accessories for taking air and gas samples.

Ascoparg is a non-profit organization certified for air quality monitoring. Its prime mission is to monitor air quality in the Grenoble urban area and southern Isere, and inform the general public.

The Innov'R initiative is an ongoing process deployed by the Rhone-Alpes region, Oseo and Ademe to provide financial support for ecologically innovative projects backed by individual companies or groups of companies in Rhône-Alpes.

Eco-Coating aims to check the effectiveness of photocatalysis for combating air pollution. It represents an innovative response to the deteriorating quality of the air in the Grenoble basin, a major problem. The present experiment reflects the concerns of local authorities.

Complete press release: here