Ikea has developed an ‘intelligent curtain’ capable of purifying air. The invention, coated with sunlight-activated minerals that break down airborne pollutants, has been developed in collaboration with several European and Asian universities. “By enabling a curtain to purify the air, we are creating an affordable and space-saving air purifying solution that also makes the home more beautiful,” said Ikea product developer Mauricio Affonso.
The Gunrid intelligent curtain will be sold in stores next year and is expected to sell well in areas particularly affected by air pollution.
According to the World Health Organisation, 91 per cent of humanity lives in areas affected by significant air pollution, which kills around 7 million people every year.
“Gunrid is the first product to use the technology,” said Ikea’s head of sustainability Lena Pripp-Kovac, “but the development will give us opportunities for future applications on other textiles.”
“We know that there is no single solution to solve air pollution. We work long term for positive change, to enable people to live healthier and more sustainable lives”, she said.