The first aluminium cladding panel to clean itself – and the environment as well.

Reynobond®|Reynolux® with EcoClean™ means that for the first time there is aluminium cladding that is both economic and environmentally friendly. With the aid of the sun and moisture, dirt and smog particles are rendered harmless. As a result, EcoClean™ helps the cladding both clean itself and keep the environment clean.

Self- and air-cleaning thanks to the sun and rain

Under the incidence of sunlight, the light-sensitive titanium dioxide coating (EcoClean™) acts as a catalyst, even in conditions of low humidity. On the surface, the electrons released by the UV light form radicals, and these break down organic substances and smog particles. At the same time a superhydrophilic (water-attracting) and extremely smooth surface is formed. Even with just small amounts of rain or dew, the substances that have been broken down simply slide off the building, leaving a clean façade behind. Because the cladding keeps ridding itself of dirt like this, it always remains clean, helping keep the building looking attractive.

Air-cleaning power of 80 trees

To its powers of self-cleaning must be added that of air-cleaning. 1,000 m2 of Reynobond®|Reynolux® with EcoClean™ disperse as much smog as approximately 80 trees. This is sustainability at its proactive best – testimony to Alcoa’s strong commitment to protecting the environment.

For four years researchers at Alcoa had been working on the method for transferring the titanium dioxide-based HYDROTECT™ technology of the Japanese firm TOTO® to a Reynobond® composite panel and Reynolux® aluminium sheeting. This technology protects nature by cleaning the façade and the surrounding air on its own, with the aid of sunlight and rain water. Up until now, HYDROTECT™ could only be applied to smooth surfaces such as concrete, glass, non-machined metals, plastic and ceramic. The new process method from Alcoa means it can now for the first time be applied to coated aluminium.