Shutters that Filter Air Pollutants
The shutter manufacturer Regazzi SA can now treat the slats of its shutters with a photocatalytic process. During the production process, a water-based formulation containing nanoscale titanium dioxide is applied and dried within the production facility. This creates a solid, invisible film on the surface of the shutter slats.
Titanium dioxide acts as a photocatalyst. Under UVA radiation, reactive oxygen species are formed, which oxidize air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into nitrates, carbon dioxide, and water. This can reduce the concentration of certain pollutants in the surrounding air. Since the catalyst is activated by UVA rays, the application to shutters is a logical choice.
Effective Low- Tech Solution
Live tests have shown that a reduction of pollutants by up to 40% can be achieved. Simultaneously, the shutter cleans itself through the surface treatment. The catalyst remains intact.
The Fraunhofer Institute conducted tests, which were evaluated by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). SUPSI confirms the effectiveness of photocatalytically treated surfaces: 'PCO provides a promising alternative to conventional air purification methods.'
These treated shutters are now being introduced to the market under the name 'RegaCLEAN'. The innovation was presented for the first time at the Swissbau trade fair, held in Basel from January 20 to 24, 2026.
Insights from 'iSCAPE'
Air pollution is proven to cause illness and costs Switzerland several billion francs in consequential damages. Climate warming contributes to the formation of urban heat islands, which in turn negatively affect air quality.
The EU's cross-country project 'iSCAPE' investigated which measures can most effectively improve air quality in urban areas and recommends, alongside habitual changes and green urban planning, the photocatalytic treatment of surfaces.
1 Source: iSCAPE, a research and innovation project of the European Union
2 PCO stands for 'Photocatalytic Oxidation'
3 Source: Federal Office for the Environment
Press Contact
Doris Oberneder
Communication Manager
Regazzi SA
Via alle Gerre 1
CH-6596 Gordola
presse@regazzi.ch
+41 76 201 58 81 (Tuesday to Thursday)