PURETi Transforms Surfaces into
Self-cleaning, Air Purifying Materials.

Cleaner Air On Campus Starts With Art

Chicago's New "Harmony" Mural Treated With PURETi Helps Improves Air Quality

CHICAGO (August 11, 2015)—The Wabash Arts Corridor (WAC), in partnership with Columbia College Chicago and Vertical Gallery has teamed up with US based PURETi Group to improve air quality in Chicago this summer.  Using PURETi’s breakthrough technology, the work of acclaimed London-based street artist Ben Eine (EINE) will be transformed into an active, self-cleaning air purifier.

Today, the mural was treated with PURETi, a clear, mineral-based surface modifier, that when activated by light, removes harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the air. The treated artwork resides at the Wabash-facing exterior of University Center, a residence hall located at 525 S. State Street.

The health-enhancing science behind PURETi is called photocatalysis.  Once PURETi is applied to the surface of the artwork, light energy from the sun strikes the photocatalytic particles.  PURETi then uses this energy to briefly transform humidity in the air into hydroxyl radicals: safe, powerful oxidizers that destroy harmful VOCs and pollutants in the air.  They then return to being water vapor.  The process repeats itself millions of times per second to destroy pollutants in the air.

“We are thrilled to bring cleaner, healthier air to Chicago and all who live, study and work here,” said Glen Finkel, CEO PURETi Group.  “PURETi can transform almost any surface, including Mr. Eine’s street artwork, into an air purifier to help improve air quality”.

"Our partnership with PURETi further strengthens our commitment to student health and sustainability efforts” says University Center General Manager Marlene Levine. “While air pollution is something we can’t always see, we know it affects the air we breathe.  Giving our students safe, healthy environments is a top priority and one we can achieve by adopting sustainable, forward-thinking solutions like PURETi.”