Catalytic Clothing’s clean air project

Science and fashion meet through the collaboration of

designer Helen Storey MBE and scientist Tony Ryan OBE. The two teamed up for Catalytic Clothing, which is a project that cleans the air one breathes through clothes.

In March, the City of London was issued with an ultimatum by the EU Air Quality Directive: cut emissions or face a fine of up to £300 million. An estimated 3,000 deaths per year are caused by dangerously high levels of harmful inhalable particles PM10. The Catalytic Clothing came up with a way to harness the power of photo catalysts - light-sensitive substances that will clean the air when walking. By adding them to fabric softener, clothes turn into earth-saving agents.

To illustrate the project, Catalytic Clothing made a film featuring model Erin O’Connor with music courtesy of Radiohead.