Italcementi has produced a new type of photocatalytic cement called TX Active, which can reduce the organic and inorganic polluting elements in the air. The product is the result of ten-year long researches and experiments conducted by Italcementi’s technical centre.  The cement, which will be marketed at the price of Euro 1.0 per kg, was developed on the basis of the photocatalysis process, according to which a substance, called photocatalyst, can accelerate chemical reactions thanks to the action of the light.  This substance, with the help of light, can induce the formation of oxidant reagents which are able to decompose organic and inorganic polluting elements in the atmosphere. 
 
Surfaces which are treated with TX Active can quickly transform nitrogen oxides and dioxides, sulphur oxides and dioxides and carbon dioxide into salts. Italcementi produced 900t of TX Active in 2005. The company targets to produce 40,000t of the cement by 2010. (Italian news services)