KRION™ K·LIFE: small changes for safer, more sustainable spaces

At Krion PORCELANOSA Grupo, we believe that even small improvements can contribute to a better built environment. That is why we work to develop solutions that support people’s well-being and environmental responsibility, with ethics and sustainability as essential principles for long-term value. Transparency, safety, trust and innovation are key pillars of our corporate reputation.

Through the work of our R&D&I team, we continue to improve our products and develop durable, innovative and viable solutions aligned with our value chain. This commitment has led to the creation of Krion® K-LIFE 1100, a material designed with sustainability, environmental responsibility and quality of life in mind.

Krion® K-LIFE 1100: a material with a sustainable approach

One of the main concerns in material manufacturing is the use of resources and the impact a product can have throughout its life cycle. Krion® K-LIFE 1100 helps reduce environmental impact by improving efficiency across its life cycle.

Its manufacturing process uses natural casting, which requires very little energy and helps reduce the carbon footprint. Like other Krion® materials, Krion® K-LIFE 1100 is recyclable and can be reused in new designs, helping restart the product life cycle and supporting a more responsible circular economy.

Krion® K-LIFE 1100 and indoor air quality

Krion® K-LIFE 1100 contributes to better indoor air quality because it has very low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. This makes it a suitable option for cladding, interior applications and exterior areas where material performance and air quality are important.

In 2005, the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute developed a new certification standard for products used in nurseries, kindergartens and health care facilities as an extension of the GREENGUARD indoor air quality certification program. This certification, known as GREENGUARD Gold, was created by considering the chemical sensitivity of children and the characteristics of school buildings.

Krion® K-LIFE 1100 holds GREENGUARD Gold certification, one of the most demanding product emission standards for low-emission materials.

Thanks to its almost nonporous surface, Krion® K-LIFE 1100 helps reduce the accumulation of dirt and stains, limiting the conditions that can support the growth of bacteria and microorganisms on the surface. Its composition, free from hazardous substances, supports the creation of safer, cleaner and more hygienic spaces for people and the environment.

The core properties of Krion® materials are also present in K-LIFE 1100. It can be thermoformed, joined with almost imperceptible seams and used to create continuous surfaces adapted to different design requirements. Its fire resistance, supported by B-s1-d0 certification, and its resistance to temperature changes make it a reliable option for construction and cladding applications. Its easy maintenance, cleanability and durability also make it suitable for high-traffic spaces.

Krion™ K-LIFE 1100 installed at the Hospital of A Coruña facilities. Architecture: Casa Solo Photo: Arume Fotografía

Krion® K-LIFE 1100 and its antiviral performance

There is increasing interest in the materials used in everyday spaces, especially because some surfaces may retain infectious organisms for a period of time. For this reason, surfaces that help reduce this capacity from the start can offer an important advantage. Krion® K-LIFE 1100 has been evaluated in this context.

Krion® K-LIFE 1100 has been tested against respiratory virus variants, including Influenza A, responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks, and a non-lethal coronavirus variant, CoV-NL63. These viruses can spread through the air, through sneezing, or by being deposited on surfaces known as fomites.

To make the test more representative, plastic was also tested as a reference material. Plastic is commonly used as a barrier in contact with people, food, hygiene products and safety-related environments. Since several studies have evaluated how long viruses can remain on plastic surfaces, comparing plastic with Krion® K-LIFE 1100 made it possible to assess the performance of both materials against pathogenic microorganisms.

The trial was carried out by Virology Research Services Ltd, a specialized virus research consultancy in the United Kingdom. Influenza A virus and human coronavirus NL63 were deposited on untreated Krion® K-LIFE 1100 samples. The test was based on a modification of ISO 21702, which evaluates antiviral activity on plastics and other nonporous surfaces.

After 2, 24 and 48 hours for Influenza A, and after 24, 48 and 72 hours for CoV-NL63, the virus was cultured on both plastic and Krion® K-LIFE 1100 surfaces, and the infectious load was quantified.

The results showed that, in the case of coronavirus on Krion® K-LIFE 1100, infective capacity was reduced by 82.22% after 24 hours, compared with 55.28% on plastic. For Influenza A, the reduction reached 88.75% on Krion® K-LIFE 1100 during the first 2 hours, compared with 18.44% on plastic.

These results show a rapid reduction in virus infectivity over time on Krion® K-LIFE 1100, particularly during the early stages of contact. This performance is especially relevant for materials used in everyday environments, where reducing infective capacity on surfaces can help support safer spaces.

Krion® K-LIFE 1100: a responsible material

One of the defining challenges of recent decades is the global environmental crisis. Climate change, biodiversity loss and their environmental, economic and social consequences have increased the demand for materials that respond to more responsible construction and design practices.

Krion® K-LIFE 1100 was developed not only with people’s well-being in mind, but also with a strong focus on environmental responsibility. For this reason, toxicological tests were carried out in collaboration with the Valencian Institute of Microbiology, IVAMI, to assess the possible ecotoxicity of the material.

According to these tests, Krion® K-LIFE 1100 showed no interaction with nature, behaving as an inert material for the environment. This means that accidental release into the natural environment would not potentially affect the living organisms within it. In this way, the material responds to growing social demand for eco-responsible solutions and reflects two core values of Krion PORCELANOSA Grupo: safety and sustainability.

Krion: raising standards and pursuing excellence

The pursuit of excellence is part of every stage in the life cycle of our surfaces and products. This commitment is supported by demanding certifications that confirm the safety, responsibility and positive impact of Krion® K-LIFE 1100 for people and the environment.

Krion® K-LIFE 1100 is an innovative solution created to meet professional requirements while contributing to safer, healthier and more sustainable spaces.