The surface of the curtain is treated with a photocatalyst mineral that causes air pollution to break down when light shines through it, allowing users to purify the air in their own homes. The technology works in a similar way to photosynthesis – the natural process that plants and some other organisms use to convert carbon dioxide and water into food, using light. Developed over several years by IKEA in collaboration with university institutions in Europe and Asia, the purifying technology works with both natural and artificial light. "For me, it's important to work on products that solve actual problems and are relevant to people," explained IKEA product developer Mauricio Affonso. "Textiles are used across homes, and by enabling a curtain to purify the air, we are creating an affordable and space-saving air purifying solution that also makes the home more beautiful."