A groundbreaking home decorating material, crafted from 350-year-old volcanic ash sourced from Mount Etna, made its world debut at UK Construction Week (UKCW) London this month.
Etna® is the brainchild of Sicily-based manufacturer Nikkolor Italia and is composed of volcanic ash from the Etna eruption of 1669, pure natural hydraulic lime, natural active ingredients and mineral aggregates.
Supplied as a dry powder, this innovative material transforms into a versatile plaster when mixed with water, allowing for a variety of stunning finishes and effects. Sustainable and breathable, Etna not only enhances aesthetics but also reinforces, protects, and restores both exterior and interior walls.
Etna® was the result of the REUCET 2018/2020 project (recovery and use of Etna volcanic ash) conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Catania and financed by the Ministry of the Environment.
Nikkolor Italia was among the 16 companies showcasing their innovations at the special Sicilian Pavilion during UKCW London, held from May 7-9. As the UK’s largest exhibition for the built environment, UKCW London provided an ideal platform for Nikkolor Italia to present its cutting-edge products.
The founders of Nikkolor Italia, Salvo Caniglia and Ierna Tiziana, said: “Visitors could not believe that we use volcanic ash that is older than any living creature on the planet. It was fantastic to use UK Construction Week London to launch our unique product to the world, and we hope this is the start of a promising relationship between UKCW and Sicily.”
Vito Ruscigno, Foreign Technical Sales Manager, Nikkolor Italia, added: “The reaction and feedback to the launch of Etna at our stand within the Sicilian Pavilion was brilliant – at some stages we had people queuing up to speak to us!”
Sam Patel, the divisional director – of construction, commented: “The launch of products like Etna at UKCW London helps to further strengthen the show’s international status and reputation, and it’s exactly what our event is all about – innovation, international collaboration and bringing the very latest products and learnings directly to those at the heart of the construction industry, from architects to contractors, surveyors to engineers.”
More exclusive launches and live demonstrations will take place at UKCW Birmingham, which runs from October 1-3 2024; UKCW London will return next year, from May 6-8 2025.
Registration for the Birmingham event is now live. click here to register.