Sharp Corporation is proud to announce that its photocatalyst workplace solution has won a 2022 iF Design Award. The solution’s photocatalytic material uses visible light to create a cleaner workplace environment.

Launched in 1953, the iF Design Award is one of the world’s longest-running design awards. It is organized by the iF International Forum Design GmbH, an international group based in Hanover, Germany that promotes outstanding design.

In previous years, Sharp has won numerous times in the iF Design Award’s Product discipline. But for 2022, it won its first ever award in the Professional Concept discipline*1. This discipline recognizes “experimental and conceptual designs… that have not yet been published”.

Photocatalysts are materials that are highly oxidative when exposed to light. Their oxidizing power breaks down harmful substances and odor components with which they come into contact. In this way, photocatalysts demonstrate antibacterial, antiviral, deodorizing, antifouling, and antifungal effects*2. Sharp’s photocatalytic material reacts to light in the visible spectrum and exhibits superb decomposing power—not only under sunlight, but also under low indoor lighting.

Sharp currently offers several products and services that use this photocatalytic material. These include a photocatalytic antibacterial service and a photocatalyst spray, which demonstrates antibacterial, antiviral, and deodorizing effects even under indoor lighting.

Sharp is pursuing a concept of “Using the slightest of light to improve the environment with Photocatalyst business.” Under this concept, Sharp presented a vision of solving people’s concerns about invisible workplace hygiene problems by applying this photocatalytic material in a wider range of areas in the future. Examples include textile products, such as face masks and clothing, and equipment that many people touch, like light switches. The award jury gave Sharp high marks for this vision.

Sharp remains committed to creating healthier and more hygienic workplace environments where people feel safe and secure.