An Innovative Indian Startup Is Turning Air Pollution Into Ink

A Bangalore startup company made up of MIT graduates has come up with the genius solution of turning carbon emissions into what it refers to as ‘Air-Ink’. It’s a novel approach to Asia’s huge pollution problem that kills millions every year.

AIR-INK is available for the first time through this Kickstarter

Graviky Labs is now selling the ink through Kickstarter, which is made up of particulates taken from vehicle exhaust pipes, industrial chimneys or generators. This soot is captured by a device called KAALINK that acts like a filter – it’s then processed to extract any dangerous metals and carcinogens, leaving behind a carbon pigment.

Emission samples from various engines over a period of time

The way that black ink is generally made at the moment is by burning heavy petroleum products to obtain the carbon, so this new process could have a two-sided benefit – reducing pollution and offering a more sustainable production process.
According to Graviky Labs, in just 45 minutes of capturing the emissions through KAALINK, there would be enough soot to fill one of the company’s large markers of 30ml (1 fl. oz.) of ink.

2mm (0.08 in.) round-tip markers for fine strokes

There’s the potential that this product could have a much greater impact than just producing some eco-friendly ink – the idea eventually is to be able to fit the KAALINK filters to buses and taxis, and even retrofit them to older inefficient vehicles. The used filters can then be dropped off at ‘carbon banks’ to be processed into ink later.
The products aren’t cheap – a 2mm (0.08 in.) marker pen will set you back £21 (US$25) – but with ink being pretty expensive anyway, isn’t it worth the investment?

Swag decorated with AIR-INK markers, paints and screen printing inks

About the author

Charlotte Luxford

Architecture & Design Editor

As Culture Trip's architecture and design expert, Charlotte has more than 12 years' industry experience, working for an array of national publications. Prior to joining Culture Trip, Charlotte was the editor of Grand Designs Magazine, steering the magazine in a new direction and overseeing a new look for the title. She has also worked for mass media organisation TI Media, providing content for Livingetc, Ideal Home, Country Homes & Interiors and Homes & Gardens. Charlotte has always had a passion for design and is also a qualified interior designer, having completed a diploma in her spare time. At Culture Trip, Charlotte has worked closely with institutions including the Design Museum and London Design Festival, as well as interviewing design heroes such as Thomas Heatherwick and Sir Terence Conran.