Air Ink | The First Ink Made From Air Pollution

What if we told you that it’s possible to turn air pollution into art? That’s right, the MIT Media Lab decided to turn something negative into an inspiring form that can be used to create art. We’re talking about Air Ink, refillable water resistant markers and screen printing ink.

Air Ink is made out of from unburned carbon coming out of the exhaust pipe of cars, chimneys, and generators. The guys from the lab created a device that captures soot already emitted from vehicles. When the device is attached to the vehicle, it captures pollutants. After only 45 minutes of driving, the device can produce 1 fluid ounce of ink. Finally, when the heavy metals and carcinogens are removed from it, there is a purified carbon-rich pigment left, perfect for ink.

These refillable water resistant markers and screen printing ink are made from air pollution. The device that makes the ink can create 1 fluid ounce of ink with just 45-minute drive.

Air Ink comes in 2mm round tip and 15mm, 30mm and 50mm chisel tip markers as well as in screen printing ink. Since their Kickstarter campaign is successful and the goal is achieved, the plan is to create more products in the future like oil based paints, fabric and outdoor paints.

Some of the art made by Air Ink. Yo can get it on their Kickstarter page.

The interesting fact is that by using only 30 ml of Air Ink, you’ll negate 45 minutes worth of car pollution. Also, besides being an environmentally-friendly solution, the ink is thicker than most inks and has a solid black color. There are many options to donate to this Kickstarter campaign and for some larger pledges, you can receive art made by Air Ink such as motorcycle helmets, shirts, and murals.

Get it from Kickstarter here. 

Check out this video and learn more about Air Ink.