A University of Bristol spin-out which has developed an innovative temperature-responsive coating for greenhouses and buildings has been awarded its first UK patent.
Albotherm has secured protection for its technology featuring microcapsule-based additives, which can be incorporated into retrofit paints and coatings, window films, and glass.
These additives respond automatically to temperature, becoming reflective in hot weather and returning to clear when conditions cool. The result is a surface that limits overheating on hot days while still allowing light to pass through when it is needed most.
Dr Sian Fussell, CTO of Albotherm, said: “This patent grant is a major milestone for our team and a strong validation of years of hard work. I began working with these materials during my PhD, and we’ve since adapted them into a real-world, temperature-responsive cooling solution with sustainability at its core. It’s an exciting step as we enter the scale-up phase and progress toward commercial launch.”
Dr Fussell originally developed the technology 2017, whilst studying her PhD at the University of Bristol, to address the long-standing challenge of overheating in greenhouses and glazed buildings without relying on manual shading or energy-intensive cooling.
The company is now led by a full team of specialists across polymer chemistry, formulation, and manufacturing scale-up, combining deep science with industrial delivery.
Albotherm addresses two vast markets: global greenhouse coatings and window films for buildings, both constrained by static materials that force trade-offs between light and heat.
In horticulture, the technology will enable greenhouses and polytunnels to protect crops during extreme heat without relying on energy-intensive cooling systems. On cooler days, high levels of light continue to reach plants, supporting healthy growth and higher yields.
The same additive platform can also be used in the built environment, helping reduce overheating in homes and commercial buildings without sacrificing daylight.
