Albotherm awarded UK patent for temperature-responsive additive technology
Albotherm has been granted its first UK patent for its temperature-responsive additive technology, securing protection for key aspects of the core technology behind its passive cooling solutions for greenhouses and buildings.
The patent relates to Albotherm’s 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.
The technology was originally developed by Dr Sian Fussell, Albotherm’s CTO, to address the long-standing challenge of overheating in greenhouses and glazed buildings without relying on manual shading or energy-intensive cooling. Her research into temperature-responsive materials began in 2017 during her PhD, laying the scientific foundations that later informed the creation of Albotherm. Since founding the company five years ago, Dr Fussell has led Albotherm’s research team in developing the technology from an early-stage concept into a patented and scalable innovation.
Albotherm 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 (£5bn+) and window films for buildings (£9bn+, >5% CAGR), both constrained by static materials that force trade-offs between light and heat.
In horticulture, Albotherm’s 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. By replacing mechanical-cooling systems and reducing reliance on imports, we could cut UK emissions alone by around 989kt CO₂ within 5-years.
The same additive platform can also be used in the built environment, helping reduce overheating in homes and commercial buildings without sacrificing daylight. Recent UK research shows a sevenfold rise in air-conditioning use, now installed in more than 21% of homes, as buildings designed to retain heat struggle to cope with hotter summers and many households face the high cost of energy-intensive cooling.
Dr Sian Fussell, CTO of Albotherm, commented:
“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.”
This sentiment is supported by Albotherm’ s IP attorneys:
“Albotherm has developed an impressive and highly innovative technology,” said Kat Eldridge, UK and European Patent Attorney at Greaves Brewster LLP. “The grant of this UK patent establishes a strong foundation for the company’s intellectual property strategy and reflects the depth of research behind it. It marks an important milestone as Albotherm moves towards commercial scale-up and wider adoption.”
As demand for cooling rises, the patent strengthens Albotherm’s IP position as a UK innovator in passive climate control at a time when rising temperatures are placing growing pressure on both food production and buildings. By reducing reliance on mechanical cooling, the technology offers a low-carbon, cost-effective route to improving resilience in a warming climate.
The award of this patent marks an important milestone for Albotherm as it moves into a new phase of growth. Protecting the company’s core additive platform provides a strong foundation for partnerships, commercial deployment, and wider adoption across multiple sectors.
This granted UK patent represents an important first step in securing protection for aspects of Albotherm’s technology as the company expands internationally.