The OliKrom company
LuminoKrom® photoluminescent paint is produced and distributed by OliKrom, a company based in Le 33, France.
OliKrom was founded in 2014 by Jean-François Letard, a researcher at the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique). The company was born out of a desire to make the most of years of research into intelligent pigments, materials capable of reacting to external stimuli such as light, temperature or pressure, by modifying their properties, particularly their colour.
OliKrom develops custom solutions for different types of coating (paints, inks, masterbatches, etc.) and supports industrial partners from the "idea through to production" of the product in all sectors of activity, whether health, cosmetics, automotive, road marking, etc.
Since its creation, OliKrom has placed innovation at the heart of its strategy. The company is constantly investing in research and development (R&D) to improve its existing technologies and explore new applications.
In less than ten years, OliKrom has grown from an innovative start-up to a company internationally recognised for its contributions in the field of intelligent materials, with expertise that spans multiple industries, from security to industry.
the LuminoKrom® story, OliKrom's technology
2014-2015 - Creation: Fundamental research into photoluminescent pigments. From the outset, OliKrom has stood out for its innovative approach and its collaborations with industrial partners. It has received several awards and recognition for its innovative potential.
2017 – Industrialisation: A major new stage in the company's expansion is reached with the opening of its first industrial production site in Pessac (France).
2018 – Implementation: The first cycle path is laid with our photoluminescent markings. France's first luminescent green lane.
2019 - Production: LuminoKrom®, one of the first major applications developed by OliKrom, is launched on the market. Our photoluminescent paint is rapidly adopted in several road safety projects across France. We received the first positive feedback from applicators, local authorities and users.
2021-2023 - Acceleration: Over the years, OliKrom has also begun to expand internationally, working with companies and local authorities outside France on signage and technological innovation projects. One LuminoKrom® marking produced every two days.
LuminoKrom®, an innovation by OliKrom
Why is LuminoKrom® a breakthrough innovation?
Disruptive innovation in intelligent materials: Thanks to its expertise in the field of intelligent materials, OliKrom very quickly identified a need to make road infrastructure more visible, especially at night or in low-light conditions. The idea was to exploit photoluminescence, like algae and fish in the ocean, to create LuminoKrom® markings capable of self-illuminating after absorbing light, a real technological feat that highlights unique know-how in photoluminescence.
Unlike traditional road markings that rely on artificial lighting to remain visible at night, LuminoKrom® emits light without any external energy source. It stores light during the day and releases it in the dark, providing an autonomous and sustainable lighting solution.
Impact écologique
LuminoKrom® contribue à réduire la dépendance à l'éclairage public, permettant ainsi d'économiser de l'énergie et de limiter l'impact environnemental. Cette capacité à fonctionner sans électricité fait de cette peinture une solution innovante en termes de transition énergétique.
Sécurité routière
LuminoKrom® améliore la sécurité des infrastructures routières en offrant une visibilité accrue dans des zones mal éclairées ou sans éclairage, comme les routes secondaires, les passages piétons et les pistes cyclables. Notre innovation réduit les risques d'accidents nocturnes des usagers vulnérables.
Durabilité
Contrairement à d'autres technologies photoluminescentes qui peuvent s'estomper rapidement, LuminoKrom® est conçue pour s’illuminer dans l’obscurité plus de 10 heures. Elle résiste aux intempéries, aux UV, et à l'usure liée à la circulation, garantissant une efficacité sur le long terme.
LuminoKrom® recognised as a breakthrough innovation
LuminoKrom® has been presented and honoured at a number of events and trade fairs dedicated to innovation, particularly in the sustainable mobility and urban infrastructure sectors. These awards highlight the innovative and useful aspects of this paint in a variety of contexts.
These awards have not only raised LuminoKrom's profile, they have also helped to lend credibility to the technology among infrastructure players and local authorities. They have also enabled OliKrom to forge partnerships with companies such as Groupe Eiffage, Aximum, Signature and Signaux Girod for large-scale deployment of LuminoKrom in road signage projects.
Winner from ADEME (2018)
LuminoKrom® has been awarded a prize by ADEME as part of the "Roads and Streets" call for projects. This award recognises the impact of LuminoKrom® in reducing the energy footprint, as it improves the night-time visibility of road markings without the need for additional lighting.
Road safety innovation (2020)
LuminoKrom® has been nominated for a road safety award in France for its contribution to improving the night-time visibility of road markings, thereby reducing the risk of accidents in poorly lit areas. A distinction that testifies to LuminoKrom®'s key role in road safety.
Coq Vert label (2021)
OliKrom becomes an ambassador for Bpifrance's Coq Vert community in May 2021, thereby committing itself to the fight against global warming. Supported by ADEME and the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, brings together innovative companies in the Green-Tech sector...
Climate Solutions Accelerators (2023)
Our LuminoKrom® paint is one of the winning technologies in the "Climate Solutions Accelerator" programme launched by the Agglomération de Cannes, in partnership with TEDx. The Agglomération's objective is to accelerate, experiment with and promote solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
LuminoKrom® prepares for the future,
a constantly evolving development model
OliKrom continues to invest in research and development to extend the capabilities of LuminoKrom®. They are working on :
- New formulations: To improve the duration of luminescence, extend the range of products and colours available
- New sectors: Although the core application is road signage, OliKrom is also exploring applications in other industries, such as aeronautics, industrial safety and public infrastructure.
If you have a project in mind, our teams are ready to listen.