Green Design

Leaving No Trace

Self-Cleaning Paint

The hydrophobic surface structure of lotus leaves inspired a line of self-cleaning paints from German company Sto. Seeking a solution that did not require toxic detergents, the company's scientists studied the microscopic structure of the leaves which—by design—repel water. Imbued with similar surface structures, the paints repel water, meaning that rainwater washes away any dirt.