Adsorbi CR Gas Adsorbent: Sercalia Launches a New Solution for VOC Control in Enclosed Spaces

The company specialising in conservation and environmental control solutions, Sercalia, has introduced Adsorbi CR, a gas adsorbent developed for the removal of gaseous pollutants and the control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in enclosed spaces. The new system, available in adsorbent bag format, is designed for use in display cases, containers, cabinets and other environments where gas accumulation can accelerate the deterioration of sensitive materials.

With this technology, the company enhances air purification in enclosed spaces through a high-capacity passive adsorption system based on cellulose derived from wood.

The presence of gaseous pollutants in enclosed environments represents one of the main risks to the preservation of sensitive materials. In settings such as display cases, storage boxes or transport containers, limited ventilation encourages the accumulation of VOCs and reactive gases.

These compounds can trigger chemical degradation processes that affect a wide range of materials, including paper, textiles, metals, paints and plastics. Substances such as formaldehyde, acetic acid and nitrogen oxides are particularly problematic, as they can cause corrosion, yellowing or a gradual loss of structural integrity.

In this context, the use of gas adsorbents has become an effective solution for VOC control in enclosed environments, capturing pollutants directly from the air and preventing their interaction with stored or displayed objects.

Adsorption technologies have evolved significantly in recent years, particularly in fields related to preventive conservation, technical storage and the protection of cultural heritage. Traditionally, many passive air purification systems have relied on activated carbon or other mineral materials. However, the development of new adsorbent materials has made it possible to introduce alternatives with a lower environmental impact and more targeted capture capabilities.

Adsorbi CR uses a wood-based cellulosic material with high adsorption capacity, capable of binding contaminants to its surface through a stable adsorption process. This technology improves air quality in display cases, containers and storage systems by reducing the presence of reactive gases responsible for the chemical degradation of sensitive materials.

Unlike other systems, the adsorbent material is effective against a wide range of gases commonly found in indoor environments, including:

• Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO)
• Formaldehyde (H₂C=O)
• Ozone (O₃)
• Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Sulphur oxides (SOx)

These pollutants are common in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, where they may originate from both external sources and the degradation of stored materials themselves.

The launch of Adsorbi CR therefore introduces a new tool for VOC control and the removal of gaseous pollutants in environments where environmental stability is essential.

The system is supplied in adsorbent bag format, allowing easy integration into display cases, conservation boxes, technical cabinets or transport containers, without the need for active ventilation or filtration systems.

This design enables its use across a range of applications, including:

• Preventive conservation of cultural heritage
• Storage of sensitive materials
• Protection of archives and documents
• Environmental control in display cases
• Air purification in enclosed spaces

The material’s ability to capture formaldehyde, acetic acid, NOx and SOx helps to reduce the impact of these gases on delicate objects, supporting long-term chemical and structural stability.

In addition, the adsorption process permanently binds contaminants to the material’s surface, preventing their subsequent release into the air.

The development of targeted solutions for the removal of gaseous pollutants responds to a growing demand in sectors linked to conservation and the management of sensitive materials. In this context, Adsorbi CR is positioned as a technology designed to improve environmental control in enclosed spaces through passive adsorption systems.

One of the product’s key features is the incorporation of a visual saturation indicator, based on a colour change of the adsorbent material. This system allows users to easily identify when the adsorbent begins to reach saturation, facilitating monitoring and replacement planning without the need for additional instrumentation.

The introduction of cellulose-based adsorbent materials opens up new possibilities for the development of more sustainable solutions for VOC control and air purification in enclosed spaces. Unlike many conventional adsorbents, Adsorbi CR uses cellulose derived from wood — a renewable and recyclable resource — reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.

This approach aligns with current trends in conservation technologies and technical storage, which increasingly prioritise efficiency alongside a reduced environmental footprint.

With the launch of Adsorbi CR, Sercalia expands its portfolio of environmental control solutions and reinforces the role of gas adsorbents as key tools for maintaining cleaner, more stable and safer indoor environments.