[France Bleu Gironde] Photoluminescent paint for pedestrian safety

Illuminated paint to guide pedestrians and cyclists in the dark

Jean-François Létard, founder of Olikrom, spoke to France Bleu Gironde about the company's advances in photoluminescent paint. Inspired by algae and fish in the abyss, LuminoKrom® technology captures natural light during the day and releases it at night for over 10 hours. Already installed on more than 150 sites in France, it makes bike paths and sidewalks safer in areas without street lighting. Simple to install, with no energy consumption or CO₂ emissions, this luminous marking has established itself as an ecological alternative to conventional lighting. In response to municipalities that switch off street lighting at night for economic or environmental reasons, LuminoKrom® provides an effective solution to reassure pedestrians, cyclists and users by creating a genuine "light guide". This innovation is now being deployed in towns and cities, as well as in hospitals, underground parking lots and nursing homes.

Intelligent pigments made in France for a wide range of applications

Beyond mobility, Olikrom develops intelligent pigments capable of changing color under the effect of temperature, pressure, light or the presence of a gas. These materials are used for industrial safety (alerts in the event of burns, gas leaks, shocks), with applications in many sectors. Jean-François Létard points out that the company, which originated within the CNRS, produces locally in Pessac and now has 20 employees. Its strength lies in controlling the entire chain, from research to manufacturing, while protecting its intellectual property. Olikrom, which has become a world reference in color intelligence, continues to develop at the interface between fundamental research and practical applications. Thanks to its reactive materials, the company provides sober, reliable and innovative solutions to the challenges of safety, visibility and signage, for both local authorities and industry.