[{"command":"openDialog","selector":"#drupal-modal","settings":null,"data":"\u003Cdiv id=\u0022republish_modal_form\u0022\u003E\u003Cform class=\u0022modal-form-example-modal-form ecl-form\u0022 data-drupal-selector=\u0022modal-form-example-modal-form\u0022 action=\u0022\/en\/article\/modal\/13631\u0022 method=\u0022post\u0022 id=\u0022modal-form-example-modal-form\u0022 accept-charset=\u0022UTF-8\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHorizon articles can be republished for free under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cp\u003EYou must give appropriate credit. We ask you to do this by:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n 1) Using the original journalist\u0027s byline\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n 2) Linking back to our original story\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n 3) Using the following text in the footer: This article was originally published in \u003Ca href=\u0027#\u0027\u003EHorizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cp\u003ESee our full republication guidelines \u003Ca href=\u0027\/horizon-magazine\/republish-our-stories\u0027\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cp\u003EHTML for this article, including the attribution and page view counter, is below:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\u0022js-form-item form-item js-form-type-textarea form-item-body-content js-form-item-body-content ecl-form-group ecl-form-group--text-area form-no-label ecl-u-mv-m\u0022\u003E\n \n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n \u003Ctextarea data-drupal-selector=\u0022edit-body-content\u0022 aria-describedby=\u0022edit-body-content--description\u0022 id=\u0022edit-body-content\u0022 name=\u0022body_content\u0022 rows=\u00225\u0022 cols=\u002260\u0022 class=\u0022form-textarea ecl-text-area\u0022\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EFrom masterpieces to makeup: eco-friendly art conservation gentle enough for human skin\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Piero Baglioni vividly recalls the moment that set him on a lifelong path of art conservation. It was 1966, and the young Italian chemistry student witnessed firsthand an event that would change the course of his career.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn 4 November, his home city, Florence, experienced a devastating flood, possibly the worst in the Renaissance city\u2019s history. The disaster claimed dozens of lives and damaged millions of priceless artwork and rare books. Some masterpieces were lost forever, and others were in dire need of restoration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe flood impacted most of the city,\u201d said Baglioni. \u201cFresco paintings in our churches were damaged, books and other artwork stored in basements were ruined.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPreserving cultural identity\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the aftermath, experts around the world scrambled to find new ways to preserve these damaged masterpieces. One of the leading figures in this effort was Baglioni\u2019s professor, Enzo Ferroni, who invited him to observe the city\u2019s restoration workshops.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI started to see art from a different angle,\u201d said Baglioni.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat experience marked the beginning of a distinguished career. Today, Baglioni is a professor at the University of Florence and an internationally recognised expert in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe has led several major international art conservation initiatives, including a three-year EU-funded research collaboration called GREENART which will conclude in September 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuilding on years of studying cultural heritage conservation, the GREENART research team is developing a range of new eco-friendly solutions for the conservation and restoration of cultural artefacts, including valuable paintings, sculptures and textiles.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\u0022tw-text-center tw-text-blue tw-font-bold tw-text-2xl lg:tw-w-1\/2 tw-border-2 tw-border-blue tw-p-12 tw-my-8 lg:tw-m-12 lg:tw--ml-16 tw-float-left\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cspan class=\u0022tw-text-5xl tw-rotate-180\u0022\u003E\u201c\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003Cp class=\u0022tw-font-serif tw-italic\u0022\u003EVisual art reminds us of who we are. Without it, we lose part of our identity.\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cfooter\u003E\n \u003Ccite class=\u0022tw-not-italic tw-font-normal tw-text-sm tw-text-black\u0022\u003EProfessor Piero Baglioni, GREENART\u003C\/cite\u003E\n \u003C\/footer\u003E\n\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers\u2019 aim is to move beyond traditional conservation techniques, many of which rely on energy-intensive processes or environmentally harmful materials. Instead, the GREENART team focuses on sustainable, non-toxic alternatives that protect both cultural heritage and the planet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECoordinated by the Centre for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI) at the University of Florence\u2019s Department of Chemistry, GREENART brings together leading research institutes, chemical companies and cultural heritage organisations from across Europe and beyond. They also include partners in Brazil, China, Japan, the UK and the US.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile CSGI\u2019s work spans a broad range of advanced technologies, GREENART is firmly rooted in the world of art.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhy focus on art?\u201d Baglioni asked. \u201cBecause it is part of our patrimony. Art is like a fingerprint in our mind. Visual art reminds us of who we are. Without it, we lose part of our identity.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBaglioni also highlights the economic importance of the art sector, which provides jobs for millions across Europe and generates billions of euros in annual revenue.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cProtecting art isn\u2019t just about preserving cultural value, it\u2019s also about sustaining the economic ecosystem that surrounds it,\u201d\u0026nbsp;he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGreen, greener, greenest\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe innovative methods developed by the GREENART team have already earned recognition as a new benchmark in art conservation, according to Baglioni.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPaintings, which previously could only be cleaned with toxic solvents, can now be restored using complex fluids and bio-based gels. This makes the process much more efficient and environmentally friendly.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese cutting-edge techniques have already been adopted by some of the world\u2019s most famous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice and the Tate in London.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuseums are active partners in the development process, rigorously testing each new solution until it meets the highest standards. A high level of precision is essential, Baglioni said, especially when restoring masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, C\u00e9zanne, Pollock, Rothko and Lichtenstein.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot resting on their laurels, the GREENART team is continuing to push the boundaries of sustainable conservation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe have created new systems that are fully sustainable, renewable and non-toxic,\u201d said Baglioni. \u201cWe only use eco-friendly materials from renewable natural sources or recycled waste. It is the greenest approach possible.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research has resulted in a suite of new tools: cleaning gels and fluids, protective coatings, environmental sensors to monitor artworks\u2019 conditions and sustainable packaging to safeguard objects in transit.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen you think of art conservation, you might just think of cleaning paintings, but GREENART is so much more than that,\u201d said Baglioni.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom canvas to skin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the GREENART researchers\u2019 core mission lies in safeguarding cultural heritage, their scientific innovations have applications that extend well beyond the art world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe have gained a lot of knowledge in material science through our work on art,\u201d says Baglioni. \u201cThat expertise could benefit many other fields.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne area the team has been exploring is cosmetics, in collaboration with the Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe GREENART technology is very useful for our industry,\u201d said Dr Taku Ogura, a senior researcher at Shiseido and visiting associate professor at the Tokyo University of Science in Japan.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTake microemulsion technology \u2013 it\u2019s used to clean delicate artwork, but it also works brilliantly for cleansing human skin.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\u0022tw-text-center tw-text-blue tw-font-bold tw-text-2xl lg:tw-w-1\/2 tw-border-2 tw-border-blue tw-p-12 tw-my-8 lg:tw-m-12 lg:tw--ml-16 tw-float-left\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cspan class=\u0022tw-text-5xl tw-rotate-180\u0022\u003E\u201c\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003Cp class=\u0022tw-font-serif tw-italic\u0022\u003EWe have created new systems that are fully sustainable, renewable and non-toxic.\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cfooter\u003E\n \u003Ccite class=\u0022tw-not-italic tw-font-normal tw-text-sm tw-text-black\u0022\u003EProfessor Piero Baglioni, GREENART\u003C\/cite\u003E\n \u003C\/footer\u003E\n\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Ogura explained, these new techniques can help make cosmetic preparations cleaner and greener. Shiseido has already incorporated the technique into some of its existing products, such as a sustainable cleansing foam for makeup removal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis product is not only effective and easy to use, it is also more sustainable, which is very important for us,\u201d said Ogura, who has worked on the foam himself and is proud to see it on the market.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd the potential does not stop there. Ogura believes GREENART\u2019s technology could soon make an impact in other areas, including\u0026nbsp;detergents, agriculture, and even medicine.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWorld Expo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo highlight this cross-sector potential \u2013 from preserving ancient canvases to advancing skincare \u2013 the GREENART project was featured at the EU Pavilion during the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cParticipating in the World Expo is very important to us,\u201d said Baglioni. \u201cWe want to show that technologies developed for art can have much broader applications.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVisitors to the exhibition were introduced to GREENART\u2019s innovative solutions for the conservation of cultural heritage and their surprising connection to the world of cosmetics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany even had the opportunity to try the eco-friendly products, some of which are expected to reach the market soon after the project concludes in 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe World Expo was also a wonderful opportunity to expand the collaboration with Japanese partners, said Baglioni.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTo do something new, we need the right people with the right knowledge. We need the best in the world. To push the boundaries, we need international cooperation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EResearch in this article was funded by the EU\u2019s Horizon Programme. The views of the interviewees don\u2019t necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. If you liked this article, please consider sharing it on social media.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\u0022tw-text-center tw-bg-bluelightest tw-p-12 tw-my-12 tw--mx-16\u0022\u003E\n \u003Ch3 class=\u0022tw-font-sans tw-font-bold tw-text-blue tw-uppercase tw-text-lg tw-mb-8\u0022\u003EShowcasing EU research at the World Expo\u003C\/h3\u003E\n \u003Cspan class=\u0022tw-inline-block tw-w-1\/6 tw-h-1 tw-bg-blue tw-mb-8\u0022\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOsaka, Japan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E13 April \u2013 13 October\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align:justify !important;\u0022\u003EThis summer, millions of people from around the world will head to Osaka, Japan, for Expo 2025. At this global gathering, countries and regions will share how they\u2019re tackling some of today\u2019s biggest challenges, from sustainability and digital connectivity to inclusivity and security.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align:justify !important;\u0022\u003EThe central theme of this year\u2019s event is \u003Cstrong\u003EDesigning Future Society for Our Lives\u003C\/strong\u003E. Visitors will get a chance to see how \u003Cstrong\u003EEU-funded research\u003C\/strong\u003E is helping shape that future. The EU\u2019s \u003Cstrong\u003ENurturing Tomorrow\u003C\/strong\u003E pavilion reflects Europe\u2019s commitment to building a greener, more connected and inclusive world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align:justify !important;\u0022\u003EThe EU pavilion is hosting exhibitions, talks and interactive experiences that spotlight \u003Cstrong\u003Ecutting-edge EU research and innovation projects\u003C\/strong\u003E \u2013 all aimed at solving real-world problems and building international cooperation. Whether you\u2019re curious about the future of clean energy, digital tech, or inclusive design, there\u2019s something for everyone.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align:justify !important;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVirtual visit\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align:justify !important;\u0022\u003ECan\u2019t go to Osaka? Explore the Expo online at: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.expo2025.or.jp\/en\/future-index\/virtual\/virtual-site\/\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/www.expo2025.or.jp\/en\/future-index\/virtual\/virtual-site\/\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/textarea\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv id=\u0022edit-body-content--description\u0022 class=\u0022ecl-help-block description\u0022\u003E\n Please copy the above code and embed it onto your website to republish.\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cinput autocomplete=\u0022off\u0022 data-drupal-selector=\u0022form-y-i8gutq021m5onj5eev5ejpyvptf7byu5zd3rn5v08\u0022 type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022form_build_id\u0022 value=\u0022form-y_I8GutQ021m5onJ5eev5eJpYvPTF7Byu5ZD3RN5V08\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003Cinput data-drupal-selector=\u0022edit-modal-form-example-modal-form\u0022 type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022form_id\u0022 value=\u0022modal_form_example_modal_form\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003C\/form\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E","dialogOptions":{"width":"800","modal":true,"title":"Republish this content"}}]