An important research into an alternative, environmentally non-invasive surface cleaning process for various metals was conducted as a collaborative effort between the Jožef Stefan Institute, Dolenjske Toplice-based company FerroČrtalič, whose development has been focusing on ecological technological solutions in the field of surface treatment technology for as many as 57 years, and the Joanneum Research Institute from Austria. The aim of the research was to determine the effects of the environmentally friendly dry ice cleaning process on the surface of aluminium alloys and the resulting impact on the adhesion quality of protective coatings.