Material Matters: Antibacterial surfaces

Once an optional extra in commercial spaces such as workplace, education and hospitality, antibacterial and virus-secure surfaces and materials will no doubt become an important design decision outside of just healthcare – going beyond the short-term solutions of distancing and plastic screens.

COVID-19 seems to survive longest on smooth surfaces such as plastic, glass (72 hours) and steel (48 hours), while lasting 24 hours on cardboard and clothing. Antibacterial surfaces can improve hygiene and safety (and reassurance) in shared environments – from manufactured technology to materials with naturally occurring antibacterial properties, such as copper.

Panaria: PROTECT

Besides being beautiful and remarkably resistant, PROTECT antimicrobial floor and wall tiles from Panaria have been created with Microban technology, developed by the world leader in the sector: a true antimicrobial shield built into the ceramic product that eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria on the surface. 

Sharklet: SharkletShield

SharkletShield are hygienic disposable ‘skins’ that are applied to high-touch germ-prone areas in commercial and healthcare settings. The Sharklet surface comprises millions of microscopic features, arranged in a distinct diamond pattern, inspired by the pattern of denticles on a shark’s skin. The structure of the pattern alone inhibits bacteria from attaching, colonising and forming biofilms, and contains no toxic additives or chemicals.

Duravit: HygieneGlaze

Baked into the ceramic and extending from the interior to the rim of the toilet, HygieneGlaze from Duravit is effective in the areas particularly susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria. HygieneGlaze inhibits the growth of bacteria: after just six hours, 90% of the bacteria growth (such as e-coli) is inhibited, and, after 24 hours, 99.9% of the bacteria growth is inhibited.

Agua Fabrics: AguaGuard365

AguaGuard365 (powered by HeiQ ViroBlock) is a state-of-the-art anti-bacterial fabric technology, which offers effective protection against both bacteria and viruses, including SARS-COV-2, which is the strain of the disease that causes COVID-19.

Allgood: Contego

A range of door hardware with the antimicrobial power of copper and the sleek appearance of stainless steel, Contego is available from Allgood and is made from a 70% copper/nickel alloy. Matching the elegant aesthetic of stainless steel with the strength and durability of copper, with no loss in antimicrobial performance, Contego is an effective part of a COVID-secure environment.