Although the world has (thankfully!) moved on from tthe most threatening era of the Covid pandemic, our relationship to public health and disease prevention has forever changed, and that change has also reached the world of tiling.
Many manufacturers, for example, now offer as a permanent addition to their portfolios products which boast specific antibacterial effects, designed to inhibit the spread of disease.
Italian manufacturer Casalgrande Padana, for example, has introduced Bios Antibacterial, a silver-based treatment which is said to be able to eliminate 99% of the bacteria present on the ceramic surface. According to the company: “The antibacterial capacity is permanently incorporated into the tiles, and is active at all times, both in the presence of light and in the dark, and unlike many products marketed as antibacterial, it does not require UV rays for activation.”
Keraben Grupo has developed the Lifeker Plus+ finish, which is designed to improve hygienic conditions on the ceramic surfaces with regular cleaning. In this respect, the company says, it also offers an added level of protection for the most intensive uses.
The Italcer Group, on the other hand, has invested considerable time and money into the development of its ADVANCE technology. The company says of the technology: “ADVANCE is an innovative technology, a hygienic and environment-friendly porcelain tile. A new generation of porcelain stoneware, the result of a long-standing research project developed in our laboratories in collaboration with Professor Isidoro Lesci and supported by considerable investments.”
Reportedly, the technology contributes towards eliminating viruses, bacteria and toxic micro-organisms and combats the environmental pollution dangerous to health and the environment. The company continues: “The intrinsic antiviral and antibacterial properties of the porcelain tile material decisively contribute to eliminating every form of virus and bacteria, as well as other micro-organisms not only toxic for the environment but also for our health.”
Of course, these are just a few of the manufacturers which offer antibacterial tile ranges. It remains to be seen, as memories of the pandemic begin to fade, whether this category will continue to see strong interest and development, but it can only be a positive to have this groundwork in place for the next virus that comes along!
