US floor system provider Sherwin-Williams has included a silver-based antimicrobial protection layer, developed by AgION Technology, to its existing FasTop product range of general polymer flooring systems in order to protect the coating against a broad spectrum of bacteria and mould.
Target markets for the new improved FasTop floor system are the pharmaceutical and food industries, where microbial growth can be problematic.
"FasTop seamless flooring systems are ideal for food processing and pharmaceutical production because they effectively perform in these aggressive physical and chemical conditions, while facilitating clean operations," said Tom Murphy, General Polymers Vice President of Marketing for Sherwin-Williams.
"FasTop flooring systems install quickly and eliminate historic problems associated with impermeable epoxy or polyester system."
In the pharmaceutical industry, the movement of heavy equipment as well as the repeated cleaning with strong chemicals can cause severe damage to a floor's surface, creating the ideal environment for bacteria contamination.
The company claims that the addition of the AgION antimicrobial technology to its coatings provides protection from microorganisms thanks to AgION's silver ion release system - silver is recognised for its antimicrobial properties.
AgION claims its antimicrobial technology has been proven effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, and fungus such as mould and yeast, yet is safe enough for human and food contact.
The technology is listed as an indirect food contact substance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In addition, Sherwin-Williams said it is planning to incorporate AgION's antimicrobial technology into other lines of its flooring and coating products.