Here’s how the microPLUS® integrated protection works
Chemical-based detergents are normally used to combat viruses and germs. But over time, many germs develop resistance to even aggressive substances – and the detergents themselves also have a negative impact on humans and the environment. To solve this problem, Pfleiderer developed a solution in 2005 that has been certified by independent testing institutes (Isega, Fraunhofer Institute, GfPS). Sanitized Silver is used in microPLUS®, an additive that can also be found in clothing, hygiene and care articles, among other things. The resulting combination is effective in combating germs and viruses, but it also poses no health risk to humans. And even when the surface wears, microPLUS® remains fully effective throughout its useful life. You can therefore be sure that hygiene standards are redefined with microPLUS® and its antimicrobial and antiviral* surface, which contains safe materials.
Test Methodology JIS Z 2801 / ISO 22196
The ISO 22196 has evolved from the Japanese test standard JIS Z 2801. The JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Z 2801 test was developed there in 2000 for the testing of plastic surfaces. In 2007, this method was then also internationally standardised as ISO 22196. Today, ISO 22196 is the most important internationally recognized test method for evaluating the antibacterial activity of plastic materials.
APPLICATION AREAS
The microPLUS® surfaces add real value to interior design projects wherever there is a need for special hygiene measures in highly frequented areas.
- Hospitals and doctors’ surgeries
- Laboratories and operating theatres
- Patient rooms and functional spaces
- Administration, treatment and therapy rooms
- Care facilities, sports halls and fitness studios
- Rehabilitation units
- Hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés
- Foyers, reception areas and desks
- Tables, counters and sideboards
- Guest rooms
- Corridors and staircases
- Cruise ships and offshore platforms (e.g. drilling rigs)
- Motorhomes and food trucks
- Lifts
- Offices and conference rooms (including so-called "shared-offices")
- Employee kitchenettes, refectories and cafeterias
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Libraries
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL USE
Comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of different materials
(test results of SGS Fresenius)
(efficacy in decimal powers)
| Bacteria | Material | |||||||
| microPLUS® | Classic products | Real stone/ Granite | Ceramic materials | Real metal | PVC | Acrylate | Mineral materials | |
| Pseudonomas aeruginosa | > 4,18 | > 5,11 | - 0,6 | < - 0,6 | 0,2 | - 0,3 | - 0,5 | 0,3 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | > 0,32 | > 3,31 | 0,2 | 0,3 | 1,8 | 0,2 | 0,2 | 0,6 |
| Salmonella choleraesuis | > 4,69 | > 4,6 | 0,1 | 0,3 | 2,1 | 0,2 | 0,1 | 0,5 |
| Escherichia coli | > 2,24 | > 6,03 | < - 1,0 | < - 1,0 | < - 1,0 | < - 0,8 | < - 1,0 | < - 0,5 |
| Result/ Effect | very high already after 7h | high | none | none | low | none | none | none |
The result: Compared to the other materials tested, the surface of microPLUS® has an antimicrobial efficacy that is more than 1000 times higher.
VERSATILE AND FASCINATINGLY EFFECTIVE
microPLUS® is available for many of the products in the Pfleiderer wood-based material range – with no compromises or limitations when it comes to design freedom, workability and other material properties! From melamine-faced DecoBoard decorative particle board and high-pressure laminate to compact boards, worktops and composite elements. There is also a wide selection of designs – microPLUS® is available for DecoBoard in the DST Xpress collection and for HPL in the entire design collection.
The product versions in which microPLUS® are available are as diverse as the possible uses: Depending on requirements, DecoBoard melamine-faced decorative chipboards, high-pressure laminates, compact boards, worktops, composite (flat-bonded) and front elements can be supplied with the antimicrobial surface. There is also a wide range of design choices - microPLUS® is available for DecoBoard in the DST Xpress collection and for HPL in the entire design collection. microPLUS® also excels in terms of the product and structural combination of HPL and DecoBoard, allowing the products to be combined in a variety of ways in many application areas of different projects.
Frequently asked questions
| What exactly is Sanitized? | You can find further information on Sanitized Silver at www.sanitized.com. |
| How does it work? | The additive is based on the natural antibacterial action of silver, embedded in a patented glass ceramic carrier system. This additive is nanoparticle-free and is used as a dispersion medium in the resin coating of our decors/overlay papers. |
How quick / extensive is the effect?
| It starts working immediately after the viruses/bacteria come into contact with the surface. An antimicrobial effect has been proven and confirmed after seven hours; an antiviral effect after 24 hours*. |
What approval restrictions apply to the use of Sanitized?
| Sanitized has been approved for use worldwide, providing legal certainty in relation to its use. |
Is the effect permanent?
| The active substance remains in the product and does not wash out. The effect is ensured over the whole life cycle of the product. |
Are there resistances to the efficacy?
| The substance remains in the product and does not wash out. The effect is therefore guaranteed throughout the entire life cycle of the product. |
| Is there any resistance to its efficacy? | The antimicrobial effect is based on bacterial contact with the surface. |
* antiviral effect against enveloped viruses within 24 hours in accordance with ISO 21702:2019, including HIV, SARS coronavirus 1 and 2 and West Nile virus
Products
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You can find all other microPLUS® products in our product finder.