By Healthcare Facilities Today

DOVER, Ohio - Marlite today announced the introduction of Induro FRP with SaniSEAL™ Trim Technology, a new wall system for health care facilities that offers a smooth surface free of seams, cracks, and fissures and is impact and abrasion-resistant. It is easily cleaned and markedly reduces the potential for moisture and Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) causal agents to be harbored in fissures and seams.

One in 20 patients admitted to a U.S. hospital will acquire a health care-associated infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caregivers are exposed to this risk, as well. HAIs cost the health care industry $35.7 to $45 billion annually, and pose a significant threat to immunocompromised patients and seniors. 

Induro FRP with SaniSEAL Trim Technology provides an effective tool for health care facility managers and designers in the battle against HAIs and offers significant advantages over painted drywall, vinyl, wallpaper and other options. Walls in health care facilities are subject to damage and abuse due to contact and collisions with items such as medical equipment, beds and carts. Applications for the new wall system include patient/resident rooms, treatment rooms, corridors, imaging areas, laboratories, surgical suites and restrooms. 

The unique wall system employs durable, decorative, aesthetically pleasing laminates with a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) core and a patent-pending trim-to-panel dual seal. The functionally seamless trim provides a tight seal that effectively inhibits moisture and the harboring of HAI-causing microbes. It is ideal for new build and modernization projects for acute care, behavioral health, freestanding long-term care and freestanding ambulatory surgery facilities. 

“Induro FRP with SaniSEAL Trim Technology is an affordable, attractive and secure wall system that health care facilities can count on to assist them in their efforts to control and reduce HAI causal microbes, including bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses,” said Greg Triplett, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Marlite. “Walls are secondary surfaces where the application of antimicrobial agents is not preferred since they are limited to primary touch-point surfaces such as railings, privacy curtains and doorknobs. Instead of antimicrobials, we provide a smooth, easy to clean and functionally seamless surface that withstands impact and abrasions.” 

This novel wall system starts with an exceptionally wear-resistant panel that utilizes an exclusive process of thermally bonded impregnated surface materials directly to a fiberglass core and offers the same durability as high pressure laminates (HPL). Stain-resistant and tested to NEMA LD-3-2005 Cleanability/Stain Resistance testing, the surface can be effectively cleaned and sanitized using common health care-specified cleaners and biocidal cleaning agents, respectively. A wide variety of wood grains, solid colors and abstract laminates provides a broad palette of attractive designs that perfectly coordinate with nursing stations and other case goods. 

 The SaniSEAL Dual Seal Trim Technology effectively seals the wall panels via a ductile alpha seal and a bonded terminal seal that bonds using adhesion, holding the ductile alpha seal in permanent compression to the panel surface. Seal trim moldings are available for inside and outside corners, edges and panel divisions. Constructed of durable coextruded polypropylene and monoprene, the moldings are available in five standard colors and are PVC, BPA and PBT free. 

 Designed to deliver long-lasting beauty and durability when compared to painted drywall and flat rigid plastic panels, the new wall system has been abrasion tested to ASTM D-2197 Surface Abrasion Test standards and is impact-resistant. Induro FRP with SaniSeal Trim Technology is available in UL Class A and Class C fire ratings. 

 Panel application is performed as any standard fiberglass panel, using solvent-free and odorless water-based adhesives. The SaniSEAL trim is applied through an easy method that requires no special tools or skills.