DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 9, 2023 // Fibergrate Composite Structures, Inc. has announced the inclusion of Microban® antimicrobial technology on a variety of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products. This new feature is available in FGI-AM® molded products, including Fibergrate® Molded Grating, Fiberplate®, stair treads, and Safe-T-Stand® work platforms. The antimicrobial solution will also be incorporated into high touch surfaces such as guardrails, ladders, and handrail systems.
Why Add Antimicrobial Technology to Fibergrate® FRP Resins?
Most FRP products, despite their apparently smooth finishes, have micropores on the surface that can allow bacteria and fungi to survive. This can lead to the development of odors, discoloration, and mildew. Microban® has been successfully proven to inhibit the growth of common microbes on the surface of composite products.
The benefits of incorporating this antimicrobial technology into Fibergrate’s products can include:
- Reducing the overall microbial load on surfaces
- Reducing lingering odors and the risk of staining
- Protecting against corrosion or degradation caused by microbes on the FRP material
- Partnering with the most recognized antimicrobial brand in the industry
Key Industries That Can Benefit From Fibergrate® with Microban®
Steve Ludwig, Fibergrate’s Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, shared his view on the impact for structural and safety engineers seeking to support workplace health and safety. “We work with many businesses in the food and beverage industry where keeping surfaces clean can be a challenge with so much organic material in the work environment. We hope that including a leading antimicrobial solution like Microban® across a range of Fibergrate® FRP products will help our customers maintain their cleanliness standards more easily. We’re also expecting to see adoption in the water/wastewater sector.”
Building the World to Last® With Protection That Lives On™
The combination of ongoing antimicrobial protection and durable products is a good match for challenging environments where frequent cleaning is non-negotiable. As with any flooring system, FRP gratings must always be maintained using proper sanitation and hygiene practices, even if they include antimicrobial technology. While Microban® can help to inhibit the growth of damaging bacteria on FRP products, it does not protect users or others against food-borne (or disease-causing) bacteria and is intended only for non-public health uses.
Fortunately, Fibergrate’s durable products are easily cleaned with a high-pressure washer and are resistant to chemical interactions with common cleaning and sanitizing agents. The integrated Microban® technology is expected to remain effective at reducing the bio-burden for the product’s lifetime. It will not wash off, leach out, or wear away. This makes it an ideal match for Fibergrate’s long-lasting FRP products.
Maria Diefenbach, North America Brand & Marketing Communications Manager at Microban International, explained: “World-class Microban antimicrobial technology helps to protect materials from microbial growth, preventing odors, staining, and degradation and ultimately contributing to the circular economy. As the leading antimicrobial brand in the industry, our collaboration with Fibergrate helps to drive home our corporate focus on sustainability through improving product durability and consumer brand recognition. We’re confident that the resulting products will benefit Fibergrate’s extensive customer base.”
About Fibergrate Composite Structures, Inc.
For over 50 years, Fibergrate Composite Structures, Inc. has been a worldwide leader in manufacturing and supplying durable fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products and engineered solutions for a wide range of industrial, commercial, and recreational applications. Fibergrate is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with sales offices and service locations around the world. The company has two manufacturing and fabrication facilities in Stephenville, Texas, Oshawa, Canada, and Querétaro, Mexico.
For more information about Fibergrate, please visit https://fibergrate.com/about-us/
