Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about AM-Clad's range of products
Demand for antimicrobial wall sheeting has grown considerably in recent times.
As a new entrant into the Australian market, we understand that people have questions about why they should consider the use of AM-Clad products in their internal fitouts.
We talked to our international partners and have compiled this list of questions that they are often asked about AM-Clad, AM-Clad Hygienic and AM-Clad Guard.
What is the difference between antimicrobial and antibacterial wall sheeting?
The short answer is: antimicrobial does more!
Antibacterial materials inhibit the growth of bacteria, which can result in the elimination of those organisms.
Antimicrobial formulations inhibit not just the growth of bacteria, but also mould, fungi and viruses. This provides a more comprehensive solution for infection control in areas where hygiene needs to be maintained to the highest possible standards.
The types of moulds and fungal infections that AM-Clad can help prevent include Aspergillus niger. This is a fungus that is the causative agent “black mould.” Further antiviral protection is offered against common cold viruses, influenza (including SARS-cov viruses), MRSA and E. coli.
How long it does it take for the antimicrobial protection of AM-Clad take to work?
This depends on a number of factors including the type of microbes that exist in the environment and the amount of material the panel is exposed to.
Our international partners have conducted extensive laboratory testing on the antimicrobial performance of AM-Clad.
From the time of exposure to an AM-Clad panel surface, it takes just minutes for the reproductive functions of microbes to start being inhibited.
After 15 minutes, up to 80 per cent of microbes will have been eliminated and after a handful of hours 99.9 per cent of microbes will have been killed.
Do you need to clean AM-Clad wall sheeting?
Yes, is the short answer.
AM-Clad products are antimicrobial, but not self-cleaning. They are designed to complement existing infection control practices, not replace them.
Unlike unprotected surfaces, antimicrobial wall sheeting prevents growth and kills microbes, including dangerous pathogens, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, using AM-Clad sheeting is not a substitute for thorough and regular hygiene practices.
AM-Clad products will create superior hygienic spaces and work alongside good hygiene practice and infection control measures.
AM-Clad’s antimicrobial performance is not affected by cleaning chemicals and is guaranteed for 20 years.
Does AM-Clad sheeting improve infection control?
Absolutely, yes. Improving infection control is what AM-Clad is all about!
Let’s use a typical school setting as an example.
Walking the corridors between the classes, a student sneezes. Shortly after they happen to touch a wall as they turn a corner, or push open a door. This immediately results in a viral transfer onto that surface from the student’s hand.
On an ordinary surface, that virus can then take hold and start to multiply over time. As the day goes on, the risk that another student touching that infected surface will increase. It could be days until that area is cleaned as part of regular school maintenance.
On an AM-Clad surface, our antimicrobial formula springs into immediate action working to neutralise the virus and inhibit its growth. As the day goes on, AM-Clad continues to reduce the risk of the virus spreading, as the germs can’t gain a foothold on the surface. With regular cleaning providing the finishing touches on any virus or infectious material that may have been transferred, hygiene control is significantly improved.
Is AM-Clad antimicrobial sheeting safe for people?
Absolutely, yes.
The antimicrobial agents in the AM-Clad formula do not leach into the environment or onto skin when touched. Our products are completely safe for people to use for any reason in any industry, from food preparation to surgical theaters,
Is AM-Clad scratch resistant?
Yes.
In testing undertaken by our international partners, it was found that AM-Clad Guard is up to 20-times more resistant to scratching than other PVC-based wall sheeting.
When coated PVC sheeting products are scratched, those scratches remove the protective finish, making the sheeting less effective at protecting against the spread of germs, bacteria and viruses.
AM-Clad’s antimicrobial formula is manufactured into our sheeting, meaning that even if it did scratch, it still works to kill infectious microbes.