General Silicones offers antimicrobial silicone rubber public transport upholstery
Hsinchu, Taiwan – General Silicones (GS) is sharing information on how its vegan leather material made of silicone rubber is an attractive material for use in public transport. Vast numbers of daily passengers frequently use the public transportation systems in the major cities of this world. Even the most stringent cleaning efforts will not prevent surfaces from being quickly touched by many passengers.
Not only are these areas frequently touched surfaces where bacteria and other microbes can quickly spread, but there are also certain areas that are rarely cleaned, posing a risk of cross-contamination to passengers. While a surface may seem clean when dry, many infections can spread via seemingly clean surfaces from one passenger to another. Antimicrobial upholstery fabrics and laminates are a powerful strategy to provide safe surfaces in public transport. This includes seats, tables, handrails, and other commonly touched exteriors.
The antimicrobial laminates based on Compo-SiL® silicone rubber benefit from a robust formula that helps in diminishing the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi quickly upon contact. At the same time, the inertness of silicone rubber to bleach and other cleaning agent allows cleaning crews to sanitize carriages, buses, and trains quickly without concern of damaging any material.
The publics’ request for vegan products is constantly growing. Even for the first-class and luxury market segment, the perceptions and demands of the clientele are changing. Implementing materials that adapt to the market trends and offer additional advantages align companies with long-term trends. Silicone is an excellent material for vegan leather products. Unlike plastic-based faux leather products, it is non-toxic, durable, and does not age under light and extreme temperatures. It is not toxic and acts as a flame retardant. General Silicone is manufacturing silicone products for over 50 years and brings this experience into its vegan leather product line. Surface embossment and color can be adjusted for clients to perfectly mimics matte, glossy, velvet, fiber, bovine, cow leather feel and follow any Pantone color grading requests.
As a hassle-free cleaning solution, Compo-SiL® vegan leather can cover the entire bus and train seats and offers unique customization options through digital printing. The patented technology of Compo-SiL® allows the different fabric to be installed with regular hot-melt glue or PUR adhesives. Seats can be fully covered with rubber sheets, or the material can be cut and trimmed to be used for added accent touch for accessories like headrests and hand rests side panels, and seat pads. In addition, unique to Compo-SiL® is its ability to print security instructions, logos, or artistic designs on the inner side of the rubber sheets. The outer layer of the material protects the prints from aging and damage through use, cleaning, and the environment.
The recent surge in environmental consciousness has forced governments and industries to reevaluate their policies. More and more enterprises are seeking sustainable solutions, including suppliers to public transportation systems and public infrastructure. Silicone rubber has properties that make it a unique sustainable alternative to plastic. The manufacturing process is non-toxic and does not require toxic solvents or additives to create this sustainable product. The material itself is derived from silica, a silicon-based element, then combined with carbon and oxygen, making it a much more environmentally conscious alternative than current plastics.
Compo-SiL® manufactures and customizes each shipment on demand. The product is shipped globally in rolls, is storable, and can effortlessly upgrade existing seatings or be used during manufacturing.