Waterfall

Colour:

• Dark, Grey, Ivory, Silver

Size:

• 145x498mm – Chevron, 300×600mm, 600×600mm

Finish:

• Matt

Material:

• Porcelain

Edge:

• Rectified

Tile Shade Variation:

• V3 = Moderate Variation

Slip Rating:

• P3

Application:

• Floor and Wall

FAQ

1. What is silver-based antimicrobial technology?

PROTECT® products are made with Microban®, an active antimicrobial ‘ingredient’ that can be added to a wide range of consumer, industrial, and medical products to prevent the growth of bacteria on the surface of the item. As it is integrated at the point of manufacture it offers a long-term solution to the prevention of bacterial growth, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. The technology developed by Microban® and Panariagroup on PROTECT® porcelain tiles and slabs is silver-based.

2. Is the silver shield for PROTECT® line products always active?

Yes – Microban® silver antimicrobial technology developed for traditional porcelain and laminated porcelain products from the PROTECT® line, offers antimicrobial protection constantly, day and night, 24-7, with and without sunlight and, unlike other technologies, does not need UV light to be effective.

3. Can Microban® silver antimicrobial technology be applied to tiles of any colour?

Yes – Microban® silver antimicrobial technology does not alter or whiten the original colour of the ceramic surface (unlike other technologies), and can therefore be applied onto any coloured tiles and slabs, even the darker ones.

4. Which micro-organisms are this protection effective against?

The Microban® antimicrobial additive developed for PROTECT® products is effective against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

5. Is the action of Microban® antimicrobial technology permanent on PROTECT® tile surfaces?

Yes – The Microban® protection developed for Panariagroup is not an organic-based treatment applied to finished products (such as in the case of waxes or resins) but is permanently integrated into the tile during the industrial firing process. Therefore, it can’t be washed away or consumed.

6. Does this protection begin working immediately?

Yes – The integrated protection in PROTECT® line products is always active. As soon as bacteria and germs come into contact with the surface, the protection developed with Microban® immediately begins to prevent them from growing and interrupt the reproductive cycle. Since they are unable to grow or reproduce – the tile surface stays cleaner for longer.

7. Does this protection wear off over time?

No – Microban® active ingredients are incorporated into PROTECT® line of products during the manufacturing process. Evenly distributed throughout the surface this technology actively protects the entire surface area throughout the entire lifecycle of the product.

8. What is the main advantage provided by antimicrobial protection in PROTECT® products?

This technology, together with regular cleaning operations, contributes to improved hygiene levels and reduces the risk of cross-contamination, and guarantees an additional level of protection in any environment. This protection provides a continuous action against the growth of bacteria that cause biofilms, bad odours, and cross-contamination.

9. Is this protection safe?

Yes – Microban® antimicrobial technology used in PROTECT® line products has a long history of safe use. In addition, this technology is used in various industrial and consumer healthcare products, such as detergents, water filters, stationery, and much more.

The active Microban® antimicrobial protection used in PROTECT® tile surfaces is listed in Europe in accordance with the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) No. 528/2012 and has undergone extensive independent laboratory testing.

10. Are ceramic surfaces naturally resistant to bacteria?

No – Even though many ceramic tiles have a non-porous surface, which provides an important benefit in keeping bacteria from penetrating, bacteria can still multiply and grow on the surface. As Microban® antimicrobial technology is integrated into PROTECT® products, it prevents the growth of bacteria on the tile surface, where it is most needed.

11. Do PROTECT® products treated with Microban® need to be cleaned?

Yes, – Microban® protection is not a substitute for a thorough cleaning routine. This silver-based technology provides an added level of hygiene protection that helps fight the growth of harmful bacteria and prevent cross-contamination.

12. Is it necessary to follow particular precautions when installing products from the PROTECT® line?

No – These products are installed in the same manner as normal tiles, following the procedures in force in various countries and described in Panariagroup installation guidelines and Technical Manuals.

13. Is it easy to clean PROTECT® line products?

Yes, cleaning PROTECT® line items is easy, as indicated in the general catalogue. As the action of the active agents of Microban® happens on the surface of the tile, it is important not to use any cleaning products that create a film that would block the contact between the tile and the bacteria. During cleaning and care activities, do not use detergents containing wax or that create films on the surface and do not apply resin, wax, protective substances, etc.

14. How does this protection differ from that of disinfectants?

Detergents and disinfectants are immediate but short-term solutions. They offer a very limited residual activity after the drying of the treated surface. Bacteria can then very quickly start to grow and reproduce. On the other hand, Microban® antimicrobial additives, integrated into PROTECT® products, guarantee long-lasting protection, continuously working to prevent the growth of bacteria every day and throughout the entire lifecycle of the product.

15. Can antimicrobial tiles contribute to generating resistant strains of bacteria?

Dangers from resistant strains of bacteria are primarily related to antibiotic resistance in which bacteria no longer respond to a specific antibiotic. The Microban® antimicrobial additives designed for the ceramic tiles and slabs of the PROTECT® line are not antibiotics. They have multiple targets and modes of action on the bacteria (unlike the majority of antibiotics which are target-specific). This reduces the risk of potential resistant strain development.