Imagine having floors and walls that not only look beautiful but that offer an extraordinary level of protection from harmful bacteria. Well imagine no longer as the Tile Depot has a collection of porcelain tiles from Italian manufacturer Panaria, that has high-performing antimicrobial properties.

PROTECT is an exclusive antibacterial shield, that results in tiles with enhanced surfaces for healthy, safe and protected living spaces. They have been created with Microban technology, that incorporates a true antimicrobial shield onto the surface of the tile product. The result is a surface that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria on the surface, 24 hours a day, unaltered by wear and tear and climatic conditions. This function remains active for the lifetime of the tile.

So how does it work? Microban is an active antimicrobial ingredient that can be added to a wide range of consumer, medical and industrial products. In this case, it has been integrated into the surface of the Panaria Protect tiles at the moment of firing. When bacteria and germs come into contact with the surface of the tile, the Microban protection immediately stops the growth and reproduction cycle of the bacteria. As they are unable to grow or reproduce, the tile surface stays cleaner for longer. Obviously grout lines and junctions with other surfaces and materials aren’t afforded the Microban protection, but the larger format and rectified edges of the Protect tiles ensure that grout joins are kept to a minimum and the percentage of protected surfaces is maximised.

For people and places where elevated levels of protection from bacterial growth are required, such as hospitals and clinics, daycares, nursing homes, public restrooms, gyms and saunas, and schools; the Protect range of tiles are the ideal product.

Panaria is currently stocked in nine stone inspired designs, suitable for floors and walls in both commercial and residential spaces.