In conversation with Dinesh Vyas, Prism Johnson Limited, we seek an insight into the updated range of Germ-Free tiles and sanitary surfaces by H & R Johnson (India). The following is the edited text from the conversation.
Tell us a little about the science behind the germ-free sanitary ware. How do these surfaces work against microbes?
Today, when we want to disinfect surfaces around us, we think of using a variety of disinfectants, sprays, liquid cleaners and steamers. The Germ-Free tiles from H & R Johnson does not depend on any of these things to keep itself free from the microbes. The sanitary wares and tiles under this range have inbuilt mechanisms through which they neutralize a wide range of harmful micro-organisms. The science behind this technology is based on the use of an inorganic compound patented by Johnson, which releases silver ions in the presence of moisture, killing microbes which come into contact with the tile surface. By maintaining basic cleanliness and hygiene, the tiles will be able to fight harmful micro-organisms all year round.
Since the pandemic, there has been a renewed interest in the idea of ‘hygiene’. How do antimicrobial tiles help as compared to other ways of sanitising the spaces?
Honestly, the conversation of creating hygiene-oriented products was started many years ago at H & R Johnson. The concept of Germ-Free tiles itself was patented in 2010. Having said that, what seemed to be a choice back then, has become a concern now. Anti-bacterial tiles are not replacements to all disinfectants and processes. It is a known fact that when a surface is cleaned using a chemical disinfectant, not all bacteria is eliminated. Also, the efficiency of chemical washes diminishes over time. However, if the floor or wall where bacterial growth takes place has an anti-microbial tile, it keeps itself hygienic and healthy. The surface remains non-toxic to couch as well, as it is not using any chemicals or toxic ingredients to kill the bacteria.
One can imagine uses of these tiles and sanitary ware in hospitals and special typologies. How do they help in day-to-day surfaces of a home?
Bacteria and viruses do not have any consideration to whether a space is a home or a hospital. They grow wherever there is a conducive environment, in any space with the right amount of warmth and humidity. In residences too, it is very likely that the surface of your skin could come into contact with microbes on the walls and floors. In this regard, tiles are a much better option – even more so than carpets, wooden floors or even marble, because they can be easily fitted into bathrooms, bedrooms, living spaces and even kitchens.
Do you see greater and diverse uses of ‘Germ-Free’ tiles and sanitary ware in the future residential spaces?
I definitely think so. These anti-microbial products not only have very long-life cycles, but are also environmentally sustainable. Johnson have also kept this product range at a very affordable price, so that it is more readily available to a larger population.
H & R Johnson has been advocating use of the anti-microbial surfaces since much before the COVID-19 pandemic. Have you seen more interest from the architects, designers and homemakers in this technology since last year?
The last year has seen many changes in the way we at Johnson look at design, as well as architecture. We have seen that this feeling from Johnson is shared by architects, designers, and all their clientele too, as people nowadays are more inclined to use materials that can guarantee health and hygiene.
What about the aesthetic part of this range? How many sizes and variants of tiles are now available as ‘Germ-Free’ tiles?
Initially, H & R Johnson had a very narrow range of products under the Germ-Free category. Due to the increase interest from real estate developers and architects, today Johnson has a large range of both wall and floor tiles in the Germ-Free catalogue. With regards to aesthetics – over the years, Johnson has been making Germ-Free tiles and has mastered the art of designing tiles with innovative features by resolving most barriers related to technical limitations. From shining carat marble and slate finishes, to an authentic Oakwood and matt finish, H & R Johnson can cater to any aesthetic room quality, with the guarantee of a Germ-Free product.
Terrace Tile Set 01
