Developed in collaboration with Duracote Corporation to comply with mandates by the State of California and other jurisdictions, the new upholstery replaces combination cleanroom/ESD and standalone ESD vinyl options previously offered by BioFit while meeting or exceeding ISO and static-control industry and comparative quality standards. The new upholstery is available on the company’s combination ISO 3 to ISO 8/ESD-rated chairs and stools and maintains its predecessor’s Microcon nameplate.
With the introduction of its updated selection of Microcon phthalate- and fire-retardant-chemical-free (FR-free) vinyls, BioFit has now completed the enhancement of its overall upholstery offering in response to the enactment of a State of California law limiting fire-retardant chemicals in all upholstered seating shipping into the state to 1,000 parts per million or less. The company’s new, exclusive Microcon ESD vinyl blend is the culmination of a two-year initiative in which BioFit leveraged the technical seating expertise of its engineering team in partnership with Ravenna, Ohio-based Duracote Corporation, a renowned designer of industrial coatings and flexible materials, including laminated and coated films, foams and non-woven fabrics used in architectural and transportation interiors and custom applications.
According to John DeVriendt, BioFit Director of Operations, the relationship with Duracote was first established as BioFit sought to increase the quality of its original Microcon upholstery: “We’re consistently looking to provide a better product, and knowing Duracote’s reputation for fabric and ESD flooring ingenuity, it was a logical connection. Going into the initiative, our objective was to develop a replacement of higher and more consistent quality for our existing Microcon vinyl that met ESD and other industry specs.” He continued, “During the development process for the new upholstery, however, the California FR-free law was also enacted, adding a new challenge to the mix. Ultimately, the Duracote team was up to the task.”
Tim Pallay, Duracote Director of Sales & Marketing, added: “The all-new vinyl formulation results in a better quality ESD upholstery which complies with the California FR-free standard, but it’s also phthalate-free, enabling BioFit to meet stringent performance standards while offering a vinyl that promotes the well-being of users. And, we’re pleased to announce that for a limited time, the new upholstery will be available exclusively on BioFit seating.”
In addition to meeting ISO, ESD, phthalate- and FR-free requirements, the new vinyl features enhanced 4-way stretchability and tear strength over the original Microcon blend. Colors include blue and black, and the new upholstery is available standard on all BioFit ESD and combination cleanroom/ESD seating, including models eligible for next-day and 2-day shipping to U.S. customers. All BioFit seating for static-control applications is rated for use in facilities compliant with American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ESD S20.20.
Headquartered in Bowling Green, Ohio, BioFit Engineered Products is an industry-leading manufacturer of LEED compliant ergonomic seating, GREENGUARD Gold certified cafeteria and mobile folding tables, book trucks, carts, and specialty products for high-tech, laboratory, healthcare, education, industrial, office and custom applications.
To learn more about BioFit, visit www.biofit.com, call 800-597-0246 or email biofit@biofit.com.
