On the Surface

As the cruise industry looks towards its return, surfaces materials and finishes endeavour to meet new standards of hygiene.

Words: Eleanor Howard More than most settings, cruise ships have always put focus on health and safety; the fear of a fire or an outbreak of foodborne illness are common concerns in the marine sector. To combat these potential threats, the industry’s fabrics and finishes must meet stringent regulations, including those of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) and MSC (Maritime Safety Committee). Touching mechanical components to upholstery, the widereaching industry requirements are responsible for creating a safe environment for all on board.

Then came coronavirus. In the face of a global pandemic, hygiene has never been more important – particularly in enclosed spaces such as ocean liners. According to the Centre for Disease Control & Prevention, the current scientific evidence suggests that cruise ships pose a greater risk of Covid-19 transmission than other settings due to the high population density on board, typically more closely packed than cities or most other living situations.

Though the most obvious risk of transmission is through face-to-face contact and close proximity between passengers, vessels also feature an abundance of high touchpoint surfaces on which the virus can remain for up to 28 days. The propensity for pathogens to linger on surfaces is evident in the case of the Diamond Princess cruise ship: there were still traces of Covid-19 on board the ship 17 days after it evacuated all passengers.

While there is now a glimmer of hope in the form of a vaccine, the way in which the marine sector operates will never be the same. In terms of surface materials, it is possible that cruise operators will replace carpets with hard surfaces for ease of cleaning, though designers must continue to consider the uncompromising weight restrictions on board. They will also need to be more resilient than ever before to withstand the level of cleaning required to ensure a safe conditions for passengers and staff.

In response to the pandemic, manufacturers are already producing marine-specific surfaces, materials and treatments which cater to a post-

Fil Doux has launched a degradable vinyl alternative (opposite) while Bolidt, Fidivi and Vistona (clockwise from above) are finding new ways to meet both design and hygiene requirements

Covid world. From antimicrobial decking to the first degradable vinyl alternative, these materials have been designed to tackle the limitations of marine environments as well the current global health crisis.

SET IN STONE So far, research indicates that Covid-19 lasts longer on hard surfaces than on soft furnishings. Leading natural stone supplier Vistona has partnered with La Ponte Marmi and a liquid resin manufacturer to create an antimicrobial resin that ensures 99.99% of all coronavirus, norovirus and other pathogens are killed within 60 minutes. The solution – which is injected into the stone prior to processing the block – provides resistance to mould, bacteria and viruses, as well as strong resistance to carbonation, ensuring ease of cleaning. The new antimicrobial stone protection can be used in conjunction with Vistona’s wide range of stone solutions – from table tops to vanity units – with flamed, bush hammered, antique finish or polished surfaces. SOFT TOUCH Coronavirus also has the ability to transfer onto soft furnishings such as cushions, throws and curtains – all elements of a cruise ship’s cabins and public spaces - so future projects will need to consider textiles with a range of qualities.

Already experts in antimicrobial fabrics – all of which are IMO-certified for marine use – Agua Fabrics has worked with HeiQ to develop Aguaguard265, an antibacterial protection system for upholstery fabrics that is also effective against viruses. Using both a patented and registered silver technology and a patentpending fatty vesicle technology, fabrics treated with Aguaguard365 actively inhibit viruses and kill bacteria upon contact.

Drapilux has taken a similar approach with its Bioactiv treatment. The coating reduces bacteria on the fabric surface by more than 99%, reducing the effort required for cleaning and disinfection. Initially created to support the healthcare sector, the ability to treat any Drapilux fabric with Bioactiv means the marine sector can reap the same antimicrobical benefits for its fabrics. Corte by Fidivi meanwhile is an IMO-certified, yarndyed chenille fabric made with polyester Trevira CS yarns. Available in 20 two-tone versions, the interlacing of two different types of yarn creates an iridescent surface where colours change depending on the light and the angle of perspective. Its soft touch, sophisticated look and fire-retardant properties make this contract fabric ideal for upholstery.

Also suitable for furniture upholstery on board ships is Fil Doux Textiles’ Otratex series, billed as the first ever degradable vinyl alternative, designed with the hospitality, cruise and contract settings in mind. Made with natural enzymes embedded within a material that enhances degradability, Otratex will fully decompose within 30 years in an anaerobic environment. All Otratex products, including the just-launched Brussels and Chalet subcollections, are available with the brand’s proprietary protectants – ProTech, Pro-Tech Plus and Copper Shield by ProTech, the latter of which is antimicrobial and can

Clockwise from top left: Morbern, Radici and DuPont have created solutions that cater to a new generation of interiors

be cleaned with bleach to meet the demands and needs of the industry and its customers.

Indoor and outdoor coated fabric Americana by Morbern Europe presents an alternative vinyl for the marine sector. By adding proprietary wear layers over digitally applied ink, Morbern has perfected the durability of printed vinyl. This enables the Martindale abrasion to meet 300,000 cycles and provides excellent bleach resistance. In addition to being IMO MED-certified, the digital print technology behind Americana offers total creative flexibility, from custom patterns to corporate branding.

Similarly durable are DuPont’s Tedlar Wallcoverings. Making their way into marine vessels in 2021, the Type II commercial wallcoverings are now available for use in cabin interiors. Not only are the wallcoverings designed to withstand the harshest industrial cleaning products without discolouration, but they are also tested to show no bacteria growth on the surface, are UL Greenguard Gold-certified and mould and mildew verified. UNDER FOOT The volume of passengers on board cruise ships equates to a high concentration of foot traffic. Thus, longevity and durability of flooring – whether that’s carpet or decking – is key.

Creative Matters’ marine division caters for these heavy traffic areas with its Axminster carpets. IMO-certified, the pile and backing materials are woven together on Axminster looms in a single operation, allowing for very large repeat patterns.

Meanwhile Italian carpet manufacturer Radici Marine’s Virex system is an innovative treatment capable of reducing the viral load of Covid-19 by 99.9% on natural fibres and 99.4% on synthetic fibres. The treatment also acts against other bacteria, without compromising the technical features and comfort of their carpet. Virex will soon be available on Radici’s Tufting, Wilton and Axminster carpets, as well as on custom and luxury products.

Bolidt is taking a similar approach with its antimicrobial decking in a bid to limit the spread of multi-resistant bacteria on ships and support the safe and successful return of the cruise industry. Originally designed for use in land-based applications such as hospitals, the material is applied as a coating to the Bolideck 525 decking used for indoor spaces on passenger vessels. The decking can also be designed to incorporate safety messaging such as socialdistancing markers.

Looking to the future, Georg Piantino, Senior Architect at YSA Design, has proposed a ‘Hybrid Flooring’ concept comprising a layer of carpet fitted on top of Bolidt’s antimicrobial decking. In the event of a future outbreak, the carpet would be stripped away to reveal safety markers underneath, also activating the solution’s hygienic and bactericidal properties.