Maica’s maiCompact is an antimicrobial decorative product and is tested for Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungi, thanks to the BioCote’s silver-ion additives. Using Silver Ion Technology, the same technology used by hospitals and in clinical settings. It provides antimicrobial protection that reduces microbial activity on its decorative laminate products. Therefore, maiCompact is safe for use in environments that require antimicrobial protection, especially, hospitals, medical laboratories, schools and food preparation sectors.
Silver technology as antimicrobial agent in Maica’s Compact Laminate:
- Silver is a naturally potent antimicrobial agent.
- Only a small amount of silver (1 femtogram) is required to damage one bacteria (0.000 000 000 000 001g).
- It cannot be washed off (does not leach).
- The release mechanism to material surface is gradual.
- Reservoir of silver enough for continued supply of active substance to surface.
- Silver is non-toxic to humans, and routinely used in clinical settings.
- We can find traces of silver in the human diet and drinking water.
- Environment with protected products also show reduced bacteria in untreated products within the same room.
What is Antimicrobial Laminate?
Antimicrobial laminate is a polymer-matrix composite consisting of layers of materials that have been imbued with a resistance to microbial growth. On laminate surface, microbes can double in number every 20 minutes – resulting in staining, unpleasant odours and premature degradation that affects the durability, lifespan and proliferate on a laminate product.
Through the process of polymerisation, layers of kraft paper (dipped in resin and dried) sandwiched between laminated top and bottom sheets (threated using BioCote® silver ion technology) are melded together to create compact laminate – a solid core panel.
How Does Antimicrobial Technology Works?
Benefits of Silver Ion Technology
Overall, products containing BioCote® Antimicrobial Technology will:Reduce bacteria by up to 99.99%
Effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria such as MRSA, VRE and CRE cannot survive on BioCote® protected products.
Antibacterial performance is tested according to the international standard JIS Z 2801:2000 (Antimicrobial products – Test for antimicrobial activity and effcacy) an independent laboratory. View Test Report PDF
| UNTREATED SURFACE The bacteria thrive and reproduce considerably.  | BIOCOTE® TREATED SURFACE The bacteria cannot survive and reduce by up to 99.99%.  |
- Be proven against mould
BioCote® creates products upon which unsightly and unpleasant mould such as Aspergillus niger cannot survive. View Test Report PDF - Be effective against viruses
BioCote® Antimicrobial Technology is proven to deactivate the H1N1 influenza virus. - Reduce cross-contamination
A cleaner product means less microbes to transfer, ultimately reducing the potential for cross contamination.
- Stay fresh for longer
Less microbes means reduced potential for staining and unpleasant odours, so product stays fresher for longer, increasing its functional life cycle. - Have an extended functional lifetime
Lasting BioCote® surface protection against microbial colonisation also minimises material degradation, ultimately extending the lifetime of the product. - Be easier to keep hygienically clean
Around-the-clock protection against unseen microbes, permanently. - Be safe to use in a variety of environments
The supply of the right antimicrobial additive means BioCote® protected product can be used as it always has been without risk or concern. - Offer lasting protection from bacteria and mould
Introduced during the manufacturing process, BioCote® Antimicrobial Technology will not wear out or wash off, meaning it will last for the product’s lifetime.
Established in 1968 in Malaysia, Maica is the pioneer in the manufacturing of high pressure and compact laminates in South East Asia. Just celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary in September 2018, Maica remains passionate to be the most preferred and reliable laminate manufacturer in the world. It first obtained its ISO 9001:1994 in 1995 and has continually improved its manufacturing system and successfully converted to the latest ISO 9001: 2015 in 2018.
Maica products are responsibly manufactured in compliance with the internationally recognised European Standard for the manufacturing of high pressure laminates, EN438 standard, to deliver high quality assurance. Suitable for use in indoor offices and residential environments.
Furthermore, they are certified for GREENGUARD (for low chemical emissions), GREENGUARD GOLD (suitable for children and elderly folks), Singapore Green Label (for ‘made from sustainable materials’) and has obtained the Certificate of Compliance by ISEGA Laboratories for food contact safety. Other key product qualities are maiTermite Resistance and maiAnti-Scuffing.
