Interphex is widely recognized as the world’s leading conference, networking and education event for those involved in biopharmaceutical manufacturing solutions that safely and cost effectively process all dosage forms for life-enhancing drugs.

Flowcrete Americas, which is headquartered in Spring, TX, will be exhibiting its wide range of specialty GMP compliant polymer floor, wall and coving solutions – including antimicrobial treated cementitious urethanes, fast cure methyl methacrylate (MMA) systems and anti-corrosion vinyl ester coatings and linings.

As a major building component, floor and wall systems selected for pharmaceutical facilities must meet strict hygiene and safety protocols in line with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs).

Aside from providing a protective coating that prevents the underlying concrete slab from wear, abrasion and chemical attack, floor finishes must ensure and promote a germ-free environment – all the while offering a safe, non-slip profile underfoot so as to prevent slip/fall accidents.

Polymer flooring offers pharmaceutical clients a seamless, impervious finish – where there is simply nowhere for bacteria or mold spores to grow. Cementitious urethanes, such as Flowcrete Americas’ Flowfresh range, can incorporate natural antimicrobials that add additional layers of protection against microbial degradation and patching mortars can be used to slope floors to drainage to prevent the pooling of stagnant water.

Flowfresh systems from Flowcrete Americas are HACCP International certified as safe for use in both wet and dry processing environments. Traditionally, Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology has been considered a food safety management system, however these principles are increasingly being applied by pharmaceutical brands as a framework to mitigate contamination risks through hazard prevention.

Fast cure MMA floor systems are a good choice in new-build or maintenance scenarios where the environment needs to be returned to service under a quick turnaround. Typically MMA finishes are trafficable just 60 minutes following application so as to minimize any halt to production or loss of revenue resulting from unscheduled downtime or delayed construction programs.

Highly temperature and chemical resistant topcoats can be used in conjunction with epoxy, cementitious urethane or MMA systems to provide additional protection from the rigors of steam cleaning and chemical exposure, however anti-corrosion horizontal and vertical applied vinyl esters are recommended to safeguard areas subject to caustic materials and aggressive chemical solvents including acetic, hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid.

On top of this, the aesthetic of polymer floor materials is highly desirable, with a wide range of colors, quartz blends and flake mixes available alongside the option to incorporate corporate logos, signage or unique patterns into the surface of the floor.