LAUFEN Clean Coat Active:
The protective shield against viruses and bacteria

Alongside design, hygiene and cleanliness play a key role in creating a comfortable bathroom experience for users that leaves guests and visitors with a positive impression. That is why many owners and operators of private and public bathrooms rely on LAUFEN ceramics, whose surfaces are treated with the hygienic LAUFEN Clean Coat (LCC). This gives the ceramics a permanently bright and fresh appearance, while also preventing dirt, streaks and limescale. It also reduces costs and workload associated with cleaning.

With LCC Active, LAUFEN has now developed another option that takes hygiene in washbasins, toilets and bidets to a whole new level thanks to extra virus-reducing and antibacterial properties.

The LCC Active surface finish was developed by LAUFEN in intensive research work together with scientists from Clausthal-Zellerfeld Technical University. A patent application has been filed. LCC Active is not just a protective coating; it actively combats harmful microorganisms. Its innovative formulation, which contains the biocidal active ingredient copper, eliminates over 99.9% of bacteria within 24 hours and significantly reduces virus activity on the surface. The effectiveness has been tested and confirmed by independent testing institutes according to the strict requirements of ISO 21702:2019 and ISO 22196:2011. This means a big plus in hygiene and safety in high-traffic sanitary facilities at airports, in public toilets, restaurants and sports stadiums, but also in care homes, schools, kindergartens, hotels and private households – in short, anywhere where a clean, germ-free environment is important.

Special hygienic properties

LCC Active is applied to the ceramic in a sophisticated procedure and seals even the tiniest of pores in the ceramic glaze. LCC Active has a surface roughness value of 0.00001 mm. This makes the ceramic finish almost three times as smooth as conventional coatings. The seal and the biocidal properties of copper provide the ideal protection against dirt, bacteria and viruses. By preventing dirt particles, limescale, grease and germs from adhering to the surface, the finish makes it much easier to wash them away with water. Any viruses or bacteria that remain are then inactivated.

Hygiene effect saves costs and workload

Unlike with the so-called lotus effect, the surface is partially self-cleaning. This is because the water clings to the surface and flows along it, taking dirt and germs with it, rather than dripping off with no effect. The hydrophilic, ultra-smooth surface also enhances the distribution and effectiveness of cleaning agents, allowing for the use of gentler, less aggressive cleaning products. Dirt and residue can be easily removed using mild, environmentally friendly cleaners. This not only saves time and effort, but also contributes to a healthier environment by minimising harmful chemicals.

LCC Active is inseparably bonded to the glaze and is resistant to chemicals commonly used in bathrooms. This makes it particularly suitable for commercial and public spaces where high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are essential, but where cleaning and maintenance costs must be kept to a minimum. LCC Active can of course also offer this protection and comfort in private bathrooms whose users place utmost importance on hygiene.

Sustainability and value retention

A further benefit of LCC Active is the way it protects the natural beauty and gleaming appearance of the ceramic surface over many years, making LAUFEN bathroom items appear fresher and brighter. Even on heavily used bathroom ceramics, LCC Active therefore helps retain value for years to come.

For architects and building operators, this means greater investment security and a better environmental footprint, as products with a longer service life do not need replacing as frequently. Ceramics treated with LCC Active can also be easily recycled at the end of their life cycle, as the coating consists of non-harmful materials.

LAUFEN offers LCC Active for selected products and ceramic lines. The new option can only be combined with the colour gloss white.