Hospitals and laboratories require more from their interior surfaces – more durability, more strength, more chemical resistance, more hygienic capabilities – and understandably so. Identifying the right materials is essential to creating a safe, clean environment, and phenolic panels are proving up to the task in hospitals, cleanrooms, and labs around the world.
As a global leader in phenolic panel manufacturing for over 130 years, Fundermax delivers materials that meet the highest standards of design and function. Fundermax’s durable phenolic panels are trusted in commercial labs, university buildings, public facilities, and more.
Fundermax lab-grade phenolic panels include Max Compact Interior, Max Compact Interior Plus (IP), and Max Resistance² (RE). While Max Resistance² is an exceptional solution used primarily for laboratory work surfaces, this blog will primarily focus on Max Compact Interior and Max Compact Interior Plus, used in vertical applications like lab wall panels and even hospital-grade furniture.
Phenolic cladding panels are suited for countless applications in hospitals and labs. Depending on the specific application, certain types of phenolic wall cladding will be best.
Max Compact Interior phenolic panels are chemical-, moisture-, impact-, UV-, and stain-resistant. Max Compact Interior panels exceed SEFA-8 standards, are available in over 200 decors, and can also be customized with Individualdécor digital printing, which allows for personal graphics to be displayed on a panel of equivalent quality.
Microbial elements were digitally printed with Individualdecor on the wall lining of Middlemore Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. The result is a beautiful combination of solid colors and the on-brand design. Photo: Samuel Hartnett
Compact Interior panels are also available in brown core, offering an organic, cohesive aesthetic while benefiting from the same performance benefits. Brown core, featuring a visible natural Kraft paper core, is offered in our 80+ interior woodgrain décors in 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, and 3/4-inch thicknesses, suiting a range of project needs with design flexibility.
Max Compact Interior Plus panels offer all of the benefits of Max Compact Interior, but with even greater UV- and chemical-resistance, surpassing both SEFA-3 and SEFA-8 standards. With a double-hardened, macro- and micro-pore-free surface, and sealed urethane acrylate layer, Interior Plus panels are easy to clean and disinfect. These lab-grade phenolic panels are designed for use in high-traffic areas with even the most intensive cleaning and hygienic requirements. Like Max Compact Interior, Interior Plus panels are available with a black core in 130+ decors.
Choosing the right phenolic panel for healthcare, laboratory, and high-traffic interior spaces ensures long-term durability, hygiene, and ease of maintenance. This selection stems from individual needs. Consider the following recommended panels by application:
For environments that demand exceptional cleanliness and resistance to disinfectants, Interior Plus is the ideal choice. Its enhanced antibacterial and chemical-resistant properties meet the strict standards required in cleanroom applications.
Both Max Compact Interior and Interior Plus provide excellent impact resistance against carts, beds, and daily traffic. Max Compact Interior is applicable in spaces needing standard durability and design versatility. For spaces cleaned frequently with germicidal wipes, upgrade to Interior Plus for added surface protection.
Use Interior Plus for optimal hygiene, superior cleanability, and antibacterial performance in sensitive medical environments.
Both Max Compact Interior and Interior Plus are SEFA-8 certified, ensuring chemical resistance and surface durability. Select the option that best aligns with the lab’s long-term performance or cleaning needs.
For areas subject to heavy use such as waiting rooms, lobbies, or patient corridors, Max Compact Interior and Interior Plus both provide excellent impact and wear resistance.
Choose Interior Plus for the highest antibacterial performance, superior chemical resistance, and enhanced UV stability in specialized research environments.
Max Compact Interior is SEFA-8 compliant and suitable for most conditions. Consider our Super Gloss (SG) finish for writable or high-sheen surfaces. For higher chemical resistance (similar to lab work surfaces), Interior Plus or Max Resistance² are recommended.
Panels covering gas lines or other utilities can be customized for design and function. Individualdecor custom, digital printing allows for personalized, branded graphics or wayfinding visuals.
Both Max Compact Interior and Interior Plus perform well in these transition spaces. Opt for Interior Plus if enhanced antibacterial and chemical resistance is desired.
Max Compact Interior phenolic panels in varying green tones make up wall lining accents inside Wilhelminenspital Medical Institute in Vienna, Austria. Photo: Kurt Kuball
Especially in hospital and lab environments, phenolic panels open opportunities for many beneficial applications:
Due to the material’s non-porous surface and outstanding chemical resistance, Interior Plus phenolic panels are easy to clean and disinfect, and surfaces can look brand-new again even after heavy contamination. The panels are moisture-resistant and can also endure frequent use of germicidal wipes with no problem.
Interior Plus phenolic resin panels feature a double-sided, double-hardened, pore-free, sealed acrylic surface. The high-pressure, thermosetting process results in a homogeneous, non-porous material. The thermosetting resins are irreversibly cross-linked by chemical bonds during the curing process, producing a closed surface with no nanoparticles. Interior Plus panels are a non-reactive and stable material. Additionally, the surface offers maximum resistance to scuffing and impact.
Fundermax lab panels come in a plethora of decor options, allowing for ultimate design freedom and collaboration. Fundermax also offers digitally printed lab panels using our Individualdecor technology, allowing for virtually limitless customization.
Beyond aesthetics and appearance, Fundermax lab panels offer functional versatility, conveying both form and function. For example, phenolic panel lockers in the desired décor colors(s) provide a consistent design, while still offering the chemical and damage resistance required to stand up to hospital surface cleaning protocols. Fundermax’s Super Gloss finish allows you to write on the panels like a dry-erase board and simply wipe clean with a cloth. In lab environments, where functional space is at a premium, this kind of versatility is a welcome benefit.
Max Resistance² was utilized in furniture applications inside CVŘ Research Center in the Czech Republic, featuring White and vibrant Yellowish Green. Photo: Ateliér Velehradsky, s.r.o.
Fundermax prioritizes sustainability in all of our products, and we are committed to supporting sustainable lab design. This commitment extends to include our lab-grade phenolic panels.
Consider the following:
Max Compact Exterior and Max Compact Interior F-quality panels are FSC-certified and consist of 65% natural fibers
The Kraft paper in the core of Max Compact Interior, Max Compact Interior Plus, and Max Resistance² phenolic panels is 100% post-consumer recycled content
Our Max Compact Interior and Max Resistance² have DECLARE labels
Our easily accessible EPD and HPD support material transparency
We are GREENGUARD certified, and in some cases, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
We are part of the mindful MATERIALS registry, supporting transparency and sustainability
Fundermax uses closed-loop production cycles, and we own our own power-generating facility, producing green electricity
If you are designing a hospital or laboratory space, our experts are available to discuss how the unique qualities of our surface technologies can help. Using examples from our various laboratory applications around the world, our team can help design a space suited for superior performance.
Contact us today for more information.