When designing or upgrading healthcare and hygienic environments, selecting the right wall finishing material is a critical decision.
Medical facilities, pharmaceutical plants, laboratories, and food processing areas require surfaces that support infection control, durability, and long-term operational efficiency.
Among the commonly used wall finishing solutions are PVC Wall Cladding and Korean Wall Panels. While both materials offer smooth surfaces, modern antibacterial material — particularly PVC Wall Cladding — provides advanced hygienic and operational advantages that make it a preferred solution in high-performance environments.
✨ Superior Antimicrobial Protection
One of the most important factors in healthcare and clean environments is controlling bacterial and microbial growth.
- PVC Wall CladdingSaniclad PVC Wall Panels incorporate Silver Ion Technology, which actively inhibits bacterial growth by up to 99%. Unlike passive surface protection, silver ions are embedded within the panel composition, offering continuous antimicrobial performance throughout the lifespan of the material.This technology helps maintain hygienic surfaces because it inhibits microbial growth and reduces contamination risks in critical areas such as operating rooms, ICU units, dialysis centers, pharmaceutical facilities, and laboratories
- Korean Wall Panels
Korean Wall Panels are smooth and help reduce bacterial accumulation; however, they do not actively eliminate bacteria. Maintaining hygiene relies heavily on frequent cleaning and disinfection procedures.
✨Faster Installation & Structural Efficiency
Installation efficiency plays a major role in project timelines, cost control, and operational downtime.
- PVC Wall Cladding
- Panels can be installed directly onto prepared surfaces such as ceramic, or painted walls.
- Installed using Double Polyurethane Adhesive, providing strong bonding and high wall durability.
- Panel thickness is approximately 2.5 mm, allowing flexible and efficient installation.
- Reduces project duration and preparation requirements.
2. Korean Wall Panels
- Require wooden subframes or backing structures for installation.
- Minimum thickness is typically 6 mm, increasing material weight.
- Requires additional wall preparation and installation time.
- Higher risk of cracking or damage at panel joints and gaps.
✨Seamless Hygienic Corner Solutions
Corners and joints are among the most sensitive areas for infection control.
- PVC Wall Cladding
PVC panels can be thermoformed on-site to create curved internal and external corners to :
- Prevent dirt and microbial accumulation
- Eliminate joints and gaps
- Improve cleaning efficiency
- Support international infection control standards
2. Korean Wall Panels
Corner finishing typically requires shaping panels over wooden supports, which may result in:
- Visible joints or seams
- Potential moisture penetration
- Increased risk of bacterial growth inside structural layers
✨Fire Safety Performance
Fire resistance is essential in healthcare and commercial buildings to meet safety regulations.
- PVC Wall Cladding
Saniclad panels are classified as Fire Resistance Class 0-1 , helping prevent flame spread and supporting fire safety compliance.
2. Korean Wall Panels
Korean contains acrylic-based components and is usually installed over wooden backing structures, which may increase fire load within wall assemblies.
✨Long-Term Cost Efficiency
While both materials are considered premium finishing solutions, lifecycle cost is a key factor.
- Saniclad PVC cladding offers:
- Faster installation
- Reduced structural preparation
- Lower maintenance requirements
- High durability and impact resistance
- Long service life in high-traffic environments
These advantages make PVC wall cladding a cost-effective solution without compromising hygienic performance.
Why El Kharashy Recommends Saniclad PVC Wall Cladding
At El Kharashy Contracting & Trading, we specialize in delivering hygienic finishing solutions for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and cleanroom environments. Our experience in medical fit-out projects allows us to select materials that meet international infection control standards while maintaining operational efficiency and durability.
Saniclad PVC wall cladding is widely used in:
- Operating Rooms
- Intensive Care Units
- Dialysis Units
- Bone Marrow Transplant Units
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facilities
- Laboratories
- Food Processing & Commercial Kitchens