DALLAS— Dal-Tile has launched OutStand Technology, a patent-pending glaze technique that provides tile with surface wear and stain resistance while infusing the tile with Microban antimicrobial product protection. Dal-Tile has been awarded the exclusive rights in North America to manufacture tiles with Microban technology.

Additionally, tiles made with OutStand have some of the highest pre- and postconsumer recycled material contents (RMC) available, which may help building and remodeling projects achieve credits and/or points in a variety of green building programs, such as LEED, noted Lori Kirk-Rolley, Dal-Tile’s senior marketing director.

As part of the launch, Dal-Tile has unveiled two product collections under the Daltile and American Olean brands: Daltile’s Colour Scheme and Olean’s Urban Tones. The collections are American-made and contain more than 60% RMC, including post-consumer recycled glass. “Our objective is to manufacture the most innovative and sustainable products in the marketplace today,” Rolley said.

During the manufacturing process, OutStand creates a crystalline-shield-like protection, which results in superior surface wear resistance, she noted. “This protection will last the life of the tile, never needing to be reapplied and making the tiles perfect for heavy commercial applications. Tiles also have a high wet coefficient of friction, and are frost and chemical resistant.”

One of the key ingredients in OutStand is Microban protection. “On an unprotected surface,” Rolley said, “bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes. Microban works continuously to keep surfaces cleaner longer by inhibiting the growth of stain- and odor- causing bacteria. And, unlike other antimicrobial agents on the market, Microban doesn’t require UV light to be effective. It won’t wash off or wear away, giving the tile an added level of durable, long-lasting protection.

She said Microban makes the new Colour Scheme and Urban Tones collections a great fit for education, healthcare, hospitality and other high traffic environments where protection against odor and stain causing bacteria is a concern.

Additionally, depending on the building site, Colour Scheme and Urban Tones may help projects earn additional points in some green certifications for materials transportation because they are manufactured in Dal-Tile’s state-of-the-art plant in Muskogee, Okla. Since some government-funded projects or contracts mandate the use of American-made products, Colour Scheme and Urban Tones tiles meet that requirement, Rolley explained.

The Colour Scheme and Urban Tones collections have been certified by the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA), she added. “Some foreign imports entering the market claim to be porcelain but do not actually meet U.S. standards, putting those who specify tile at risk of choosing an inferior product for their projects. PTCA protects them by guaranteeing the products specified are, in fact, porcelain.”

Colour Scheme is a glazed porcelain floor with a sleek, contemporary look. The new collection is available in a wide color palette, including 12 solids. The line is available in three modular field tile sizes—6-, 12- and 18-inches—and is designed to coordinate with Dal-Tile’s Keystones floor and wall mosaic tiles and Semi-gloss and Modern Dimensions wall and mosaic tile collections, as well as mosaics that feature the same colors. A full commercial trim package completes the collection.

Urban Tones is a stylish, modern glazed porcelain floor tile available in a wide variety of colors, including 11 solids. It is available in three modular field tile sizes—6-, 12- and 18-inches—and is designed to coordinate with American Olean’s Urban Canvas, Bright and Matte wall tile collections, as well as mosaics of the same colors. A full commercial trim package completes the collection.

To learn more, call 800.933.8453.