PLYMOUTH, Mich. Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) has developed a new coating for fabrics that keeps automotive seats clean and hygienic. The coating repels dirt and liquid, and protects passengers from microbes and static.
"Seat covers are subject to heavy use throughout a vehicle’s lifetime. To prevent damage caused by spilled coffee, ketchup, a child’s dirty hands or microbes, for example, we have developed FreshPer4mance," said Peter Heift, group vice president and general manager trim at Johnson Controls Automotive Seating.
FreshPer4mance is a highly effective coating that can be applied to all cover fabrics, according to JCI. For optimum, long-lasting protection, Johnson Controls coats the entire fabric not just one side in the new product.
FreshPer4mance makes textiles liquid-repellent, stain-resistant, antistatic and antimicrobial. All sorts of stubborn dirt can be removed with one easy wipe, without leaving any marks, making the seats easier to keep clean, hygienic and odor free, the company says.
FreshPer4mance is ideal for heavily used seat covers in commercial vehicles, as well as for vehicles with constantly changing drivers, e.g. rental cars, car-sharing and carpool vehicles.
The coating also enables automakers to expand their range of trim fabrics to include lighter colors and thus offer their customers more distinctive and customized vehicle options, according to JCI.