Best Matting for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in 2026
Pharmaceutical environments demand matting that supports GMP compliance while protecting worker comfort. From cleanroom entry points to general production areas, here's how to specify matting that meets your facility's requirements.
What to Look For in Pharmaceutical Matting
Chemical Resistance
Matting must withstand regular cleaning with pharmaceutical-grade sanitisers, disinfectants, and cleaning agents without degrading. PVC and nitrile rubber offer excellent chemical resistance.
Non-Shedding Materials
Materials must not shed particles that could contaminate products or environments. Avoid foam-based products in sensitive areas. Solid PVC and rubber are preferred.
Easy to Clean
Smooth surfaces without crevices where contaminants can accumulate. Matting should be easy to wipe down, mop, or pressure wash as part of regular cleaning protocols.
Anti-Fatigue Properties
Pharmaceutical workers often stand for extended periods during production, inspection, and packaging. Quality cushioning reduces fatigue and supports worker wellbeing.
Slip Resistance
Production areas may have wet floors from cleaning or spills. Look for R10 or higher slip ratings. Textured surfaces maintain grip when wet without compromising cleanability.
Documentation
GMP facilities require documentation for all materials. Look for suppliers providing material safety data sheets, certificates, and RAMS documentation to support your quality system.
Matting by Area Type
Classified Cleanrooms (ISO 5-8)
Entry points to classified cleanrooms typically require specialist contamination control mats like Dycem or tacky mats that capture particles from footwear. Within the cleanroom itself, flooring is usually integral rather than matting.
Recommendation: Specialist contamination control products at entry points; consult cleanroom flooring specialists for internal surfaces.
General Production Areas
Non-classified production areas, including tablet pressing, packaging, and general manufacturing, can use standard industrial anti-fatigue matting that meets cleanability requirements.
Recommendation: Safe-Flex or similar PVC matting — smooth, cleanable surface with good anti-fatigue properties.
Quality Control / Laboratories
Lab environments may require ESD protection for sensitive equipment alongside anti-fatigue comfort for analysts. Chemical resistance is important where solvents and reagents are used.
Recommendation: ESD-rated matting with chemical resistance; Safe-Flex ESD for combined protection.
Warehousing / Logistics
Warehouse areas for raw materials and finished goods have less stringent requirements. Standard industrial matting provides comfort for packing stations and picking areas.
Recommendation: Standard anti-fatigue matting; modular systems allow easy reconfiguration as layouts change.
Top 5 Matting Options for Pharmaceutical Facilities
#1 Safe-Flex Modular Matting
by Ergo Advantage
Safe-Flex provides excellent anti-fatigue performance in a format that meets pharmaceutical cleanliness requirements. The smooth PVC surface cleans easily with standard sanitisers, while the modular system allows individual tiles to be removed for deep cleaning or replacement.
Key Specifications
- Material: 100% recycled PVC
- Thickness: 16mm
- Slip rating: R13
- Chemical resistance: Excellent
- ESD option: Available
Strengths
- ✓ Smooth, easy-to-clean surface
- ✓ RAMS documentation included
- ✓ Modular — remove tiles for cleaning
- ✓ UK manufactured — full traceability
Best for: General production areas, packaging, and warehouse spaces in pharmaceutical facilities.
Request Free Sample#2 COBA Orthomat Premium
by COBA Europe
COBA's Orthomat range includes options suitable for pharmaceutical environments. The smooth surface cleans effectively, and antimicrobial versions are available for additional protection.
Strengths
- ✓ Antimicrobial options available
- ✓ Established manufacturer
- ✓ Various sizes
Limitations
- ✗ Individual mats — not modular
- ✗ May shift without adhesive
Best for: Individual workstations in packaging and inspection areas.
#3 Dycem Contamination Control Mats
by Dycem
Dycem is the specialist choice for cleanroom entry points and contamination control. Their polymer mats capture particles from footwear, preventing contamination transfer into classified areas.
Strengths
- ✓ Specialist contamination control
- ✓ Cleanroom certified (ISO 5-8)
- ✓ Antimicrobial properties
Limitations
- ✗ Premium pricing
- ✗ Not anti-fatigue — entry point use only
- ✗ Requires regular cleaning/replacement
Best for: Cleanroom entry points and airlocks where particle control is critical.
#4 Notrax Nitrile Anti-Fatigue
by Notrax (Justrite Safety)
Notrax nitrile rubber matting offers excellent chemical resistance for areas where solvents, APIs, or cleaning chemicals may contact flooring. Premium durability for demanding pharmaceutical environments.
Strengths
- ✓ Excellent chemical resistance
- ✓ Premium durability
- ✓ Good anti-fatigue properties
Limitations
- ✗ Higher price point
- ✗ US manufactured — longer lead times
Best for: Chemical handling areas, API processing, and environments with frequent solvent exposure.
#5 Wearwell Comfort Flow
by Wearwell
Comfort Flow combines drainage with anti-fatigue properties, suitable for wet processing areas where liquids need to drain away from the walking surface. The nitrile/PVC blend resists chemicals used in pharmaceutical cleaning.
Strengths
- ✓ Drainage design for wet areas
- ✓ Good chemical resistance
- ✓ Antimicrobial options
Limitations
- ✗ Holes may collect debris
- ✗ Requires more intensive cleaning
Best for: Wet processing areas, wash-down environments, and locations with regular liquid spills.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Material | Cleanroom Use | Antimicrobial | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe-Flex Standard | Recycled PVC | General production areas | Optional | Non-classified areas | Mid |
| Orthomat Premium | PVC foam | General production | Available | Packaging areas | Mid |
| Cleanroom Mat | Polymer | ISO Class 5-8 | Yes | Cleanroom entry | High |
| Nitrile Clean | Nitrile rubber | General production | Optional | Chemical handling | High |
| Comfort Flow | Nitrile/PVC | General areas | Available | Wet processing | Mid-High |
How We Evaluated
Our recommendations consider the specific requirements of pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, balancing cleanliness, compliance, and worker comfort. We evaluated:
- Cleanability: Surface smoothness and chemical resistance
- Material shedding: Potential for particle generation
- Anti-fatigue performance: Cushioning for extended standing
- Documentation: RAMS, MSDS, and certification availability
- Practical application: Suitability for different area types
- UK availability: Supply reliability and lead times
Frequently Asked Questions
What matting is suitable for pharmaceutical cleanrooms?
For classified cleanrooms (ISO Class 5-8), specialist contamination control mats like Dycem are typically required at entry points. For general production areas and non-classified spaces, standard industrial anti-fatigue matting with smooth, cleanable surfaces works well. The key requirements are non-shedding materials, chemical resistance to cleaning agents, and surfaces that can be sanitised effectively.
Does pharmaceutical matting need to be antimicrobial?
Antimicrobial treatment isn't always required but is beneficial in areas where contamination control is important. For GMP-compliant facilities, the ability to clean and sanitise matting effectively is more critical than antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial mats provide an additional layer of protection but don't replace proper cleaning protocols.
Can standard anti-fatigue mats be used in pharma facilities?
Yes, in non-classified production areas, packaging, and warehouse spaces. Standard anti-fatigue mats like Safe-Flex provide worker comfort without compromising facility cleanliness when properly maintained. For classified cleanrooms or sterile areas, specialist contamination control products are required at entry points.
What certifications should pharmaceutical matting have?
Look for materials that won't interfere with GMP compliance — non-shedding, chemically resistant, and easy to clean. While there's no single 'pharmaceutical matting certification,' relevant standards include ISO cleanroom classifications, fire certificates, and material safety data sheets. RAMS documentation helps demonstrate due diligence in product selection.
How do you clean matting in pharmaceutical environments?
Pharmaceutical matting should withstand regular cleaning with industrial sanitisers and disinfectants. PVC and rubber matting typically handle common pharmaceutical cleaning agents well. Establish cleaning protocols aligned with your facility's GMP requirements. Modular systems allow individual tiles to be removed for deep cleaning or autoclave sterilisation where applicable.
Try Safe-Flex for Pharmaceutical Environments
Smooth, cleanable PVC surface with excellent chemical resistance. UK-manufactured with RAMS documentation included. Request free samples dispatched within 1 working day.