How to Overcome Privacy Design Concerns for Commercial Restrooms with Scranton Products®

The biggest concern for most people in a commercial restroom is privacy.  In order to give employees and customers a better experience, commercial businesses should look toward a company that can provide:

  • Higher Privacy Restroom Partitions
  • Gender-Neutral Facilities
  • Adequate Locks and Latches
  • Maintenance and Cleanliness Features
  • Accessibility Designs

Higher Privacy Restroom Partitions

There are a few ways that you can make the experience of going to the bathroom a little more comfortable for the occupants. However, the best way is by installing restroom partitions that offer more security and privacy, as well as customizable options to reduce exposed areas or sightlines. Scranton Products® has partitions available in different height options, privacy features and price ranges that easily fit in commercial restroom spaces. 

Aria Partitions® provide increased privacy, many design choices and innovative features that will significantly upgrade the look of your room and add a whole new level of privacy.  The system has full height options with an edge mounted hinge and shiplap edges to reduce sightlines.  The system is floor supported, meaning it does not need to tie into the ceiling for floor to ceiling configurations. This creates tremendous design flexibility and ease of installation.

Eclipse Partitions® offer a sleek and contemporary design with multiple height options that uses hidden hardware and handles with occupancy indicators that increase the privacy of the commercial bathroom experience.  Additionally, this system comes with an edge mounted hinge and shiplap edges to reduce sightlines.

Hiny Hiders® Signature Series provides different height options for increased privacy. Sightlines can be removed without the use of hardware or by specifying a shiplap cut edge.

Gender-Neutral Facilities

With gender-neutral bathrooms on the rise, it is time for architects to take a fresh look at how their designs are helping users feel safe.

The adoption of gender-neutral restrooms has gained momentum in recent years due to a growing awareness of gender inclusivity and the recognition of diverse gender identities.  High-privacy restroom partitions reduce sightlines and boast enclosed compartments that are not only attractive but also gender-neutral friendly.

Many companies and organizations have adopted policies and initiatives that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Providing gender-neutral facilities aligns with these values and initiatives.

Adequate Locks and Latches

When designing a restroom, all aspects need to be reviewed, including the locks and latches.  Scranton Products has many options available for emergency access.  You never know when an emergency will happen and having emergency access options allows responders to reach someone inside the stall that may need assistance or medical attention quickly without any hindrance.  Having emergency access can also make it easier for janitorial staff to enter and clean the restroom without disrupting the normal operation of the stall doors.

Maintenance and Cleanliness

Each Scranton Products partition system has features that allow for easy maintenance.

Because Scranton Products systems are made of HDPE, it is impermeable to moisture, low-maintenance and helps to minimize bacteria growth.*  HDPE materials are also resistant to impact and graffiti. They can be power washed when a deep cleaning is needed.

Aria Partions have innovative solutions including a shoeless pilaster design which creates a cleaner aesthetic while eliminating a spot notorious for dirt collection.  Eclipse Partitions are designed with a post that allows for ease of cleaning the floors and Hiny Hiders have different options, including ceiling hung, to allow for a quicker cleaning of the floors.

Accessibility

Accessibility in a restroom is important for ensuring that individuals with disabilities can use the facilities comfortably and independently.  Accessible restrooms ensure that everyone, regardless of physical abilities, can access and use restroom facilities. It promotes inclusivity and helps create an environment that is welcoming to people with disabilities.  Proper space, layout, and features contribute to a more comfortable and private restroom experience.  Please review all local and international codes to know which codes apply.

About Scranton Products

With more than 30 years of experience, Scranton Products is the industry leader in plastic bathroom partitions and lockers. Endless design options and an array of designer colors and textures provide confidence and elegant style in every project, creating a lasting impression. Proudly made in the USA and constructed from premium-grade solid plastic, our products’ unmatched durability withstands impact, corrosion, graffiti, and mildew. Backed by sustainable technologies and industry-leading warranties, with our partitions and lockers you are investing in peace of mind.

*Read about our brands’ health and safety: https://www.scrantonproducts.com/better-safety/

Embracing European Commercial Restroom Privacy Trends in the USA: Meeting the Demand for Enhanced Privacy

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Read more

Design Trends for Lockers and Restroom Partitions

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As popular designs and trends are on the rise within specific industries, there’s one area that needs more attention than ever before. There is simply no better time to renovate run-down or outdated areas in public facilities. Two specific areas are locker rooms and restrooms. In 2023 and beyond, it’s more important than ever to provide a safe, private, modern, and inclusive design to your facility’s locker room or restroom.

So, when you’re thinking about what design trends to run with, what exactly are the biggest and most important reasons to update restrooms or lockers? Some may simply need to replace rusted lockers for better eye-appeal  or safety concern since someone could get cut, others may need to take care of more challenging requests like plumbing issues creating damp environments which lead to rust and corrosion within the area. Or, some may want to upgrade for the benefit of a successful sports program to commemorate their home team. Whichever your reason for revamping your lockers or restroom partitions, it’s important for facility managers to keep in mind that these areas are more than just places to change, shower, and serve as functional public necessities—they can, in fact, complement your facility’s overall design scheme.

In this blog, we’ll discuss current design trends and what is working for the locker room and restroom partition industry based on a few factors of what’s been tried and true and rising in popularity with today’s society. Keeping these trends in mind will help your facility reap the benefits of HDPE plastic with Scranton Products brands.

Designed for Modernness & Privacy

Just because you’re looking for privacy doesn’t mean you have to forfeit a modern, sleek design that compliments the style of your restroom or locker room. Today, style and privacy go hand-in-hand, and everyone wants to feel comfortable in a private setting such as restrooms or locker rooms.

Scranton Products® Aria Partitions® are our full height partition and were developed to add enhanced comfort and privacy to your restroom design. Aria Partitions aesthetics combined with its solid HDPE material gives you a restroom design , and customizable to fit your project’s desired level of privacy and design.

Locker rooms are places that have a bad reputation because we often associate them with loud, slamming, rusty lockers from storing damp or sweaty items in. No matter what storage needs your facility has, Tufftec Lockers® have a solution. With a multitude of styles, configurations, and interchangeable options, you can create customized lockers that make the most of a space, while still giving you design options that complement your building in a durable HDPE material.

Restroom Partitions are Gender Inclusive

Co-ed dorms are on the rise, including gender-inclusive bathrooms in public facilities such as colleges and universities, now more than ever. Low privacy bathroom designs are a thing of the past! Instead, choose high-privacy restroom partitions that reduce sightlines and boastfully enclosed compartments that are not only attractive but also gender-neutral friendly.

We aren’t just talking about dorms and restroom facilities in high traffic areas, some students  did not feel safe nor comfortable in their campus recreational facilities locker rooms because they were outdated, and not giving as much privacy as they would like. It’s important for these high-traffic facilities to accommodate the needs of others to feel safe and secure in a locker room or restroom that is meant for changing and private purposes.

Aesthetically Pleasing Designs

An attractive, sophisticated restroom partition or locker can make all the difference when it comes to the appearance of a commercial restroom or locker room. In fact, many facilities opt for slightly more expensive materials for their counters in order to create this quality look.

But did you know that higher quality materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, are often nonporous which means they’ll stay cleaner since HDPE is naturally germ resistant? This type of material may be slightly more expensive at the initial purchase, but the costs you’ll save in maintenance over the years making it less expensive in the long run.

When it comes to locker design, Scranton Products creates lockers and restrooms for strength and durability, all while keeping a modern, clean, and sophisticated design. The major difference between metal and HDPE lockers and partitions is the impact resistant properties that HDPE plastic holds. These products are also resistant to mold and bacteria, have low maintenance costs due to being power washable and steam cleanable, and offer the ability to choose from an array of styles for a custom locker or partition that matches your brand.

Sustainable Products

More and more companies are considering the carbon footprint they’re leaving and choosing sustainable products that are less harmful to the environment and better for the people in the facility. Some products give off emissions that reduce the quality of the air and can end up diminishing health.

Not only is HDPE plastic customizable, impact and moisture resistant, power-washable, easy to maintain, but Scranton Products® HDPE plastic also provides an extensive collection of colors and textures to choose from for your next restroom or locker room project.

When we are talking about restroom partitions, opting to choose plastic shoes and brackets increases the overall sustainability of your system by allowing the recycling process to become more streamlined at end-of-use, allowing for easier disposal. Not only do they both retain the same benefits offered by solid plastic materials, but they can be recycled all at once instead of being separated.

HDPE plastic can be made from recycled material and helps improve the air quality. This is especially helpful for restrooms and locker rooms that are heavily used, and are very easy to clean, and of course will never rust. And because HDPE plastic is solid color throughout, it never requires paint, so VOC emissions are avoided.

Focusing on Student Athletes

It’s to no surprise that school sports are a major part of a lot of students’ lives. Where the sport starts and ends is often in a Scranton Products Tufftec Lockers are engravable so you can show your school pride with your mascot or team logo, too!

What’s even more important with branding and mascot is recruiting visits for potential future players that are going to be representing the team and school. A cohesive design throughout a locker room is necessary in order to establish team-wide communication for those specific mascot and colors for the team’s history, community, and culture.

Hopefully now you have a better understanding of today’s current design trends for restroom partitions and lockers. It’s a given that we are focused on sustainability and privacy options now more than ever and it’s up to us to implement these needs into current design trends.

Improving Air Quality in the Workplace

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It goes without saying that air plays a big role in our daily lives, both at home and at work. So it’s no surprise that indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major concern for workers across the country. IAQ can significantly affect the health, comfort, and productivity of your workers, so it’s important to make sure that the air is clean and comfortable.

Although it’s rare for poor IAQ to cause serious health problems, it’s not uncommon for employees to perceive the air as dangerous or unhealthy when the quality is low. In this post, we’ll help you to further understand exactly what poor IAQ is and how to improve the quality of the air inside your facility.

What’s Good IAQ?

Since breathing is an automatic action we do without much thought, good IAQ goes relatively unnoticed. However, the moment that dust, pollen, foul odors, or other pollutants enter the air, it’s noticed almost immediately. However, contaminants aren’t the only things that can lower the air’s quality. Air temperature, humidity, and even stillness can attribute to its overall quality.

To achieve good IAQ in your building, you need to focus on the following criteria: ventilation, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, cleaning, and maintenance.

What Are the Most Common IAQ Complaints?

Since most employers concentrate on providing a safe working environment, it should come as no surprise that the most common complaints concerning IAQ don’t involve pollutants but rather employee comfort. For instance, most complaints have to do with the temperature of the air being too hot or too cold. Following that is complaints about drafts or still air. The third most common complaints have to do with dry or humid air.

Serious health-related complaints, such as eye or throat irritation, dizziness, or nausea, are much rarer and typically hard to blame on the IAQ of the workplace unless the issues are persistent and felt by numerous employees. Sometimes, these symptoms can be brought on by allergies to mold or dust that may be present in the air.

What’s Causing My IAQ Problems?

To identify the cause of poor IAQ, you need to listen to the complaints. Still air can easily be improved by adding more ventilation. However, mold or mildew will need to be handled thoroughly by a professional cleaning team to ensure that the problem is resolved and possibly the inclusion of a contractor if this is a reoccurring problem due to some structural design issue.

So where exactly can you look to find the cause of your IAQ problems?

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Cleaning products
  • Dust
  • Malfunctioning HVAC unit
  • Printers or copy machines
  • Fragrances and cosmetics
  • Pesticides

While most buildings will likely have a little bit of all these, they only really become a problem when levels accumulate faster than they can be ventilated.

How to Solve and Prevent Poor IAQ

Once you understand the source of your building’s poor IAQ, it’s fairly easy to correct the air quality problem. To prevent future instances, like in the case of mold or mildew, you can use materials around the office that are resistant to these factors. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example, is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. Plus, it has no VOC emissions, making it perfect for any workplace that wishes to improve the overall IAQ.

Learn How HDPE Can Improve IAQ

How to Improve Your Facility’s Locker Room Ventilation

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There is an art to creating a great fitness center. In addition to providing the latest equipment, friendly knowledgeable trainers, clean locker rooms, and lots of hot water, your locker room needs to breathe.

Unfortunately many locker room ventilation systems are improperly designed, leading to issues such as high humidity, mold, corrosion, nasty odors, and unhappy members. On the other hand, a well-designed ventilation system means happier members, reduced maintenance, and increased sales.

Locker rooms are constantly bombarded with moisture from members who come in perspiring after workouts; from the humidity released when they shower; and by the moisture released in steam and sauna areas. That’s why it is critical to provide effective dehumidification combined with an exhaust system designed to capture and exhaust large quantities of moist air out of the building. If the excess moisture in the locker room is not properly vented, it will affect lockers, benches and other assets, and migrate to other areas of the facility.

Whether you are building a new facility or renovating an existing locker room, make sure your architect or engineer is providing an effective ventilation system that exhausts moisture out of the building as required by the International Building Codes. Some of the ventilation technologies currently being used for fitness facilities, include:

  • Energy Star-rated products, including solar-powered fans and other eco-friendly technologies,
  • Systems which reduce the energy required for drying and dehumidification, such as liquid desiccant technology,
  • Bi-polar ionization air-purification systems, to ventilate and also break down odors
  • And equipment that measures volatile organic compounds and particulates

 

Other Locker Room Considerations

In addition to proper ventilation, also consider the following when designing your locker room.

  • Using water-sealed ceiling tiles and ceramic floor tiles
  • Installing CO2 sensors for ventilation control
  • Selecting lockers that will not absorb moisture, and that will not corrode or delaminate in a high-moisture environment

 

Hunter Green Tufftec Lockers

Hunter Green Tufftec Lockers

Specify Tufftec Lockers®

Locker rooms – and the lockers in them – can be breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Manufactured from solid HDPE, Tufftec Lockers® stand up to the many challenges of the locker room environment. Moisture is never an issue. Tufftec Lockers® are impermeable to moisture, resistant to mold and mildew, and will never rust, corrode, or delaminate. They are also naturally bacteria resistant and will not support the growth of bacteria, including MRSA. Easy to clean, and impact and dent resistant, Tufftec Lockers® will preserve their good looks for years to come. And most importantly, your investment is backed by the best warranty in the industry.

Selecting Scranton Products Tufftec Lockers® for your facility is a sound investment that will help keep your locker room odor-free, reduce your maintenance sots, and keep your members happy for many years to come.

To find out more about Tufftec Lockers® and our customizable locker solutions, please click on the link below.

Learn More About Tufftec Lockers

Water Conservation Challenges & Strategies for Maintenance Managers

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One of the biggest issues plaguing commercial and institutional facilities today is water waste. Whether it’s due to old pipes, leaks, or faucets that aren’t turned off, maintenance managers are desperate for solutions that can help them to keep the water bill down and improve their building’s water efficiency.

In this post, we take a closer look at a few water conservation challenges as well as strategies for maintenance managers.

Finding Opportunities for Water Conservation

One of the initial water conservation challenges that maintenance managers face is pinpointing where to focus their efforts and where opportunities lie. The first step, of course, is to gather some benchmark data. Find out how much water your building uses every day, month, quarter, or year, whatever number makes the most sense for your project and company.

Next, you want to focus on the water use of individual fixtures. For example, how many gallons of water are used with each flush of a toilet in your building? How many gallons are those toilets using each day/month/quarter/year? Gather as much information as possible.

Consider the following areas:

  • Toilets
  • Urinals
  • Showers
  • Sprinklers
  • Irrigation systems
  • Sinks/faucets
  • Pipes and plumping

Once you can identify where your building is using the most water, you’ll be able to target those areas first for the biggest benefit. Then you can concentrate on areas that use smaller amounts of water.

[READ MORE: How to Cut Energy Costs in Your Facility]

How to Get Upper Management to Buy-In

Although you might see the benefit of investing in water conservation, it’s not always easy to get the board to agree. It’s common for maintenance managers and their teams to spend months, if not years, proposing water conservation tactics before receiving final approval. So how can you help to speed up the process?

Step one is to do your homework. Make sure that you have all data on current consumption rates as we discussed in the previous section. Then clearly spell out what the initial investment will be for all necessary replacement fixtures, repairs, or updates and pair it with a total return on investment or total savings.

By having these numbers ready, you’ll be able to clearly explain to anyone that needs to give approval how much the project will cost, how long it will take before that cost is recouped, and how much the company or building will save after those costs are returned.

[READ MORE: Identifying and Resolving Energy Inefficiencies in Your Building]

Recycling Water

In areas where collecting storm water is possible, this might be an opportunity to reduce your water expense without necessarily reducing consumption. Collected rain water can be great for use in irrigation or flushing toilets. Consider using the roof of your building for collection and storing the water in tanks for later use. Though this method won’t work in every situation (especially if your building has a small roof), it’s certainly something worth looking into.

Also, be sure to check with local ordinances since, in some parts of the world, it’s illegal to catch rainwater in large quantities.

For more information on how you can make your facility eco-friendlier, check out our free eBook Sustainable Building Products. This helpful resource will teach you about using recyclable materials, how to combat harmful air pollutants indoors, Scranton Products’ environmentally friendly products, and more!

5 Tips to Create a Sophisticated Commercial Bathroom Experience

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There are several ways that you can make the commercial bathroom experience pleasant and enjoyable, rather than routine and unimpressive. As a facility manager, you’ll want to curate a sophisticated space for your occupants when they need to visit the restroom. Most commercial bathrooms are uninspiring and cookie-cutter, without any design implementations to make occupants reflect on how nice or stylish the facilities are. Luckily, there are a few ways to make your commercial bathroom more enjoyable through different designs and materials.

Here are five tips to create a sophisticated commercial bathroom experience for your occupants to enjoy.

Maximizing the Space for Your Commercial Bathroom

Even if you have the space and measurements plotted for the bathroom in your facility, you can still utilize some commercial bathroom design to amplify the space, making it a little more open and cozy. No one likes going to a cramped bathroom, so making use of your space is important. Luckily, you don’t have to scrap your original plan to make use of the space.

Using mirrors can help make your commercial bathroom seem a bit larger and more comfortable. Using a lot of mirrors will help amplify the space and by a slight optical illusion, your bathroom will seem bigger. Not only do mirrors take up very little space, but occupants will have plenty of opportunities to check their appearance before continuing their day.

Use Softer Colors and Proper Lighting

Most commercial restrooms have an unnatural feel to them, mainly because of their lack of character and the harsh lights. You can combat this, and make a more comfortable experience for your occupants, by utilizing softer colors as opposed to the bright and bland white. To add to this experience of warming up the room, you should use softer lights rather than the factory-esque fluorescent lights. Not only is it less harsh on the eyes, but it will give the restroom a more inviting feel.

Aria Partitions in Sandcastle Color

Increase the Privacy

The key to occupants’ comfort in a public restroom is adequate privacy. This means utilizing materials to eliminate sightlines and design flaws. When it’s time to pick out the stalls, be sure to find ones that can help you decrease the exterior visuals. HDPE plastic partitions like Hiny Hider Partitions® and Eclipse Partitions® will help you reduce the sightlines, and they even have hidden hardware that will simply add to the aesthetics.

Preventing Mold from Ruining the Experience

Of the negative criticisms that occupants have of commercial bathrooms, smell ranks pretty high on the list. There’s nothing as off-putting as unpleasant smells emanating from your restrooms. In order to kill the odors where they stand, you’ll need to utilize materials to help counteract mold growth. Mold grows, and thrives, in humid and moist environments, which make your restroom the perfect breeding ground.

Mold tends to find its way into the core of common partition materials, which end up resulting in awful smells and a pricey replacement. But utilizing materials like HDPE plastic can help you prevent mold. HDPE is a solid plastic that can resist mold growth and can go a long distance in keeping your restroom smelling fresh and inviting.

Keeping the Restroom Clean

It’s no secret that your commercial restroom needs to be cleaned daily, but there are ways to ensure that it stays fresh for the occupants who will use it. You learned that HDPE plastic partitions and antibacterial bathroom hardware can help prevent mold growth, but it’s also beneficial to know that this material is also low-maintenance and easy to clean. Utilizing materials like this not only helps keep the facilities clean, but you won’t have to hold up the restroom flow by blocking it off during maintenance. The cleanup will be quick, easy, and efficient.

Want to learn more tips and tricks on how to make the commercial restroom experience more sophisticated and inviting? Check out our free eBook, Restroom Design for Commercial Facilities, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Color Psychology: Classroom Colors Conducive to Learning

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For years, scientists have studied the effects of various colors on the human mood, which is known as color psychology. Results have shown that different shades or hues have strikingly different effects, and specific classroom colors are more conducive to learning. Blue, for example, is soothing and calming, while red encourages excitement. So it’s important to consider color choice when decorating your classroom.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at color psychology, how color can alter the mood of your classroom, and review some best practices that can help you to heighten creativity and improve focus.

Understanding the Effects of Colors

As we mentioned above, each color has a particular effect on mood. Red can create a sense of excitement and increase alertness. It also increases appetite and creativity. However, for individuals who suffer from anxiety, red can also be extremely upsetting. Blue, on the other hand, can suppress appetite, lower temperature, and create a calming environment.

Use the list below to see what effects certain colors can have:

  • Yellow: Increases creativity and attention and instills a general feeling of positivity
  • Orange: Can improve alertness
  • Green: Peaceful and calm
  • Purple: Peaceful and calm
  • Brown: Can reduce feelings of fatigue and improve feelings of relaxation or make students feel more secure
  • Off-White: Improves attention and instills feelings of positivity
  • Red: Inspires alertness, excitement and creativity

Adjusting Colors in a Preschool Classroom to Improve Attention, Creativity or Rest

Within a preschool setting, color adjusting the room can help with many activities and tasks when working with young children who need direction, structure or calming. For instance, wearing an off-white shirt can help to improve their attention span, while using splashes of red around the art station can increase creativity and excitement. Meanwhile, quiet areas for naptime should be decorated with shades of green, purple, or blue to promote rest and a sense of peace and calmness within the room.

Inspiring Learning with Youth and Adults

Similar to how color can be used in classrooms for young children and infants, teachers who work with youth and adults can strategically decorate their classrooms to improve attention, creativity, and even feelings of security. If you spend most of your time lecturing and want students to be alert so they can take thorough notes, consider adding orange, off-white, or red to the room.

If your class involves hands-on work where students are asked to create or solve complex problems, then using colors like red or yellow can help to facilitate creativity.

Whatever your lesson plan involves, color can be used to instill learning and improve student performance. Keep in mind what effects colors have on mood in the classroom and plan your classroom decorating all colors and decorating carefully.

Did you know that classroom design can impact students’ attitudes and even the way they retain information?

To learn more, read our article, New Research Shows Positive Connection Between Classroom Design and Learning.

Scranton Products, a leading lockers manufacturer, manufactures low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing and durable lockers for school facilities. Learn more about Duralife school lockers, ideal for elementary, middle school and high school facilities.

 

Going Green in the Bathroom: 6 Ways to Keep Your Facility Restrooms Sustainable

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An environmentally friendly restroom provides major benefits for facility managers as well as patrons. With a sustainable restroom, maintenance costs become much cheaper, materials are more sanitary, and you work to support a healthier environment by reducing industrial waste.

In this day and age, an environmentally friendly approach can go a long way in a facility’s restroom, and we’re here to show you how. Read on as Scranton Products teaches you six ways to keep your facility restrooms sustainable.

1. Eliminate Painting

Repainting the materials in your restroom releases a variety of VOC emissions. This harms the air quality of your restroom, which will affect the people who use it. Partitions, vanities, and other restroom products that don’t require repainting will help your restroom stay sustainable.

2. Clean Smart

Various commercial cleaners have a significant number of chemicals in them. From the production of these chemicals to the application of them on your products, they don’t promote clean air quality inside and out.

Make sure that your restrooms can be steam cleaned or power washed for an environmentally friendly approach to restroom sanitizing.

3. Germ Resistant

Restroom materials that are naturally germ-resistant provide a major service for facility bathrooms. Mold, mildew, fungus, and bacteria occur in restrooms because of the high level of moisture and humidity. This also harms the air quality and creates an unsanitary place for your patrons. Germ-resistant materials are a must for supporting sustainability in your restroom.

4. Built from Recycled Material

When facility managers with recycled material, they do a serious service to our environment. With recycled materials, you reduce the amount of industrial waste and energy that goes into the building process.

5. Recyclable Material

When you use recyclable material for your restroom partitions, you also work to reduce industrial waste. Years after your materials are constructed to build your facility’s restroom, they can be reused and repurposed for another project. Check to see if your restroom material is recyclable.

6. Don’t Build with Added Formaldehyde Resins

While many bathroom materials are built with added urea-formaldehyde resins, there are significant drawbacks and health concerns that negatively affect the environment of your restroom. By negatively affecting the air quality, urea-formaldehyde resins increase the chance of respiratory infection or cancer when the chemicals are released into the air. For a more sustainable environment, choose a different material for your bathrooms.

What Material Covers All of These Sustainable Practices?

The answer is simple: HDPE plastic.

HDPE plastic bathroom materials are built with a homogenous color throughout so they won’t require repainting and can resist mold and mildew. They can be steamed cleaned or power washed, are built from recycled material, and can be recycled themselves. And, most importantly, they’re free of any urea-formaldehyde resins.

You can learn more about how to build an environmentally friendly restroom when you find out where you can buy Scranton Products’ HDPE materials near you.


Sustainable Building Products

5 Tasks School Facility Managers Hate: So Why Not Get Rid of Them?

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As a facility manager in charge of an entire school, there are probably a bunch of tasks that you’re not a fan of. In fact, you may even loathe them, so why not find a way to get rid of them? One of the most common tasks that has caused considerable dislike is routine locker maintenance. Given the number of lockers in your school, and the variety of issues that can occur with them, facility managers simply hate the meticulous nature of maintaining them. However, because it’s a school, you can’t simply get rid of the lockers and have barren hallways. Students need storage compartments for their books and supplies, but there has to be a better alternative that can reduce your workload.

The 5 Tasks of Locker Maintenance That Facility Managers Despise

  • Painting. Giving all of your lockers a fresh coat of paint is never fun. Sometimes, though, there are no other options. Whether the exterior is chipping, or there’s considerable wear and tear, you can’t get away with painting just one locker. Still, while you’re carefully brushing the paint on, you may also dislike the fact that it’s filling your school with harmful VOC emissions.
  • Graffiti Removal. It’s hard not to take graffiti personally since it’s you that has to clean it off the locker. This requires more repainting, which simply adds to the frustration because you know it can, and probably will, happen again.
  • Removing Rust. Facility managers hate rust removal because it’s so tedious. Whether you’re using vinegar or baking soda, endlessly scrubbing one specific spot on a locker is an easy way to wear your wrist out, let alone drive you crazy.
  • Meticulous Cleaning. In order to prevent signs of rust, unsightly stains, or dust, the lockers require significant cleaning. Power washing makes the process a lot easier, but even that results in considerable cleanup, and you have to wait until students are out of the building.
  • Replacing Lockers. When they can’t take any more, lockers need to be replaced. They get slammed shut every day and they’re exposed to the elements. However, replacing them can result in high costs and painstaking installation.

Getting Rid of These Menial Tasks

If you’ve always fantasized about ways to rid yourself of these meticulous, dull, yet important tasks, there are actually ways to get around them while still having viable lockers and storage compartments for students. HDPE plastic has been introduced to schools across the country, and has met with positive results among students and facility managers. These lockers have successfully cut down on routine maintenance. HDPE is a solid plastic, so it has a durable structure that’s actually resistant to impacts, scratches, and rust. When there’s graffiti present, you don’t have to open a fresh can of paint. The graffiti can simply be wiped off the locker without affecting the locker’s homogenous color. You’ll save time and money on maintenance with HDPE lockers. They’ll provide the necessary storage for students while ridding your day of those pesky tasks. Finding ways to cut your maintenance costs is great, but finding a way to eliminate the task altogether is every facility manager’s dream. Implementing HDPE plastic into your school will reduce the time and money that goes into your school’s maintenance. That way you’ll have a long lasting material that doesn’t require any frustrating or meticulous maintenance, allowing you to use your time towards more important and pressing tasks in your school. Want to learn more about HDPE lockers and the benefits of choosing them for your school? Download this eBook, The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, from your friends at Scranton Products.