Self-Sanitizing Copper Mesh

Via Seating’s patented copper-infused mesh seating incorporates the oligodynamic effect, a natural process in which copper ions kill harmful microorganisms on contact. This biocidal material is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal & anti-odor without the use of chemical additives. Unlike traditional antimicrobial treatments that may wear off over time, copper’s effectiveness remains constant, making it a reliable solution for environments where hygiene is a priority. Designed for healthcare, corporate & public spaces, Copper Mesh provides a durable, easy-to-maintain seating option that helps reduce the spread of pathogens while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

A Lasting Infusion

Unlike topical treatments that can wear off unevenly and leave certain areas unprotected, Via Seating’s Copper Mesh Collection integrates EPA-registered CUPRON copper directly into the mesh itself. This permanent infusion ensures a consistent, long-lasting antimicrobial effect, making it a reliable choice for healthcare environments and beyond. Designed for durability, Via Seating products with copper mesh are also suitable for heavy-duty use and 24/7 applications when paired with HD 24/7 approved options, providing continuous protection and performance in high-traffic settings.

Customer-Driven Solution

Before the introduction of Via Seating’s patented copper-infused mesh back seating, the standard seating solution for clinical environments required high-performance chairs upholstered in antimicrobial textiles designed for healthcare use and bleach cleanability. When a prominent healthcare client visited the Via Seating factory and expressed interest in the mesh back Genie^® series, the team recognized the need for a solution that combined mesh comfort with healthcare-grade antimicrobial properties. Within the same year, Via Seating developed its now-patented copper-infused mesh back seating, ensuring it met the stringent cleaning standards required for healthcare applications. To validate its safety and durability, independent third-party testing was conducted by an accredited lab, proving that Genie Copper Mesh^® not only met but outperformed traditional technical textiles used in healthcare settings.

Successful Results

Over a two-hour contact period, Genie Copper Mesh^® reduced three tested bacteria by 99.9%, demonstrating antimicrobial performance comparable to Silvertex. These results confirmed that Genie Copper Mesh® outperformed traditional textiles used in clinical settings, making it a superior alternative to fully upholstered back task chairs while offering equivalent efficacy to Silvertex-upholstered chairs. With this validation, Genie Copper Mesh^® was successfully installed in a hospital setting for a prominent healthcare client, providing a durable, hygienic seating solution.

Further, Via Seating conducted multiple tests to ensure the effectiveness of its copper-infused mesh seating. Both natural copper and dyed black copper variants were tested to verify their ability to reduce harmful microorganisms within an hour. The results confirmed that, regardless of the dyeing process, both mesh colors began reducing harmful organisms in as little as 30 minutes. For a detailed breakdown of the research and third-party testing results, explore our white paper here »