Via Seating has developed a unique copper-infused mesh for use in seating by partnering with Cupron, utilizing their copper-based proprietary and patented technology. The copper mesh works by physically embedding an EPA-registered copper into the fibers of our copper mesh. Through this process, the copper will not wear off like topically applied alternatives. The result is a patented, self-sanitizing, copper-infused mesh chair that has strong biocidal, antifungal, and antiviral properties. There are additional anti-odor properties to the copper mesh as well. It is available in natural (ie. “copper color”) and black finishes.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted U.S. Patent Numbers 10986938 & 11389009 for its Copper-Infused Mesh Seating. More here
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.
Multi Award-Winning
In 2017, Genie Copper Mesh®received prestigious industry recognition for its innovative contribution to healthcare textiles. It was honored with the Best of NeoCon award for Innovation in Healthcare Textiles, highlighting its groundbreaking approach to antimicrobial seating solutions. That same year, it also earned the Silver Nightingale Award at the Healthcare Design (HCD) show, further solidifying its impact in the healthcare industry. These awards reflect the material’s ability to enhance cleanliness, durability & safety in healthcare environments through its patented copper-infused, biocidal technology.
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.
Proven Results
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.
3rd Party Testing
The independent 3rd party testing was performed using three different microorganisms:
Staphylococcusaureus, a gram positive bacteria
Klebsiella pneumoniae, a gram negative bacteria
Candida albicans, a yeast per AATCC-100
These were applied on the following surface textiles currently in use in clinical environments:
Krypton
Silvertex
Silica
Genie Copper Mesh®
Genie®mesh (without copper)
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 paperhere
