In this article, industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by in-house custodial managers.

What are the different fiber options on floor pads and why are they important to consider before purchasing?

Floor pads consist of nylon and polyester blends, for the most part. Each pad manufacturer uses their own composition of these fiber materials. The blending depends upon the severity of the pad application.

— Rory Beaudette, Vice President of Sales, ACS Industries Inc., Lincoln, R.I.


We use synthetic, both nylons and polyester, as well as natural fibers such as hog’s hair.

— Randall Flowers, Vice President of Corporate Accounts, ETC of Henderson Inc., Henderson, N.C.


Initially all floor pads were produced using nylon fibers, however the industry has shifted to using polyester fiber almost exclusively.

More focus in our industry is the use of more sustainable products. We feel the best option for the production of floor pad fiber is the use of 100 percent recycled PET material originating from post industrial and post consumer waste, like a plastic water bottle. The quality of this recycled fiber is of the highest available. Look for floor pads produced with water based, non-phenol formaldehyde resin bonding systems for a truly sustainable product.

— John Miller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americo Manufacturing Co. Inc., Acworth, Ga.


What are the top three challenges in-house end-users have with floor pads?

1.    Making sure their supplier is using a quality manufacturer instead of one that supplies them with a higher profit margin.
2.    Choosing the very best pad for the job being performed.
3.    Taking proper care of the products once you have selected the best choice.

— Randall Flowers, Vice President of Corporate Accounts, ETC of Henderson Inc., Henderson, N.C.


1.    Choosing the right pad for the job.
2.    Training the users and applying knowledge on the proper care of the pads.
3.    Ensuring that the end user gets the full value from the floor pad (productivity, performance and life of floor pad)

— John Miller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americo Manufacturing Co. Inc., Acworth, Ga.




POSTED ON: 7/3/2012