Mississauga, Ontario – March 3, 2025 – ergoCentric is proud to announce that Frixion™, our revolutionary medical-grade upholstery, has been awarded the prestigious German Design Award 2025 for Excellent Product Design – Materials and Surfaces. This international recognition underscores Frixion’s role in redefining comfort, safety, and productivity, making it the preferred upholstery choice for healthcare facilities, laboratories, and clinics where vinyl upholstery is traditionally used.
The German Design Award jury praised Frixion’s groundbreaking innovation, stating: “Frixion … offers a convincing solution for the comfort and safety of hospital chairs. It is a special upholstery coating that is rough enough to prevent accidental slipping off the chair, but the surface can still be easily cleaned with conventional hospital cleaning agents.”
Revolutionizing Comfort and Safety with Frixion
Available exclusively on ergoCentric and healthCentric seating solutions, the patented Frixion upholstery is engineered to address real-world challenges in healthcare and workplace ergonomics. Its advanced anti-slip surface enhances user stability, reducing the risk of slip-and-fall injuries commonly associated with traditional vinyl upholstery. By ensuring consistent engagement with lumbar support, Frixion promotes proper posture, alleviates strain, and enhances long-term comfort. In addition, Frixion is a PVC-free upholstery, providing a more environmentally conscious and sustainable alternative to standard vinyl options.
Designed for durability, Frixion withstands rigorous cleaning protocols, making it an ideal choice for environments that demand high standards of hygiene. Its premium texture and aesthetic appeal, available in multiple colors, seamlessly integrate into medical and laboratory settings.
Industry Recognition and Customer Impact
“Winning the German Design Award is a tremendous honor,” said Terry Cassaday, Founder and CEO of ergoCentric Inc. “Frixion exemplifies our commitment to solving real-world challenges without compromise. Slip-and-fall injuries pose a serious risk, and Frixion is the only upholstery designed to prevent such incidents while keeping users properly supported.”
Trusted by over 150 hospitals and healthcare facilities across North America, Frixion has received outstanding feedback from users:
“[A coworker] came to me and said: ‘I really love the material that’s on the seat. It’s not slippery and is ergonomically friendly for your back, making you sit up straight.’ She would slide off the old stools and now she doesn’t, because of this lovely material. It’s very grippy.”
Paula Ballack, RPN, TEACH, OMSC, PATTS
Clinical Nurse Primary Care / Rural Community Health Worker
CAPCE Certified, PAF Coordinator
Advance Care Planning Ambassador / Trainer
Commitment to Ergonomic Innovation
This award reinforces ergoCentric’s dedication to designing high-performance ergonomic solutions backed by The science of sitting®. Frixion represents a significant advancement in workplace safety, comfort, and productivity, setting new standards for the industry.
For more information, please contact Saad Inam at 647 212-2722
or via email at [email protected]
About ergoCentric
ergoCentric has focused on designing and manufacturing high-performance ergonomic seating solutions that improve well-being, comfort, and productivity since 1990.
For more information or to experience the award-winning tCentric Hybrid for yourself, contact us at [email protected]
About German Design Awards and the German Design Council
The German Design Awards set the benchmark for innovation and global competitiveness in design and is one of the most renowned design awards worldwide. They highlight how design can drive sustainable economic transformation, recognise exceptional achievements and ensure they receive the visibility they deserve.
The German Design Council has been Germany’s leading authority on design, since 1953. As a thought leader in the field, it is committed to realizing the potential of design for a sustainable future.
Previous winners of the German Design award include BMW, Apple, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Sony, Black & Decker, Siemens, Audi, Samsung and Bosch.
