Best ESD Mats for Electronics Manufacturing in 2026
Electrostatic discharge can destroy sensitive components in milliseconds. The right ESD matting protects your products, meets IEC 61340 standards, and creates compliant Electrostatic Protected Areas (EPAs). Here's what to look for.
What to Look For in ESD Matting
Resistance Range
Look for surface resistance between 10⁶ and 10⁹ ohms. This range provides effective static dissipation while remaining safe for personnel. Too low creates shock hazards; too high won't protect components.
IEC 61340-5-1 Compliance
The international standard for ESD protection in electronics. Matting should be tested and certified to this standard. Request certificates and test data from suppliers.
Grounding Capability
ESD mats must connect to your facility's ground system. Check that matting includes or accommodates grounding points, studs, or conductive adhesives for proper installation.
Durability Under Use
ESD properties must remain stable over time with foot traffic, cleaning, and environmental changes. Quality mats maintain consistent resistance throughout their service life.
Anti-Fatigue Properties
Electronics assembly often involves prolonged standing. ESD mats with anti-fatigue cushioning improve worker comfort and productivity while maintaining static protection.
Chemical Compatibility
Electronics manufacturing uses solvents, fluxes, and cleaning agents. Ensure matting resists chemicals used in your facility without degrading ESD performance.
Top 5 ESD Mats for Electronics Manufacturing
#1 Safe-Flex ESD Modular Matting
by Ergo Advantage
Safe-Flex ESD combines modular flexibility with certified static dissipative properties. UK-manufactured from 100% recycled PVC, it meets IEC 61340-5-1 requirements while offering anti-fatigue benefits for assembly line workers. The interlocking system creates seamless EPA floor coverage without adhesives.
Key Specifications
- Resistance: 10⁶–10⁹ Ω
- Standard: IEC 61340-5-1
- Thickness: 16mm
- Material: 100% recycled PVC
- Grounding: Integrated studs
Strengths
- ✓ UK manufactured with full traceability
- ✓ Modular — reconfigure as layouts change
- ✓ Anti-fatigue cushioning included
- ✓ RAMS documentation provided
Best for: EPA floor areas requiring flexible, reconfigurable coverage with sustainability benefits. Ideal for electronics assembly lines where workers stand for extended periods.
Request Free Sample#2 Desco Statfree i
by Desco Industries
Desco is a specialist ESD control manufacturer with products widely used in electronics facilities globally. Statfree i is their premium dissipative vinyl matting designed specifically for workbench and floor applications in EPAs.
Strengths
- ✓ Specialist ESD manufacturer
- ✓ Consistent ESD performance
- ✓ Wide range of sizes available
Limitations
- ✗ Higher price point
- ✗ Not UK manufactured
- ✗ Individual mats — not modular
Best for: Dedicated workbench matting where specialist ESD brand reputation is valued.
#3 Notrax Cushion-Ease ESD
by Justrite Safety (Notrax)
Notrax brings their premium Cushion-Ease platform to ESD applications. The nitrile rubber construction offers excellent durability and natural ESD properties enhanced with conductive additives for consistent performance.
Strengths
- ✓ Premium nitrile rubber durability
- ✓ Excellent anti-fatigue comfort
- ✓ Modular interlocking system
Limitations
- ✗ Premium pricing
- ✗ US manufactured — longer lead times
- ✗ Heavier than PVC alternatives
Best for: Premium EPA installations where budget allows for top-tier materials and maximum durability.
#4 COBA Cobastat
by COBA Europe
COBA's Cobastat range provides budget-friendly ESD protection from an established UK matting manufacturer. Available in various formats including tiles and rolls, it offers a cost-effective entry point for EPA flooring.
Strengths
- ✓ Competitive pricing
- ✓ Established UK manufacturer
- ✓ Roll and tile options
Limitations
- ✗ Less cushioning than premium options
- ✗ Basic anti-fatigue properties
- ✗ Not from recycled materials
Best for: Budget-conscious EPA flooring where basic ESD compliance is the priority over premium features.
#5 Bondline Elimistat
by Bondline Electronics
Bondline specialises in ESD control products for the UK electronics industry. Elimistat matting is designed specifically for workstation applications with consistent dissipative properties and good chemical resistance.
Strengths
- ✓ UK ESD specialist supplier
- ✓ Good chemical resistance
- ✓ Complete ESD workstation solutions
Limitations
- ✗ Primarily bench matting focus
- ✗ Limited floor coverage options
- ✗ Not modular
Best for: Workbench and workstation ESD matting, particularly when sourcing complete ESD control solutions from one supplier.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Brand | Material | Resistance | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe-Flex ESD | Ergo Advantage | Recycled PVC | 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | Modular EPA flooring | Mid |
| Statfree i | Desco | Vinyl | 10⁶–10⁸ Ω | Workbench matting | Mid-High |
| Cushion-Ease ESD | Notrax | Nitrile rubber | 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | Premium EPA flooring | High |
| Cobastat | COBA Europe | PVC | 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | Budget EPA areas | Low-Mid |
| Elimistat | Bondline | Vinyl | 10⁶–10⁸ Ω | Workstations | Mid |
How We Evaluated
Our recommendations are based on analysis of product specifications, industry standards compliance, and practical suitability for UK electronics manufacturing environments. We evaluated:
- ESD performance: Resistance values and IEC 61340-5-1 compliance
- Durability: Expected service life under typical electronics facility conditions
- Practicality: Installation requirements, flexibility, and maintenance
- Anti-fatigue properties: Worker comfort for prolonged standing
- UK availability: Supply chain reliability and lead times
- Value: Performance relative to cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best ESD mat for electronics manufacturing?
The best ESD mat depends on your specific EPA requirements. For modular floor coverage with flexibility, Safe-Flex ESD offers IEC 61340-5-1 compliance with UK manufacturing and sustainability benefits. For workbench applications, dedicated bench mats from Desco or Bondline provide targeted protection. All quality ESD mats should have resistance between 10⁶ and 10⁹ ohms.
What resistance should ESD matting have for electronics?
ESD matting for electronics manufacturing should have surface resistance between 10⁶ (1 megohm) and 10⁹ (1 gigohm) ohms to comply with IEC 61340-5-1. This range provides effective static dissipation while maintaining safe levels for personnel. Resistance below 10⁶ ohms can create shock hazards; above 10⁹ ohms provides insufficient ESD protection.
Do I need ESD matting throughout my electronics facility?
ESD matting is required in designated Electrostatic Protected Areas (EPAs) where ESD-sensitive devices are handled. This typically includes assembly areas, test stations, repair benches, and packaging areas. Common areas and corridors outside EPAs don't require ESD flooring unless you're implementing facility-wide protection.
How do I test ESD matting compliance?
ESD matting should be tested regularly using a surface resistance meter following IEC 61340-5-1 procedures. Measure point-to-point resistance and resistance to ground at multiple locations. Most facilities test quarterly or monthly depending on criticality. Document all test results for quality audits.
Can ESD mats be used with standard industrial footwear?
For effective ESD protection, personnel must wear ESD footwear (shoes or heel straps) when walking on ESD flooring. Standard industrial footwear typically has insulating soles that prevent static dissipation through the mat. Some facilities use ESD flooring combined with wrist straps at workstations as an alternative approach.
Try Safe-Flex ESD Matting
IEC 61340-5-1 compliant modular matting, UK-manufactured from 100% recycled PVC. Request free samples dispatched within 1 working day.