Best ESD Matting UK 2026: Complete Comparison
Static discharge destroys electronics worth millions annually. The right ESD matting protects your products and processes while meeting international standards. This comprehensive guide covers everything UK buyers need to know about anti-static flooring for Electrostatic Protected Areas.
Key Takeaways
Best Overall
Safe-Flex ESD
Best Premium
Notrax Cushion-Ease ESD
Best for Workbenches
Desco Statfree i
Best Budget
COBA Cobastat
Understanding ESD Protection
Why ESD Matters
Modern electronic components are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge. While humans don't feel static shocks below approximately 3,500 volts, sensitive semiconductors can be damaged by discharges as low as 25 volts.
ESD damage may cause immediate component failure or latent defects that cause field failures weeks or months later. Proper ESD protection throughout manufacturing and handling is essential for product quality and reliability.
How ESD Matting Works
ESD matting contains conductive or dissipative materials that provide a controlled path for static electricity to flow to ground. When personnel wearing ESD footwear stand on the mat, static charge safely dissipates rather than building up.
The controlled resistance (typically 10⁶–10⁹ ohms) ensures static drains away quickly enough to protect components but slowly enough to be safe for personnel who might contact live electrical equipment.
Key Standard: IEC 61340-5-1
IEC 61340-5-1 is the international standard for ESD protection in electronics manufacturing. It specifies requirements for Electrostatic Protected Areas (EPAs) including flooring resistance, personnel grounding, and testing procedures. All matting in this guide complies with IEC 61340-5-1 requirements.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Brand | Type | Resistance | Material | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe-Flex ESD | Ergo Advantage | Modular floor tiles | 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | Recycled PVC | EPA floor areas | Mid |
| Statfree i | Desco | Bench/floor mats | 10⁶–10⁸ Ω | Vinyl | Workbenches | Mid-High |
| Cushion-Ease ESD | Notrax | Modular tiles | 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | Nitrile rubber | Premium EPA floors | High |
| Cobastat | COBA Europe | Tiles/rolls | 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | PVC | Budget EPA areas | Low-Mid |
| Elimistat | Bondline | Bench mats | 10⁶–10⁸ Ω | Vinyl | Workstations | Mid |
| Bertech ESD | Bertech | Rolls/mats | 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | Rubber/vinyl | General EPA | Mid |
Our Top Picks
Safe-Flex ESD Modular Matting
by Ergo Advantage — UK Manufactured
Safe-Flex ESD brings together IEC 61340-5-1 compliance, modular flexibility, and UK manufacturing in a single product. The interlocking tile system allows creation of EPAs of any size without adhesives, and sections can be reconfigured or replaced as layouts change. Made from 100% recycled PVC, it also meets sustainability requirements.
Specifications
- Resistance: 10⁶–10⁹ Ω
- Standard: IEC 61340-5-1
- Tile sizes: 112×112cm, 158×112cm, 249×112cm
- Thickness: 16mm
- Material: 100% recycled PVC
- Grounding: Integrated studs
Strengths
- ✓ UK manufactured — fast delivery
- ✓ IEC 61340-5-1 compliant
- ✓ Modular — reconfigure as needed
- ✓ Anti-fatigue cushioning included
- ✓ 100% recycled PVC
- ✓ RAMS documentation included
Limitations
- ✗ Large tiles may require cutting for small areas
- ✗ Floor-based — need separate bench mat solution
Verdict: The best all-round choice for UK electronics facilities needing EPA floor coverage. Combines certified ESD performance with anti-fatigue comfort and sustainability credentials. Free samples and CAD layout support simplify specification and procurement.
Notrax Cushion-Ease ESD
by Justrite Safety (Notrax)
Notrax Cushion-Ease ESD is the premium choice for facilities prioritising maximum durability and comfort. The nitrile rubber construction offers exceptional longevity with consistent ESD performance over years of heavy use. Enhanced with conductive additives for reliable static dissipation.
Strengths
- ✓ Premium nitrile rubber durability
- ✓ Exceptional anti-fatigue comfort
- ✓ Long-term ESD stability
- ✓ Excellent chemical resistance
Limitations
- ✗ Premium pricing
- ✗ US manufactured — longer lead times
- ✗ Heavy tiles
- ✗ Not from recycled materials
Verdict: The top choice when budget isn't constrained and maximum durability and comfort are required. Particularly suited to high-traffic EPAs with demanding long-term performance requirements.
Desco Statfree i
by Desco Industries
Desco specialises in ESD control products, and Statfree i is their premium dissipative vinyl matting for workbench applications. The two-layer construction provides a dissipative top surface over a conductive bottom layer for optimal charge drainage.
Strengths
- ✓ Specialist ESD manufacturer
- ✓ Optimised for workbench use
- ✓ Consistent dissipative performance
- ✓ Good chemical resistance
Limitations
- ✗ Higher price than general-purpose mats
- ✗ Not UK manufactured
- ✗ Individual mats — not modular system
Verdict: The specialist choice for ESD workbench protection. Ideal for electronics assembly, repair, and test stations where components are handled directly.
COBA Cobastat
by COBA Europe
COBA's Cobastat range provides IEC 61340-5-1 compliant ESD protection at competitive pricing. Available in tiles and rolls, it offers flexibility for different EPA configurations. As a UK manufacturer, COBA provides good availability and support.
Strengths
- ✓ Competitive pricing
- ✓ UK manufacturer
- ✓ IEC 61340-5-1 compliant
- ✓ Tile and roll options
Limitations
- ✗ Less anti-fatigue cushioning
- ✗ Not from recycled materials
- ✗ Basic product range
Verdict: Solid choice for budget-conscious EPA flooring where basic ESD compliance is the priority. Good for smaller facilities or secondary ESD areas.
Bondline Elimistat
by Bondline Electronics
Bondline is a UK-based ESD control specialist serving the electronics industry. Elimistat matting is designed specifically for workstation applications with good chemical resistance and consistent dissipative performance.
Strengths
- ✓ UK ESD specialist supplier
- ✓ Complete ESD control solutions
- ✓ Good chemical resistance
- ✓ Technical support available
Limitations
- ✗ Primarily bench mat focused
- ✗ Limited floor coverage options
- ✗ Not modular system
Verdict: Good choice when sourcing complete ESD control solutions (mats, wrist straps, packaging, etc.) from a single UK specialist.
What to Consider When Buying ESD Matting
Resistance Range
For IEC 61340-5-1 compliance, surface resistance and resistance to ground should be between 10⁶ and 10⁹ ohms. This dissipative range protects components while remaining safe for personnel.
Recommendation: Verify resistance values are certified and request test data. Avoid products that only claim "anti-static" without specifying resistance ranges.
Application Type
Floor matting and bench matting have different requirements. Floor mats need durability for foot traffic and compatibility with ESD footwear. Bench mats need smooth surfaces for handling components and resistance to soldering flux and cleaning chemicals.
Recommendation: Use purpose-designed products for each application rather than one product for everything.
Grounding System
ESD matting must connect to your facility's earth ground. Consider how grounding will be achieved — snap studs, grounding cords, conductive adhesive, or grounding strips — and ensure compatibility with your infrastructure.
Recommendation: Plan grounding during layout design. Safe-Flex includes integrated grounding studs; bench mats typically use snap connectors.
Anti-Fatigue Properties
Workers in electronics manufacturing often stand for extended periods. ESD matting with anti-fatigue cushioning improves comfort and productivity without compromising static protection.
Recommendation: For floor applications, prioritise mats with genuine anti-fatigue properties (15mm+ thickness with cushioning).
Testing and Documentation
Quality systems require documented evidence of ESD control effectiveness. Matting should come with test certificates and resistance data. Regular in-house testing is also required for ongoing compliance.
Recommendation: Choose suppliers who provide comprehensive documentation. Safe-Flex includes RAMS documentation with every order.
Long-Term Stability
ESD properties must remain stable over the product's lifetime. Some materials degrade with cleaning, UV exposure, or wear, causing resistance to drift outside specification.
Recommendation: Choose established products with proven long-term stability. Implement regular testing to catch any degradation early.
How We Tested
Our recommendations are based on analysis of product specifications, IEC 61340-5-1 compliance documentation, material properties, and practical suitability for UK electronics manufacturing environments. We considered:
- ESD performance: Resistance values and standard compliance
- Durability: Expected service life and resistance stability
- Anti-fatigue properties: Comfort for extended standing
- Practicality: Installation, grounding, and maintenance
- UK availability: Manufacturing location and lead times
- Documentation: Certificates, test data, and RAMS availability
- Value: Performance relative to price
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ESD matting and why do I need it?
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) matting is flooring designed to safely dissipate static electricity, protecting sensitive electronic components from damage. Static discharge of just 25 volts can destroy modern semiconductors, while humans don't feel shocks below 3,500 volts. ESD matting provides a controlled path to ground, preventing damaging discharge events in electronics manufacturing, assembly, and repair environments.
What's the difference between conductive and dissipative matting?
Conductive matting has resistance below 10⁶ ohms and rapidly conducts static to ground. Dissipative matting has resistance between 10⁶ and 10⁹ ohms, providing slower, controlled discharge. For personnel safety, dissipative matting is preferred in most applications — it protects components while limiting current flow if someone contacts live equipment. Conductive matting is used in specific applications requiring instant grounding.
What resistance should ESD matting have?
For IEC 61340-5-1 compliance, surface resistance should be between 10⁶ (1 megohm) and 10⁹ (1 gigohm) ohms. Resistance to ground should also fall within this range. Values below 10⁶ ohms may create shock hazards; above 10⁹ ohms provides insufficient static protection. Most quality ESD matting maintains resistance in the 10⁷–10⁸ ohm range.
Do I need ESD footwear with ESD matting?
Yes, for floor-based ESD protection to work, personnel must wear ESD footwear (shoes with dissipative soles or heel straps). Standard footwear insulates the wearer from the mat, preventing static dissipation. Alternative approaches include ESD wrist straps connected to ground at workstations, though this doesn't protect during movement around the facility.
How do I ground ESD matting?
ESD matting connects to your facility's earth ground through grounding points, studs, or conductive adhesive. Typical methods include snap studs that accept grounding cords, conductive adhesive applied to the floor, or grounding strips along mat edges. The grounding system must be tested regularly to ensure continuity. Safe-Flex ESD includes integrated grounding studs.
How often should ESD matting be tested?
IEC 61340-5-1 recommends regular testing but doesn't mandate specific intervals. Most facilities test quarterly, with critical environments testing monthly. Test surface resistance (point-to-point) and resistance to ground at multiple locations. Document all results for audits and quality system compliance. Testing should also occur after cleaning or any maintenance that might affect conductivity.
Can ESD matting be cleaned normally?
ESD matting can be cleaned, but avoid products that leave insulating residues. Use ESD-safe cleaners or mild detergent solutions, and avoid wax-based products. Some cleaning products can degrade ESD properties over time. After cleaning, allow mats to dry completely and re-test resistance to verify performance hasn't been affected.
What's the best ESD matting for electronics manufacturing?
For electronics manufacturing EPA floors, Safe-Flex ESD offers the best combination of IEC 61340-5-1 compliance, modular flexibility, and UK manufacturing. For workbench applications, specialist products from Desco or Bondline provide targeted protection. Premium installations may specify Notrax Cushion-Ease ESD for maximum durability and comfort.
Conclusion
Effective ESD protection is essential for any facility handling sensitive electronics. The right matting provides reliable static dissipation while supporting worker comfort and productivity.
For most UK facilities, Safe-Flex ESD offers the best combination of certified ESD performance, modular flexibility, anti-fatigue comfort, and sustainability credentials. The UK manufacturing ensures quick delivery and straightforward support.
Facilities requiring maximum durability should consider Notrax Cushion-Ease ESD, while workbench applications benefit from specialist products like Desco Statfree i. Budget-conscious buyers can achieve compliance with COBA Cobastat.
Whatever your choice, ensure products are IEC 61340-5-1 compliant, implement proper grounding, and establish regular testing procedures to maintain effective ESD protection over time.
Try IEC 61340-5-1 Compliant Safe-Flex ESD
UK-manufactured ESD modular matting from 100% recycled PVC. Free samples dispatched within 1 working day, with RAMS documentation and free CAD layout support included.