American Biltrite Introduces ABDEFENDER®: Your first line of defense!

Sherbrooke, September 2nd, 2025– American Biltrite is proud to announce the launch of ABDEFENDER®, a revolutionary collection of rubber flooring and stair treads specifically designed to enhance safety in emergency exit areas of high-rise buildings.

With its exceptional fire-retardant properties and low smoke development, ABDEFENDER® sets a new standard in protective flooring solutions. Available in six versatile colors, this collection offers round profile rubber tiles , as well as stair treads with integrated risers, with or without visually impaired safety strips. Custom colors and a hammered profile are also available for larger orders, ensuring design flexibility without compromising safety.

A dependable solution

“Safety and innovation are at the heart of everything we do,” says Jean-Pierre Benoit, Corporate Vice President and General Manager at American Biltrite. “With ABDEFENDER®, we are providing architects, engineers, and builders a dependable solution that prioritizes occupant protection in the most critical spaces, such as stairways and emergency exits’’. 

Certifications and commitment

This collection complies with the most stringent fire safety standards, including the ASTM E84 standard for surface burning characteristics of building materials, Class A, and the CAN/ULC-S102.2 standard. These standards ensure that the materials ensure the slower spread of flames and smoke. According to the National Building Code of Canada, materials used for emergency exits must meet a flame spread index of ≤ 25 and a smoke development index of ≤ 50. ABDEFENDER® meets these requirements, providing optimal protection in high-risk environments.

ABDEFENDER® is also Red List Free, demonstrating its compliance with the Living Building Challenge® Declare® program. This certification underscores American Biltrite’s commitment to material transparency, toxic chemical avoidance, and simplifying material specification and project certification processes. From hospitals and schools to airports and residential towers, this collection is engineered to protect both people and buildings in case of an emergency, all while providing a sleek and durable flooring solution.

Samples and product availability

Samples of ABDEFENDER® are now available for order here and on Material Bank. 

For any questions, visit our website or contact your local sales representative. 

ABDEFENDER® Stair Treads 

ABDEFENDER® Rubber tiles