In the food industry, it’s essential to achieve the right balance between compliance and customer satisfaction. Food companies must adhere to certain regulations set out by regulatory bodies while at the same time thinking about the functionality and aesthetics of their food processing equipment and packaging.
The Compliance-Aesthetic Dilemma
The food industry faces a dual challenge when it comes to food-contact materials. Food manufacturers and suppliers need to adhere to certain regulatory standards such as those set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and FSA (Food Standards Agency) while simultaneously meeting customer demands for visual appeal. Finding the right balance is crucial for staying compliant as well as maintaining competitiveness in the industry.
Regulatory standards are there to ensure that food products are safe, accurately labelled and free from harmful contaminants. This includes material safety. According to the FDA, a “food contact substance is a substance that comes into contact with food and is not intended to have a technical effect in such food.” This includes food packaging, processing equipment, food preparation surfaces or cookware.
When it comes to packaging, consumer preferences are increasingly driven by visual appeal. Factors such as colour, texture and packaging design play a key role in purchasing decisions. Trends such as “Instagrammable” foods and the rise of clean label products highlight the importance of aesthetics.
Plastics, paper and other packaging materials have many other benefits including sterility and prolonged shelf life. However, there is the potential for transfer of chemicals from the packaging to the food, which is why FDA and FSA regulations exist.
Material Options for Food Industry Applications
At AFT Flurotec, we offer a range of FDA-approved materials that are both compliant with food safety regulations and available in aesthetic colours, making them ideal for the food industry.
1. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
PTFE is a high-performance fluoropolymer known for its excellent non-stick properties, chemical resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures (-200°C to 260°C). PTFE is widely used in food manufacturing, packaging and processing equipment. It’s a great choice for conveyor belts, moulds and baking trays to prevent food from sticking and to ensure easy release. The material’s non-reactive nature also ensures it does not contaminate food, making it safe for direct contact.
2. PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
PEEK is a high strength, high temperature thermoplastic with good mechanical and chemical properties. It can operate continuously at temperatures up to 250°C and is resistant to wear and tear. PEEK is ideal for demanding food processing applications such as seals, gaskets and pump components, where durability and hygiene are essential.
3. FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene)
FEP is a transparent or semi-transparent fluoropolymer with excellent chemical resistance, non-stick properties and a lower melting point than PTFE. It’s also highly flexible and can be used in thin films or coatings. FEP coatings are often used in the food and drink industry in cooking equipment, conveyor belt rollers and hoppers. They are also ideal for packaging and linings for containers due to the clarity of the material.
4. PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy)
PFA is a melt-processable fluoropolymer with similar properties to PTFE, including excellent chemical resistance, good non-stick properties and the ability to withstand high temperatures. It is also transparent and highly flexible. As a result, PFA is perfect for a variety of applications including industrial bakeware products such as bread pans, baking tins and dough hoppers as well as chemical vessels, pipework systems, agitators and ductwork.
5. ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene)
ETFE is a thermoplastic polymer that offers excellent chemical resistance, high mechanical strength and can operate in temperatures ranging from approximately -200°C to 150°C. ETFE can be used in food packaging and processing equipment where strength and transparency are required. Its resistance to harsh cleaning agents and outdoor weathering also make it suitable for long-term use in the food industry.
Custom Solutions: Balancing Compliance and Design
Sourcing and specifying materials that meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards in the food industry requires a tailored approach. AFT Fluorotec offers custom fluoropolymer solutions that are not only compliant with food safety regulations, but are also customised to enhance the visual appeal of your food processing equipment and packaging.
Our decades of experience in advanced materials and coatings enable us to provide our clients with the perfect balance between functionality, compliance and design. Whether it’s manufacturing a whole range of metal bakeware, developing non-stick coatings for baking trays or refurbishing hoppers and chutes, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide a bespoke solution.
Real-World Applications in the Food Industry
At AFT Fluorotec, we take pride in developing tailor made solutions that support a variety of needs in the food and beverage industry. From production to manufacturing, our custom coatings, combined with our technical expertise and innovation have improved our clients’ business operations and even helped them save on costs.
Sweet Production Equipment
A confectionery manufacturer was facing issues with caramelised sugar sticking to the equipment, leading to production delays and increased cleaning requirements. The client had previously worked with another supplier and unfortunately the wrong coating had been applied, resulting in components of their equipment being destroyed. The type of coating applied required a very high temperature which overheated the mould castings. Since the equipment is used to produce sweets, the coating had to have excellent release properties and be able to withstand high temperatures.
After discussions with the client and carrying out tests, we found the ideal PTFE coating that worked for their equipment. The client was thrilled and we’re currently coating 8000 moulds a month for them!
Pasta Production Rollers
A leading UK fresh pasta and noodle producer approached us with the issue that they were losing production on one of their lines producing stuffed pasta shapes. This was due to sticky dough clinging to their cutter rollers, causing line stoppages and costing the company money. Another problem was that replacing the rollers would mean a seven day delay and this wasn’t an option for them.
We acted fast, providing a 24-hour turnaround service, removing the old coating and applying a new, longer-lasting AFC 2108 non-stick coating with an easy-clean finish. This solution minimised their downtime and ensured their supermarket clients still received their deliveries on time.
Sushi Rice Processing
A fast-growing sushi manufacturer came to us with pressing concerns about the production of their sushi rice. They encountered problems with rice sticking to their processing equipment, which affected product quality, hygiene and ultimately had a major effect on the efficiency of the business.
Since sushi rice has an even higher starch content than regular rice, it was important to apply a non-stick coating to the equipment surfaces. This improved product release and resulted in reduced waste and a more efficient product line.
Get in touch
At AFT Fluorotec, we take the time to understand our clients’ needs before offering a custom solution. The food and beverage industry poses unique challenges from FSA requirements to changing customer demands. You can rely on us to provide high quality products that meet both regulations and are in keeping with your company’s aesthetics.
Contact us on 01992 515880 to discuss the best material options for your food company.
You can visit the FDA Database to verify FDA-approved materials. Alternatively, contact us on 01992 515880 and we’ll let you know which of our materials are FDA approved.
Depending on the material, FDA-approved materials can be cost effective, and materials like polyethylene and polypropylene are generally inexpensive. Contact us directly for a quote.
We know that visual impact plays a huge role in the success of any business so our PTFE and fluoropolymer coatings come in a range of colours. Feel free to chat to us about the colour you need.
