Ensuring Hygienic Standards in Plastic Sheets

Plastics used in industrial kitchens, showcasing hygienic cladding

Cleanliness is a non-negotiable priority for a range of critical industries, such as food processing, healthcare, and pharmaceutical laboratories, so the choice of surface materials can be the difference between a compliant facility and a costly contamination risk. Surfaces such as tile or stainless steel often present challenges, from porous grout lines that harbour bacteria, to high maintenance costs, making them a less ideal solution.

We understand that maintaining a sterile environment requires more than just a rigorous cleaning schedule; it requires materials engineered for hygiene from the ground up.

Why choose plastic for hygiene-critical areas?

Plastic materials have become essential in hygienic design because of their non-porous state and chemical resilience. Unlike alternative materials, high-quality plastics deter the growth of mould or bacteria and can withstand the aggressive cleaning agents required in medical and food-grade environments to maintain strict standards.

Key benefits include:

Non-absorbent surfaces: Materials like uPVC and PE-HD don’t absorb moisture, helping to prevent bacterial growth often found in cracked tiles or timber.
High chemical resistance: They remain stable even when exposed to harsh disinfectants, steam cleaning, and industrial detergents.
Durability: Hygienic plastics are designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of trolleys, machinery, and heavy foot traffic without chipping or cracking – providing lasting durability.

How to select the right material for your environment

Choosing the correct plastic depends largely on the specific demands and standards of your industry.

Premium Cladding Collection

For wall protection in hospitals, dental practices, and commercial kitchens, our Premium Cladding Collection is the ideal solution. These uPVC sheets provide a seamless, wipe-clean surface that eliminates the need for grout, and pair with our silicone and adhesive range, forming a complete, high-performance moisture-resistant system.

Satin and Gloss finishes: Available in a wide range of shades, these sheets are fire-rated and food-approved.
Seamless design: Designed with colour-matched profiles, trims, silicones and weld rods, you can create a sealed environment that prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating behind the surface.
Complete protection: To ensure complete sterility, pair with our ceiling planks for an environment that is fully compliant and hygienic.

Polyethylene – High Density (PE – HD)

For components such as chopping boards, wear strips, or conveyor parts, PE-HD is often the preferred choice. Our High-Density Polyethylene Applications focus on durability and food safety.

High stress resistance: HDPE (specifically PE-HD 100) is highly resistant to stress cracking and impact, making it ideal for high-pressure environments.
Compliance: Our natural PE-HD grades are both FDA and EU food contact approved, ensuring they meet the requirements needed for the global food and beverage industry.

Best practices for installation

Even the highest quality material can underperform if it is not installed correctly. To ensure your hygienic plastics provide a lifetime of service, follow these essential installation steps to maintain the highest standards:

Surface preparation

Prior to installation, the substrate must be clean, dry, and free from any contaminants. Any unevenness in the wall can lead to air pockets, which may compromise the adhesive bond.

Thermal expansion

Plastics expand and contract with temperature changes. When installing cladding in areas like cold stores or hot kitchens, it is vital to leave appropriate expansion gaps at the joints and corners. We recommend installing our cladding at temperatures between 14°C and 25°C to ensure the material is at its most stable during the bonding process.

The Complete System

To qualify for a lifetime guarantee, we recommend using the complete system approach. This involves:

Premierbond Adhesive: Specifically formulated to provide a high-strength, water-resistant bond. Available in white and crystal clear cartridges for a seamless finish, refillable foils and 6.5ltr tub for large environments.
Sanitary Silicone: Our anti-fungal silicone range ensures that even the smallest gaps around fixtures and fittings remain bacteria-resistant. Available in colour-matched options to blend seamlessly with the sheets, and also in white and clear, which benefit from being food-grade and fungicidal.

For more information, please refer to our installation guide.

Long-term maintenance to keep standards high

Our range of hygienic plastics requires low maintenance to ensure they continue to perform to industry standards. To preserve the surface finish and antimicrobial properties, follow these cleaning guidelines:

Use non-abrasive cleaners: Avoid scouring pads or abrasive creams that can create micro-scratches. These scratches can become “traps” for microscopic debris.
Rinse thoroughly: After using detergents, always rinse the surface with clean water to prevent chemical build-up.
Regular inspection: Check joints and silicone seals periodically. If a seal is damaged, it should be repaired immediately to prevent moisture leakage.

Your partner in hygienic solutions

Since 1969, Oadby Plastics has been at the forefront of plastic innovation. As the UK’s leading independent plastics supplier, we don’t just provide materials; we provide technical expertise. Whether you need precision-machined components for medical equipment or a full-scale cladding installation for a new cleanroom, our team is here to guide you.

Are you ready to upgrade your facility’s hygienic standards? Explore our Premium Cladding Collection or contact our sales team to discuss your specific requirements today.

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