Food and pharmaceutical industry

Rubber applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry

Artech has a wide variety of rubber compounds that are suitable and certified for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

What is the food or feed industry?

The food industry focuses on all processes involved in the production and distribution of food and beverages. From packaging materials to machinery in food processing plants, materials such as rubber must meet strict requirements to ensure the safety and quality of food products.

Within this industry, it is crucial to ensure that products are safe to consume. Materials that come into contact with food, such as rubber, must meet strict quality standards and health regulations. Rubber is used in the food industry in various applications such as seals, closures, conveyor belts, and so on.

Requirements for rubber in the food industry

Rubber used in the food industry must meet strict guidelines and properties, including:

1. Food safety and regulations: Rubber products that come into contact with food must comply with food safety standards and legal regulations set by government agencies. These standards are aimed at minimizing potential risks of food contamination.
2. Material properties: Rubber must have properties that are suitable for contact with food, such as resistance to certain temperatures, chemicals, greases or cleaning agents. For example, it must not release substances that can contaminate food.
3. Certifications and quality marks: Products can be certified according to specific standards and guidelines for food safety. Quality marks, such as FDA approval in the United States or certain EU regulations in Europe (including BfR, Dutch Commodities Act, EC1935/2004), indicate that the rubber is suitable for use in the food industry.

Ensuring the safety of materials such as rubber in the food industry is vital to protect consumers from potential health risks. Manufacturers and suppliers must therefore follow strict guidelines and standards to ensure that their products are safe for use in contact with food.

Rubber in the food industry

Rubber is used daily in the food industry for various applications. Some important examples are:

1. Seals and gaskets

Rubber is used in O-rings, fixtures and seals that come into direct contact with food. It prevents leaks and protects against contamination.

2. Conveyor belts

Rubber coated conveyor belts used for processing and packaging food. The material must be resistant to wear, cleaning agents and high temperatures.

3. Hoses and fittings

In processes involving the transport of liquids, fats or other substances, rubber hoses and fittings are used that are safe and hygienic.

Rubber in the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry has even stricter requirements for rubber. Within this industry, rubber is used in applications such as seals for medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging. The material must meet:

• USP Class VI standards: For safe applications in the medical sector.
• Certifications: Rubber compounds such as EPDM, FKM and FFKM can be suitable and certified for pharmaceutical use.

Why is rubber essential in the food and pharmaceutical industry?

Rubber is indispensable in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of its unique properties:

• Hygienic and safe: Suitable for contact with food and pharmaceutical products.
• Durable and reliable: Resistant to demanding conditions such as high temperatures and chemicals.

What does Artech Rubber offer to the food and pharmaceutical industries?

Artech Rubber supplies a wide range of rubber compounds that meet the strict requirements and guidelines of the food and pharmaceutical industries. Whether it is FDA or EC1935/2004 compliant materials for food processing or USP Class VI compounds for pharmaceutical applications, we have the knowledge and experience to provide high-quality solutions.