Seals for the food industry

In the food industry, seals are used that are permanently in contact with food, cleaning media and changing temperatures. Materials are required that are hygienically safe, chemically resistant and can be used reliably in processes.

Food-safe seals are used, among other things, in filling plants, mixing and conveying technology, pumps, valves and pipeline systems. The decisive factor is the combination of material approval, surface quality and mechanical load capacity, as even the smallest material defects can lead to contamination or production downtime.

Martan Gummi supplies seals for the food industry as series or custom-made products. Depending on the application, suitable elastomers are selected, cut to size or moulded and matched to the respective requirements. Typical materials are, for example, silicone seals for temperature-critical areas or other food-safe elastomers with the appropriate approval.

Standards and approvals for food-safe seals

Seals in the food industry are subject to clearly defined legal and normative requirements. The aim is to protect consumers from health risks caused by migration of ingredients or microbial contamination.

Central to this is EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. It stipulates that materials in contact with food must not release any constituents in quantities harmful to health and must not change the composition of food.

For many applications, FDA approval under 21 CFR (USA) is also relevant. It is frequently required internationally, particularly for export-oriented plants or global food corporations.

Depending on the area of application, further requirements may apply, for example regarding traceability, material purity or test certificates. The selection of suitable materials is therefore always application-related and is based on the medium, temperature, cleaning processes and mechanical load. For sensitive areas, tested silicone materials or specially formulated elastomers are often used.

Suitable materials for food-safe seals

The selection of the right material is a central factor for the safety and durability of seals in the food industry. The decisive factors are the contact medium, temperature range, cleaning cycles and mechanical stress.

Silicone (VMQ)

Silicone is frequently used in food-processing plants. The material is odourless and tasteless, temperature-resistant and well suited for applications involving hot water or steam. Typical areas of use are filling plants, valves and seals with direct product contact. Further information can be found on the silicone seals page.

EPDM

EPDM is suitable for applications involving water, steam and cleaning media. The material offers good ageing and ozone resistance and is frequently used in CIP and SIP processes, provided that the appropriate food-law approval is in place.

Other elastomers

Depending on the application, other food-safe elastomers are also used, for example where there are special media requirements or continuous mechanical load. The material selection is always application-related and takes into account the required approvals.

Typical areas of use for food-safe seals

Food-safe seals are used in virtually all areas of food processing. The requirements differ depending on the process step, contact medium and cleaning intensity.

Filling and packaging plants

In filling plants, seals seal valves, pumps and connection points. They are often in direct contact with liquid or pasty foods and must function reliably even at high cycle rates.

Pipeline and conveying systems

In pipelines, hose connections and conveying systems, seals ensure leak-free transitions. Here, resistance to cleaning media and a consistent sealing effect over long operating times are relevant.

Mixing, cooking and process plants

In mixers, boilers and process vessels, seals are used that must withstand high temperatures, pressure loads and frequent cleaning cycles. Temperature-resistant elastomers are often used for this purpose.

Depending on the area of use, seals are designed as flat gaskets, moulded seals or profiles. For application-specific solutions, Martan Gummi also offers custom-made seals for the food industry.

Manufacturing and designs of food-safe seals

Seals for the food industry are manufactured in different designs depending on the area of use. The decisive factors are the quantity, geometry, material and the required approvals.

Series production

For standardised applications, Martan Gummi supplies seals in consistent quality and reproducible dimensional accuracy. Series production is particularly suitable for plants with high replacement demand or regular maintenance intervals.

Cut pieces and contoured parts

Flat gaskets are frequently manufactured as cut pieces from sheet material. Precise cutting enables accurately fitting contours even with complex geometries. Further information can be found under rubber cut pieces.

Custom and moulded seals

For special requirements, moulded seals or individual profiles are used. These are precisely matched to the respective application and take into account both mechanical loads and hygienic requirements.

Regardless of the design, manufacturing always takes place taking into account the required standards, material approvals and operating conditions of the food industry.

Selection and advice for food-safe seals

The selection of the right seal for the food industry requires a structured consideration of the operating conditions. The aim is permanently safe sealing under hygienic and process-engineering requirements.

Essential selection criteria are the contact medium, the temperature range, the cleaning and disinfection processes and mechanical loads. In addition, legal requirements and required material approvals play a central role.

Even during the planning phase, specialist consultation is advisable in order to avoid material changes, premature wear or unplanned downtime. Martan Gummi supports the selection of materials, design and manufacture of suitable sealing solutions for the food industry.

For individual applications, both standardised products and custom-made seals are available, which are matched precisely to the respective plant.

Frequently asked questions about food-safe seals

Which seals are considered food-safe?

Seals made from materials that are approved for contact with food and comply with legal requirements are considered food-safe. These include, among others, tested elastomers with approvals under EU 1935/2004 or FDA.

Which materials are most frequently used in the food industry?

Silicone, EPDM and other specially formulated elastomers are frequently used. The selection depends on the medium, temperature range and cleaning processes. For temperature-critical applications, silicone seals are often used.

Are there standard seals for the food industry?

Standardised seals are available for many applications. Where geometries differ or there are special requirements, seals are manufactured individually.

What should be considered for cleaning and disinfection?

Seals must be resistant to cleaning and disinfection media and must maintain their sealing effect even with frequent CIP or SIP cycles.