You might have seen an EPDM rubber sheet commonly used as a roof protection membrane. But, were you aware that EPDM rubber sheeting too has its food-grade version?
Yes, you have heard it right. Food-grade or FDA-approved silicone rubber sheets are quite popular among users. Still, rubber sheet EPDM applications have carved their own niche in the food and beverage industry.
We are going to explore this unknown side of an EPDM rubber sheet today, in this blog. Enjoy your read!
EPDM rubber, also known as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a type of synthetic rubber. Among all other synthetic rubber types like Neoprene, Nitrile, or Viton, EPDM rubber is known for extreme resilience against high temperature, UV, and Ozone. Nevertheless, a commercial-grade EPDM rubber is not a food-grade variant.
What is a Food-Grade EPDM Rubber Sheet?
A food-grade rubber sheet EPDM is a specialized form of EPDM that complies with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines.
FDA is a U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting public health. It ensures the safety, efficacy, and security of medicines, biological products, and medical devices.
Thus, if your EPDM rubber sheet suppliers are offering you a food-grade product, always check the FDA certificate!
What are the Key Properties of an FDA-approved EPDM Rubber Sheeting
In addition to the features of a commercial EPDM rubber sheet, the food-grade version comes with other properties like:
- Non-toxic: The ingredients used to manufacture food-grade EPDM rubber sheets are inert. That means they do not react easily in contact with heat, cold, oil, chemicals, etc.
- Bacteria and mold-free: Moisture can create a thin film on the rubber sheet surfaces. This can furthermore induce the growth of bacteria in them. FDA-approved EPDM rubber sheets do not let bacteria and mold grow on them.
- Odor-free: EPDM rubber has low chemical migration properties, which means that minimal amounts of chemicals can leach into food. Hence, they remain odor-free.
- Steam resistant: Hot temperatures may come in the form of steam. FDa-approved rubber sheet EPDM do not melt or warp in contact with steam.
- Hot Water Resistant: Hot water often fades the color, accelerates aging, or causes swelling. FDA-approved EPDM rubber sheets do not experience such things.
- Flexible yet Durable: Food-grade EPDM rubber provides excellent flexibility, making it easy to fit into complex machinery and resistant to wear and tear over time.
5 Common Applications of Food-Grade EPDM Rubber Sheet
Food-grade EPDM rubber sheet specification fits perfectly with the requirements of food and beverage production units. Especially, where the applications include exposure to high-temperature, steam, or hot water.
We have jotted down the most common ones here:
#1 Gaskets and Seals in Food Processing Equipment
Gaskets and seals prevent leakage. They allow safe transportation of solids, liquids, and gases- preventing contamination. EPDM rubber sheeting is cut in the shape of seals, gaskets, and O-rings in machines. Some machines in which seals made of EPDM rubber sheets are used are beverage dispensers, dairy processing machines, bottling machines, and meat processing equipment.
#2 Protective Conveyor Belt Covers in Bakeries
Bakeries produce a lot of food items like cake, biscuits, and cookies. Most of them are precisely crafted with a lot of intricate features. Hence, manual handling of them is not safe.
Product damage can cause a monetary loss to the business owners. Therefore, conveyor belts are used to transport these bakery items from one station to another. The conveyor belt covers in food processing plants are made of FDA-approved EPDM rubber sheets.
Their resistance to heat, oils, and abrasion makes them ideal for continuous food processing, where products pass through different stages of preparation and packaging.
#3 Lining for Storage and Product Mixing Tanks
Food-grade rubber sheet EPDM is also installed inside mixing tanks and containers making sure the food items inside do not come in contact with metals. This rubber lining protects both the food and the large containers.
Beverage mixing tanks and ingredient storage bins require such a safe lining.
#4 Food Preparation Table Mats
In personal kitchens or restaurants, table mats, particularly baking mats, make the work easier. It also keeps the workplace mess-free. Additionally, such mats also prepare a hygienic, non-slip, and cushioned surface.
Their smooth finish without any markings on them enables a quick cleaning. How would you like it if your cleaning job is finished within a few minutes?
A silicone rubber sheet is also used to make baking or table mats. However, EPDM rubber sheets perform better when UV, Ozone, heat, or steam applications are involved.
#5 Packaging Equipment
In packaging machinery, food-grade EPDM seals ensure that food products are safely enclosed, preserving their quality and freshness. Its ability to withstand heat and pressure makes it a perfect choice for sealing packages that require heat treatment.
Are There Any Benefits of Using FDA-approved EPDM Rubber Sheets?
Using the right product for the right job makes you profitable in a number of ways. If you are curious to know the benefits of using FDA-approved EPDM rubber sheet wherever necessary, here you go:
- Fewer Replacements: Seals and gaskets are the parts of a machine that wear easily. Nevertheless, you cannot operate a machine without them, as well. Food-grade EPDM rubber sheets are designed to withstand rigorous conditions, including high temperatures, exposure to water and steam, and constant abrasion. The need for replacement is anyway reduced!
- Less Maintenance Costs: Due to its high resilience and resistance to wear, food-grade EPDM requires minimal maintenance. According to internal research by our experts, products with higher self-life can reduce up to 33.68% of your overall maintenance costs!
- Workplace Compliance: According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 48 million people in the U.S. (1 in 6) fall ill, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year due to food-borne illnesses.
Penalties for negligence in food production lead to a monetary fine and even penal charges. An FDA-compliant EPDM rubber sheet keeps you aligned with FDA and EU regulations, which is critical for any business in the food or pharmaceutical industry.
Discover Duratuf FDA-approved EPDM Rubber Sheets
Duratuf has been a trusted rubber sheet supplier to more than 3566 customers in 52+ countries across the globe. Our EPDM rubber sheets are made of high-quality materials and certified.
Find the technical specifications of the product here:
- Product Name: FoodSafeEPDM60c
- Grade: Premium
- Polymer %: 100%
- Color: Off-White
- S.G. (± 0.05): 1.3
- Hardness (Shore A): 60
- T.S. (MPa): 5
- E.B (%): 250%
- Recommended Use Temp. Range (°C): -10 to +110
- Surface Finish: P + P
- Min. Thickness (mm): 2
- Max. Thickness (mm): 6
- Max. Width (M): 1.2
- Max. Length (M): 10
- Ozone Resistance: Excellent
- Dilute Acids & Bases Resistance: Excellent
- Concentrated Acids & Bases Resistance: Excellent
- Oil Resistance: Excellent
- Solvent Resistance: Not Recommended
Whether in food processing, pharmaceuticals, or packaging, these rubber sheets offer an excellent combination of durability, chemical resistance, and flexibility.
Do you want a quote? Contact our experts today!
