Materials used in food and beverage processing equipment and systems must be FDA-compliant for food safety purposes. In addition, materials can also affect the overall efficiency of processes like mixing, transferring products between containers, and conveyance. 

Polyurethane is widely used in food and beverage applications because it is strong, resilient, and non-toxic. It also has a cross-linked polymer structure that performs better than conventional plastic and rubber materials when exposed to extreme temperatures, impact, abrasion, and chemicals.

At Polyurethane Products, we offer a selection of FDA-compliant food-safe urethane solutions that are compatible with dry and wet food processing applications. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of polyurethane, some common applications for it, and our capabilities.

FDA Compliance in Food Manufacturing

Title 21 CFR 174-199 deals with food additives, and polyurethane is considered an indirect food additive in this context. This means it is not intentionally added to food or beverage products as an ingredient; however, it may end up in the food or beverage as a result of normal contact with them during processing (i.e., mixing, storage).

Many polymers are considered food-safe, and part 177 of this regulation refers to them as a whole. 21 CFR 177.1680 specifically addresses polyurethane materials. To be compliant, materials must be formulated to prevent leaching of harmful substances into food products. Polyurethane Products maintains relationships with FDA-certified suppliers for consistent compliance across all of our food and beverage products.

Benefits Over Metal and Rubber Parts

Polyurethane materials are valued in food and beverage applications because they offer more corrosion resistance, a quieter operation, and better non-marking characteristics than metal. It also has better load capacity and resistance to chemicals and abrasion than rubber. As a result, polyurethane components often have a longer service life and more efficient utility than metal, rubber, and other polymers.

Our food-safe urethane products are suitable for many food-grade applications, including those involving liquids, meats, baked goods, and dairy packaging systems. All of these require tools and equipment that will neither contaminate nor damage products.

Food Handling and Packaging Systems

Polyurethane is compatible with many components of food processing and packaging applications, from conveyor rollers and table surfaces to bumpers and inspection tables. It is chemically inert, which mitigates the risk of contamination from sanitizers, acids, and oils to maintain a hygienic environment. For example, conveyor guides and roller covers often use these materials for poultry, sugar, and rice handling and packaging lines.

Conveyor, Chute, and Scraper Components

Polyurethane is one of the best options for wear resistance and minimal friction for belt scrapers, chute liners, and guide rails. Polyurethane components reduce the risk of jamming and improve material flow, both of which help boost equipment uptime and productivity. Meanwhile, FDA-compliant chute liners offer more protection for downstream applications and food products.

At Polyurethane Products, we offer multiple standard and custom food-safe urethane solutions. Many products are in-stock, and others can be cast for quick turnaround. Products include:

Rods, Sheets, and Tubes in Stock

Our standard food-grade rods, tubing, and sheets come in a range of colors, sizes, and hardnesses from 30A to 90A. We also offer materials that are free of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and other plasticizers, making them ideal for tubes, hoses, packaging equipment, and hoppers.

Custom Molded Parts

Our custom molding capabilities include, but are not limited to:

We offer both reverse engineering and cast to print manufacturing for custom products. Our  experienced tooling professionals verify dimensional accuracy, performance, and compliance with every solution. All of our food and beverage products adhere to FDA regulations regarding indirect food additive exposure.

We provide comprehensive engineering support for material selection, optimal manufacturability, mold making, and rapid prototyping. All of our tooling is manufactured in-house for continuous quality assurance. We can also reverse engineer components to meet your requirements.

Material Selection by Food Type

Our material specialists will assess your application, particularly whether it involves wet or dry ingredients, to help you select appropriate materials for FDA compliance, optimal sanitation, and temperature compatibility. 

Polyurethane Products is your expert source for food-safe urethane products for food and beverage processing and packaging systems. Our standard and custom cast FDA polyurethane products can help you maintain regulatory compliance without compromising your products or manufacturing processes. 

Request a quote to learn more about our food-grade polyurethane materials, products, and manufacturing capabilities for your application.