Back to all News
The food processing industry faces an increasing need for better hygiene to protect public health. According to the Food Standards Agency, the UK alone experiences around 2.4 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually. On a global scale, the World Health Organisation estimates that foodborne diarrhoeal diseases contribute to 550 million illnesses and 230,000 deaths every year. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for the food industry to adopt stringent safety measures. As a result, food safety regulations have become stricter, pushing manufacturers to seek innovative solutions to not only comply with these regulations but also to enhance overall efficiency in their production lines.
A significant development in this area has been the focus on improving the hygiene of conveyor systems. Conveyor belts play a crucial role in food production, and advancements in their design and materials are key to creating a safer environment. Traditional materials like plastic or monolithic urethane have been standard in conveyor systems, but these materials can sometimes fall short in meeting the growing demands of hygiene and efficiency. One promising alternative is the integration of Kevlar into urethane conveyor belts, which makes them much more hygienic compared to typical plastic modular belts. This combination has been embraced by ENE Group, a leader in the design and supply of conveyor systems for food processing.
The introduction of Kevlar-reinforced belts offers several key advantages. For example, ENE Group offers PosiClean™ belts, which are easy to clean, quieter, and provide a positive-drive replacement for straight-running plastic modular belts and unsupported monolithic belts that come into direct contact with food. The CenterClean™ and FlatClean™ belts also offer specialized solutions for self-tracking and troughing applications. These belts incorporate aramid tensile members that help minimize belt stretch and the need for re-tensioning. In addition to these hygiene benefits, Kevlar belts also contribute to longer-lasting, more durable conveyor systems that require less maintenance, ultimately saving food processors both time and money.
The benefits of Kevlar-reinforced belts extend beyond just hygiene. They offer enhanced durability, a higher load capacity, and better overall performance than traditional plastic modular belts. Kevlar belts do not elongate over time, reducing the need for constant adjustments or welding presses. They also feature improved sprocket interaction and longer-lasting welds, thanks to the stability provided by the Kevlar fibres. With these innovations, the use of Kevlar reinforced conveyor belts allows food processors to enhance their hygiene practices, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the efficiency of their production lines. As the food processing industry continues to prioritize safety, hygiene, and sustainability, Kevlar-reinforced belts are certainly leading the way.
ENE
Unit 24
Scarva Road Industrial Estate
Banbridge
Co. Down
Northern Ireland
BT32 3QD
