Hygienic Design in the Food Processing Industry

Hygienic Design in the Food Processing Industry

Over the last few decades, much of the world has seen a transformative and inexorable move towards consuming processed food. The very definition of ‘processed’ is subject to subsets with Ultra Processed Food (UPF) being closely scrutinized and criticized on the basis of nutritional content, pressuring global corporates to reduce chemical additives (c.f. recently publicized committments to remove artificial colouring by 2027)

Processing in its most limited form can involve conducting vegetable or fruit through a bath to remove soil and extraneous material or, as an extreme example, it can involve a fundamental conversion and combining of cooked and frozen raw materials of both animal and vegetable origin into a ready to eat meal.  

Any intervention by a factory or kitchen hub that alters the quality of the food sent to market can be seen as processing. A ‘processor’ wishing to avoid promoting biological hazards on their premises must conform to basic food hygiene rules.

The larger the processor, the larger the customer base; the more susceptible the foodstuff is to pathogenic development. These factors and others compound the risks to public health and the exposure to heavy financial penalties.

The adoption of standards and the rules that ensure conformity has evolved over the last 40 years into a global movement focused on food safety, with pressure coming from ever more sophisticated and informed consumers and implemented or enforced by both internal quality control teams in factories and certified auditors.

Global initiatives like the Codex Alimentarius and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) have arisen to coordinate and harmonize the myriad of standards and auditing systems.

However, much of the attention has focused on food processing and on curbing bad practices, ensuring risks are mitigated and identifying weak points in the production line. Not as much thought has been given to the way factories and machinery are designed and how improved design and finishing of materials can enhance food safety.

The European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) was created to put this into practice and has built up a global network of experts who draft guidelines for designing safe, cleanable machinery and conduct many other activities to propogate the message of what is called Hygienic Design. This was initially a unique undertaking which greatly contributes to food safety based on concrete advice and insights on the design and layout of processing equipment and processing halls. The message is clear; professional attention to hygienic design principles, reduces hygienic hazards and risks. Volta Belting has proudly been part of EHEDG for over 12 years, contributing to the development of international guidelines on Hygienic Design for conveyor and conveyor belts.

Volta Belting: Leading the Way

EHEDG Guideline 42 recognizes monolithic, thermoplastic belts as the only generic type of plastic belting with no inherent hygienic risk, as opposed to traditional modular or PU fabric belts. Monolithic belts avoid additional materials and parts such as fabric layers or links and pins that act as a breeding ground for pathogens. They combine the flexibility of PU fabric belts with the resistance and durability of modular belts – the result is both mechanical and hygienic lifespan running side by side. No other plastic material offers this. They also require less cleaning time and resources to disinfect (water, chemicals and manpower), and thereby significantly lower total cost of ownership.

Independent studies point to 55% savings in cleaning expenses for monolithic belts compared to modular belts and 75% when the cost of cleaning the conveyor are factored in.

The Hidden Risk of Outdated Equipment

Implementation of Volta belts can save processors huge costs of disinfection but this only part of the possible saving. Many Volta belts are assembled onto unhygienic conveyors where at least the platform in contact with the foodstuff is improved but the presence of ‘dirt’ traps on these conveyors is overlooked and ignored. In many cases, processors are unaware of the hidden risks in  continuing to work on existing equipment without at least reviewing its condition.

There is now a growing awareness of the dangers and potential cost of hanging on too long to outdated or substandard equipment. Even recently purchased machinery can pose risks if not designed according to hygienic principles and legal liability will usually be measured against conformity to a given state-of-the-art.

As the Global Food Safety Initiative has now adopted EHEDG Guidelines as a ‘benchmark’, the information in these Guidelines is highly significant for any processor wishing to ensure the lowest possible level of risk, and potentially, a lower exposure to any class action concerning food illnesses.

With rising pathogenic threats and an increase in global foodborne illness outbreaks, Hygienic Design is no longer a recommendation—it’s a necessity and Volta’s commitment to this extends beyond the belt into hygienic considerations for conveyors. Our Positive Drive models like Super Drivetm and MiniSuper Drivetm support the ongoing evolution of conveyor design into streamlined, hygienic models that are based on the concept of Cleanability.

See It for Yourself

Volta Belting invites you to experience hygienic conveying. Discover how we’re helping food processors around the world—meet tomorrow’s hygiene standards, today.

Hygienic Design- Food Processing Industry
Hygienic Design- Food Processing Industry

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Hygienic Design in the Food Processing Industry

Hygienic Design in the Food Processing Industry

Over the last few decades, much of the world has seen a transformative and inexorable move towards consuming processed food. The very definition of ‘processed’ is subject to subsets with Ultra Processed Food (UPF) being closely scrutinized and criticized on the basis of nutritional content, pressuring global corporates to reduce chemical additives (c.f. recently publicized committments to remove artificial colouring by 2027)

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Peter Brøndum Jensen

Ellegaard Group A/S

Volta Belting is a dedicated and reliable partner, always ready to provide prompt and professional support. They fully meet our expectations in terms of both quality and collaboration, and they play an active role in strengthening our business.

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SuperDrive™ (SD)

When you are looking for the ideal solution to help you increase your production rate, simplify the process, slash costs and comply with regulations, it’s time for SuperDrive™!

A Positive Drive belt that solves the key mechanical problems of classic flat belts, namely, slipping and off-tracking, SuperDrive™ helps lower running costs for reduced cost of ownership, requires less hot water, provides less chemical exposure, and reduces cleaning time.

As a result, you have more time and money for production. Perfect!

Dough Pump Conveyors

Dough pump conveyors are used to process raw dough in large-scale production bakeries.

These conveyors elevate dough at a sharp incline and commonly use plied belts with bottom guides. Due to uneven loads, bakery belts often suffer from off-tracking, and slippage, which can cause fraying, tearing and the need for belt tension, leading to belt failure. A retrofit to
SuperDrive™ solves all of that, making raw dough production… as easy as pie.

Narrow Transfers

Bakery lines often incorporate small pulley diameters and static ‘knife edge’ nose bars. When selecting the right belt for your business, make sure to measure the diameter/radius and, to note the wrapping angle.

Our bakery conveyor belts are specifically tailored for biscuit and pizza base cutting lines, helping make dough production simple and efficient.

Cutting Lines

Our TPE bakery conveyor belts are highly resistant to cuts and abrasion.

They are also easily repaired in the event of mechanical damage, making them robust, cost-effective, and literally, the best thing since sliced bread.

Integrity and Fairness

Ethical standards guide our business practices, reflecting our commitment to fairness, trust, and reliability. We value mutual respect, intellectual honesty, and humility.Each team member takes ownership of 

their decisions and pursues continuous improvement. This philosophy builds enduring relationships that highlight our long-term success.

Personal Touch

Despite our global reach, we maintain individuality in all interactions, cultivating strong relationships.

with customers, partners, and colleagues. Our approach ensures everyone feels valued and supported. We promote work-life balance through a family-oriented culture, creating an environment that fosters both individual and collective growth.

Empowerment

We encourage employees to take initiative, make decisions, and drive innovation by providing necessary resources. This culture of accountability enables our team to excel and contribute to the company’s progress. We nurture our employees’ potential through an inclusive environment, offering constructive feedback and recognition. Our commitment extends to self-actualization, helping staff find career fulfillment while advancing organizational goals.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Success at Volta is a collective endeavor. Our motto, “We are in it together; we will act as one,” embodies our commitment to unity and mutual support. We provide an environment of belonging and open communication. By harnessing each employee’s unique talents, we overcome challenges together as a team, making us stronger together than the sum of our parts.

Value Creation

Our stakeholders benefit from efficient, reliable, and high-performance belting products.
Our industry-leading expertise enables our customers and partners to stay ‘one step ahead’ while we support their sustainable growth. Our continuous investment in training and knowledge retention ensures innovative thinking and cutting-edge solutions designed to keep our customers at the forefront of their industries.

Customer Focus

We prioritize our customers’ unique needs and challenges, offering tailored solutions to ensure their success. Our commitment drives continuous improvement of our products and services. We maintain a strategic Go-to-Market (GTM) mindset and a can-do approach, always aiming to innovate. Our emphasis on quality and customer-oriented solutions encourages mutual benefit and lasting partnerships.

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