Rittal ANZ Blog

Food and beverage enclosures in Australia traditionally have flat roofs. Changes in European legislation however now require 30 degree sloped roofs on all enclosures. These legislative changes are likely to be implemented in Australia in the next two or three years which will make sloped roofs mandatory.

Although the legislation may not kick in for another few years in Australia, here are the reasons you should consider an enclosure with a sloped roof sooner rather than later.

Stainless steel is widely regarded as the premium material for food and beverage manufacture, storage, preparation and transportation. Compared to materials like carbon steel or aluminium, stainless steel is superior because it will not rust. It is also resistant to corrosion, pitting and cracking which can lead to contamination and hygiene issues.

Stainless steel is therefore a no-brainer in the food and beverage industry. But did you know that there are several types available?

Stainless steel comes in various grades and finishes. Choosing the right kind for your environment and processes will reduce your cleaning down-time, improve your hygiene standards and save you money.

So What Grade Of Stainless Steel Is Best?
In Australia, 316 grade stainless steel is generally regarded as the premium type. However, the 304 grade is actually the better grade for food and beverage enclosures. 316 grade steel is a versatile material that needs little maintenance, this makes it particularly effective when left outside without any treatment for long periods of time. 304 grade stainless steel however offers the same amount of is more resilient when taking into account to regular and vigorous chemical cleaning requirements which is essential in the food and beverage industry. It is also 20-30% cheaper than 316.

Which Finish Is Best For Food & Beverage?
Traditionally, most food enclosures used the No.4 finish. Recently however, most manufacturers have turned to the No.7 (400-grain) finish. This finish is finer and a lot less coarse than what was previously used across the industry. It ultimately comes down to what industry experts refer to as the ‘peak-to-valley’ ratio. If you look at stainless steel under a microscope, you will see valleys at the bottom where food and other contaminates can get stuck. This deteriorates the material over time. The smaller the peaks and valleys, the less chance you have of contaminates getting stuck.

Which Type of Stainless Steel Should I Use For My Food Enclosures?
The Food and Beverage Industry has many unique challenges. Hygiene and contamination prevention are a key priority and all equipment is subject to regular and rigorous cleaning. 304 grade stainless steel with a No.7 finish is therefore the best material for all food and beverage enclosures.

Find Out More
For more information on the best food enclosures for your business, check out our Ebook: Food and Beverage enclosures: What’s the future? Or for a one-on-one consultation about your company’s specific needs, contact our team of experts today.

Did you know that CIP averages 20% of the company’s time in the Food & Beverage industry? Having the right equipment can significantly reduce the time your business spends on the wash- down process whilst actually improving your hygiene standards. Selecting the right food grade enclosures could therefore save you time and money.

Worldwide regulations for Food & Beverage Enclosures have changed significantly over recent years. European legislation is at the forefront of these changes and is likely to be enforced in Australia over the next few years.
Whether you brew beer, run a bakery, process meat and dairy products or run your own vineyard, it’s important to understand these advances in Food & Beverage Enclosures as they are likely to impact Australian businesses in the near future.

Traditionally, food and beverage enclosures in Australia have featured black or grey polyurethane seals. Enclosures at the forefront of the industry however are now using FDA approved silicon seals for improved hygiene standards and faster cleaning.

So What Is It About Blue Silicon Seals That Allow More Effective Cleaning?