Rubber and Polyurethane Components Used For The Food & Drink Industry

Our Production and Sales teams worked closely with a range of customers in the Food & Drink industry. The components we have manufactured are used by our customers in various applications from high end bar equipment to food processing machinery. 

Our diverse range of material processing resources and technical knowledge ensures no matter how challenging or simple our customer’s requirement, we are best placed to manufacture a high quality solution.

From moulding processes and extrusion to precision engineering, discover how these components play an essential role in the food and drink industry.

Clifton Rubber Capabilities By Industry: Food & Drink

Rubber Moulding For The Food & Drink Industry

Rubber moulding provides key advantages such as hygiene, durability, and customization. All rubber components used in the food and drink industry must comply with strict food safety regulations and be made from materials that are safe for contact with food and meet health and safety standards.

Rubber moulded components used in the food and drink industry include:

  • Gaskets and Seals: used to create a tight and sanitary seal between parts. They help prevent contamination and leaks in pumps, valves, and fittings.
  • O-Rings: O-rings are used in various equipment and machinery to create a seal between moving parts – often used in pumps and mixers.
  • Conveyor Belts: Conveyor belts used in food processing and packaging.
  • Suction Cups: Rubber suction cups are used in packaging machinery to pick up and manipulate food items.
  • Plunger Seals: In filling and bottling machines, rubber plungers with seals are used to ensure a precise and leak-free dispensing of liquids like juices, sauces, and dairy products.
  • Hoses and Tubing: Food-grade rubber hoses and tubing are used to transport various liquids and gases within a food processing facility. 
  • Handles and Grips: Used to provide ergonomic and comfortable handling.

We often produce custom rubber moulded components to meet specific needs in the food and drink industry. The production of tailored components allows us to meet specific requirements and hygiene standards for our customers.

Polyurethane Moulding For The Food & Drink Industry

Polyurethane moulding brings several benefits to the food industry. Its inherent properties, such as excellent wear resistance, high load-bearing capacity, and chemical resistance, make it ideal for various applications in food processing and packaging, including:. 

Conveyor belts: Polyurethane conveyor belts are widely used for transporting food products within processing plants and packaging facilities. They are known for their high wear resistance, easy cleaning, and ability to withstand the rigors of food processing.

Food-grade seals and gaskets: Polyurethane seals and gaskets are used to create airtight and watertight seals in various food processing equipment and machinery. They are designed to meet food safety regulations and resist contamination.

Rollers and wheels: Polyurethane-coated rollers and wheels are used in material handling equipment, such as conveyor systems and pallet jacks, to move food products efficiently. They offer excellent load-bearing capacity and resistance to wear and tear.

Food-grade hoses and tubing: Polyurethane hoses and tubing used for the transfer of food and beverages. They are often used in breweries, dairies, and other food and beverage production facilities.

Moulded components: Polyurethane can be moulded into various custom components, such as seals, gaskets, and parts for processing equipment. These components are designed to meet specific requirements and are often used in the food industry.

Packaging materials: Polyurethane foams and films can be used as cushioning and protective packaging materials for delicate food and beverage products during shipping and storage.

We can also make customer moulded products, enabling the production of tailored components that meet specific industry requirements. 

The ease of cleaning and resistance to microbial growth make polyurethane an excellent choice for maintaining high hygiene standards in the food industry, ensuring safe and reliable food processing.

Rubber Covering including

In the food processing sector, rubber covering offers excellent grip and traction, ensuring efficient movement of materials on items such as conveyor systems. 

Rubber Rollers

Rubber rollers are used in the food and drink industry in applications such as:

  • Conveyor Systems: used in conveyor systems on production lines. They can be designed with different textures and hardness levels to suit specific applications.
  • Food Processing: rubber rollers are used for rolling for example, in pasta production. 
  • Packaging: Rubber rollers are employed in packaging machinery which are used for sealing, folding, and cutting packaging materials. 
  • Fruit and Vegetable Grading: Rubber rollers are used in grading machines to sort fruits and vegetables based on size and quality. They gently transport produce for inspection and sorting without causing damage.  This is common in the agricultural industry.

Rubber Wheels & Tyres

In the food and drink industry, wheels are primarily in the material handling and transportation of goods.

  • Racks and Trolleys:  used for transporting ingredients, packaging materials, and finished products within a food processing facility, commercial kitchen or a beverage production plant.
  • Mobile Equipment: Mobile food processing equipment, such as mixers, kettles, and ovens, often have rubber wheels. 
  • Hospitality and Catering:  Trolleys are often used  in restaurants, hotels and venues to transport food and drink.

Rubber Extrusion For The Food & Drink Industry

In the food processing sector, rubber extrusions are used in products such as:

Gaskets and Seals: Rubber gaskets and seals are used in various equipment and machinery to prevent leaks and maintain airtight or watertight seals. 

Tubing and Hoses: used for the transfer of liquids, beverages, and gases within food and drink processing facilities. 

Protectors: used to safeguard products, equipment, and packaging materials from damage during transportation and handling. 

Splash Guards and Curtains: Rubber extruded splash guards and curtains are used to contain and redirect liquid splashes and spills in food processing areas. They help maintain cleanliness and prevent accidents by creating barriers between different work zones.

Conveyor Belts: In food and beverage production and packaging

es as they pass through openings in equipment and machinery. They provide cushioning and prevent abrasion and wear.

At Clifton Rubber we often create custom rubber extrusions to meet specific customer requirements for various applications within the industry.

They provide excellent sealing properties, preventing leaks and ensuring airtight and watertight seals. Rubber extrusions also offer resistance to chemicals, temperature fluctuations, and abrasion, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.

Rubber Sheet Conversion For The Food & Drink Industry

Rubber sheet conversion provides numerous benefits to the food and drink industry, contributing to safety, hygiene, and efficiency. These custom-cut rubber sheets offer versatility and can be used for various applications, such as lining for trays and work surfaces. 

Ways in which rubber sheeting is used include:

  • Flooring and Mats: Rubber sheets can be used as mats or flooring placed at workstations where food preparation or processing occurs. These mats provide cushioning for workers’ feet, reducing fatigue, and are easy to clean to maintain hygiene.
  • Bar Mats: In bars and beverage service areas used to protect the bar surface environment.
  • Tray and Shelf Liners: Rubber sheets can be used as liners for trays and shelves in storage areas and refrigerators.
  • Conveyor Belts: Rubber sheets are used to manufacture conveyor belts that are essential for moving food products along processing and packaging lines.

The use of rubber sheets helps prevent cross-contamination by creating a protective barrier between food products and surfaces. They also offer anti-slip properties, providing a secure and stable working environment for food processing and packaging.

Precision Engineering For The Food & Drink Industry

Precision engineering ensures accuracy, efficiency, and quality control. By utilizing advanced machining techniques and technologies, precision engineering allows for the production of intricate components and equipment with precise tolerances. 

This precision is crucial in food processing and packaging machinery, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing errors. 

Our team of precision engineers can create customized solutions tailored to specific industry requirements.

  • INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

    50 years of industry experience in rubber and polyurethane manufacturing

  • UK Manufacturing

    A UK based and family owned Manufacturing company

  • In-House Engineering

    Precision Engineering on-site for tool-making and support

  • Flexible Orders

    Low volume one off orders, up to high volume continuous production orders welcome

Companies We’ve Worked With

Testimonials

  • “Since Clifton Rubber has taken over the re-covering of these gripper pads the customer has had no premature failures and the products have a much longer lifespan.”

    Tom, Manufacturing Company

  • “Just to let you know that our new ditch matting that we purchased from you is spot on. Used all through this busy season, really pleased with it.”

    Ken, Fairford Bowling Club

  • “Working with Clifton Rubber has been a real pleasure. Their technical department have gone above and beyond the call of duty to produce the special shaped rubber profile I required. I’m extremely pleased with the end result.”

    Chris, Purchasing Manager, Boat Manufacturer

  • “The Clifton Rubber Bowls Ditch Liners look and feel top quality. Thank you for all your help and advice when placing the order. We will definitely be recommending you.”

    Andrew, Club Secretary, Bowls Club

  • “Excellent service which is unusual in this day and age. The polyurethane screening stars do the job great, very very pleased.”

    Richard, Owner, Screener Manufacturer

  • “Really pleased we found Clifton rubber, their technical team really helped us in the early stages of our project and now they produce our parts which we know will be top quality every time.”

    Sophie, Purchasing Manager, Machinery Manufacturer