Epoxy is a widely used adhesive due to its versatility, adhesion and impact resistance. However, in the food industry, ensuring hygiene and safety is a paramount issue. Especially in equipment directly related to human health, when raw materials must pass strict testing in more and more markets in other countries.
This is why food-grade epoxy adhesive is the ideal solution. It not only ensures strong and durable adhesion, but also prevents chemical contamination and the growth of bacteria and mold. In this article, let’s take a closer look at food-grade epoxy adhesive and its practical applications in the kitchen appliance manufacturing industry.
What is Food Grade Epoxy?
Epoxy adhesive is a two-component polymer consisting of a resin and a hardener that, when mixed, creates a strong and durable bond.
Food grade epoxy is an epoxy that is designed and manufactured to food safety standards. This means that it is harmless when it comes into direct or indirect contact with food. The ingredients in food grade epoxy have been tested and certified by reputable organizations such as the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), ensuring that they do not contain toxic substances or contaminate food.
Nowadays, strict safety standards require manufacturers to use materials and products that do not harm the health of consumers. This is the main reason for the emergence of epoxy adhesives certified by reputable organizations:
FDA (Food and Drug Administration): This is one of the top certifications required for health-related devices/products exported to the global market. This certification confirms that the Epoxy adhesive product meets safety standards for direct contact with food or use in medical applications. This includes testing for safety in contact with food, non-toxicity, and no impact on human health.
WRAS (Chứng nhận an toàn với nước uống): Đây là chứng nhận khẳng định rằng sản phẩm đã được kiểm tra và đáp ứng các tiêu chuẩn an toàn nghiêm ngặt về nước uống tại Vương quốc Anh. Một sản phẩm keo Epoxy đạt chứng chỉ WRAS sẽ đảm bảo:
WRAS (Water Regulations Approval Scheme): This is a certification that confirms that the product has been tested and meets the strict drinking water safety standards in the UK. A WRAS certified epoxy product will ensure:
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- Does not contaminate water, does not cause harmful chemical reactions, safe in direct contact with drinking water.
- Creates an effective waterproof protective layer, helping to protect water supply systems and prevent leaks.
- Epoxy adhesive has the ability to withstand tensile, compressive and shear forces, ensuring a strong and durable bond.
- Resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including water treatment agents, helping to protect the system from corrosion and damage.
- Good adhesion to a wide range of materials such as metal, plastic, concrete, and ceramic tiles, providing flexibility in application.
It can be seen that whether epoxy glue in particular and adhesives in general meet FDA and EU standards is a concern of many manufacturers.
You can see all certified industrial adhesives products here.
Health safety of food grade epoxy adhesives
Health safety, the most important factor of food grade epoxy, is ensured through strict manufacturing processes and high quality standards. The benefits of food grade epoxy include:
- Non-toxic: Food grade epoxy adhesive does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or carcinogens, ensuring safety for users and the environment.
- Odorless: Food grade epoxy adhesives typically have no unpleasant odor, helping to create a more comfortable and safer working environment.
- Antibacterial and Anti-Mold: Food grade epoxy adhesive resists the growth of bacteria and mold, helping to maintain the cleanliness and safety of food contact surfaces.
Related article: Food-grade Adhesive Mastery: Best Practices for Ensuring Compliance and Quality
Prostech’s Solution: Food Grade Epoxy Adhesive
Keo Epoxy cấp thực phẩm của Prostech không chỉ có hiệu năng kết dính vượt trội mà còn đáp ứng các tiêu chuẩn an toàn nghiêm ngặt, là giải pháp lý tưởng cho ngành công nghiệp thực phẩm. Sản phẩm chúng tôi cung cấp có một số tính năng sau:
Prostech’s food grade epoxy adhesives not only have superior adhesive performance but also meet strict safety standards, making them an ideal solution for the food industry. The products we provide have the following features:
Food grade epoxy adhesive meets safety standards
- FDA 175.105: Ensure safety when in contact with food, not harmful to consumer health
- EU Food Contact Regulations 10/2011: Comply with strict European regulations on food contact, ensuring products meet international standards
- Adhesive with WRAS certificate
Food grade epoxy adhesive with superior adhesive performance
- Prostech food grade epoxy retains typical epoxy adhesive properties on most surfaces including: stainless steel, aluminum, composite materials, some plastics and ceramic surfaces.
- High Temperature Resistance: Maintains strength and adhesion even under high temperature conditions.
- Good chemical resistance: Resists a wide range of chemicals: Including oils, solvents, and acids, helping to protect the bond in harsh environments.
- Unaffected by water and humidity, ideal for applications in wet environments or exposed to water.
Food grade epoxy adhesive with fast drying time
- Fast drying at room temperature: Pot-life time is less than 1 hour, saving time in the production process.
- Heat to accelerate drying: Increase drying speed when needed, flexible in different applications.
Some typical applications of Food Grade Epoxy Adhesive
With strong, durable adhesion and resistance to bacteria and mold growth, food grade epoxy adhesive is the ideal solution for food-related applications such as:
- Equipment and machinery for production and packaging of food and beverage products
- Kitchen appliances, kitchen equipment assembly
- Production of coffee machines, beverage machines, ice cream machines, etc.
- Filter, filter net, suction net
- Household appliances
Prostech’s food grade epoxy adhesive is the optimal choice for applications in the food industry, providing high efficiency and absolute safety.
Common food grade epoxy adhesives
Some commonly used epoxy glues include Permabond ET5147, ET5164, 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive DP100NS, or Permabond ET5365, which is a WRAS certified glue,…
Choosing the right epoxy adhesive for the production of food contact utensils depends on the specific requirements of each application and environmental conditions. Each type of adhesive has its own advantages and is suitable for different requirements in the production and use of the product. With many years of experience in the field of adhesives, Prostech is ready to support customers in choosing the right adhesive and providing solutions integrated into the production line to optimize production efficiency. Contact us for a free consultation.