The Problem of Migration in the Food Processing Industry
“Migration” is the name given to the process when a chemical substance is transferred to another material or substance. The risk of a material leaving toxic traces in other substances decreases with its density. The harder and denser a material is, the less risk there is of food being affected by contact with the material.
In the packaging industry, the migration properties of plastic bottles, for example, are therefore one of the most intensively discussed topics because their chemical structure and properties make it easier for them to release substances into the environment. The EU has issued legal requirements on which plastic materials and objects are permitted for food storage.
Stainless steel as an alloy of iron and chromium, on the other hand, fulfills these hygiene regulations and is also available at an economically justifiable cost.
Why does Stainless Steel have Hygienic Properties?
The exceptional hygiene of stainless steel is primarily due to its very smooth, non-porous surface, on which bacteria and other microorganisms can hardly find a place to multiply. Cleaning stainless steel surfaces is therefore very simple and effective, and that’s why it’s widely present in the food processing industry.
In addition to stainless steel alloys and some industrial ceramic specialties, glass offers a similarly closed and dense surface structure. However, due to its fragility, glass is hardly suitable for use where extreme robustness is required.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is characterized by its exceptional durability and resistance: It defies mechanical stress, withstands temperature fluctuations while permanently retains its hygienic properties.
Thanks to its chemical composition, stainless steel is characterized by outstanding corrosion resistance and can easily withstand many chemicals. This means that it does not rust and does not release any substances into food or other products that come into contact with it.
The Use of Stainless Steel Means Hygiene
Stainless steel is versatile and can be found in numerous industries in addition to the food processing industry, where hygiene and durability play a decisive role.
Gastronomy: Stainless steel is indispensable in restaurants, cafés and canteens. Tables, sinks, kitchen appliances and cutlery made of stainless steel are easy to clean, robust and contribute to a hygienic environment.
- Medicine and pharmaceutical: Surgical instruments, implants and medical devices made of stainless steel ensure maximum safety. In the pharmaceutical industry, stainless steel also protects against contamination during the production and storage of medicines.
- Architecture and construction: Stainless steel is also widely used in the construction industry. Façade elements, railings, stairs and door fittings made of stainless steel alloys are not only visually appealing, but also weather-resistant, robust and easy to clean.
- Further areas of the use of stainless steel: Stainless steel alloys are also used in many other areas, like the chemical industry, mechanical engineering and the automotive industry. Its versatility and outstanding properties make it one of the most important materials of our time.
Hygiene Regulations for Stainless Steel in the food processing industry
For stainless steel to demonstrate its fundamental advantages as a hygienically easy-to-handle material, it must have one property in particular: corrosion resistance.
Not all stainless steel alloys are protected against corrosion: the higher the chromium content, the more corrosion-resistant the alloy.
Legislation stipulates which materials must be used for numerous applications in order to comply with hygiene regulations. As there are many different types of stainless steel alloys, the legal regulations also refer to the minimum content of chromium in particular.
One of the classic regulations in which the quality of stainless steel plays a role is the Drinking Water Ordinance. In addition to suitability for use in the food processing and food packaging industries, this regulation also deals with protection against the formation of germs in pipes and tanks.
Sustainability and Recycling - Stainless Steel as Part of the Circular Economy
One of the biggest advantages of stainless steel is its environmental friendliness. As a 100% recyclable material stainless steel fits into the circular economy and has many ecological benefits.
Especially as focus is currently on conserving resources and reducing CO₂ emissions, stainless steel contributes efficiently to sustainable production cycles. The production of stainless steel alloys from recycled material saves up to 70% of energy compared to primary production and the longevity of the material reduces the need for replacement products, which further reduces the environmental impact.
Developments in the Production of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has proven itself in many applications. But the journey of the “steel forever” is far from over. Research is working on new stainless steel alloys that are stronger, lighter and more corrosion resistant. These innovations open up possibilities for use in extreme environments and high tech.
Stainless steel surface finishing is also undergoing constant innovation. Nano coatings make surfaces more scratch resistant, dirt repellant and even antibacterial. These advances open more possibilities for stainless steel alloys in areas where hygiene regulations must be adhered to and durability is key, like the food processing industry.
At the same time 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is changing the production of stainless steel parts. Complex parts with individual designs can now be produced precisely and cost effective. This opens up new possibilities in medical technology, mechanical engineering and many other industries.
Stainless steel is also key to future technologies. It’s an essential material in hydrogen technology, fuel cell technology and electromobility. Its durability and longevity ensures these technologies work reliably and efficiently.
All these developments show that stainless steel is not only a proven material, but also remains a key material for the challenges and innovations of the future.