At MCG Epoxy Coatings Limited, we install high-performance flooring systems for food production, preparation and processing environments throughout Lancashire and the wider North of England.
Food environments place exceptional demands on a floor. Surfaces may be exposed to water, oils, food residues, cleaning chemicals, hot liquids and constant foot or trolley traffic, often within the same working area. Our food-grade flooring solutions are designed to provide a seamless, hard-wearing and hygienic surface that can cope with these conditions while remaining practical to clean and maintain.
Flooring within the food industry needs to support the operation of the facility rather than become another maintenance problem. Cracked concrete, damaged tiles and deteriorated joints can create places where moisture, dirt and residues collect. They can also become difficult to clean thoroughly and may deteriorate further under frequent wash-downs. A properly specified resin flooring system creates a continuous surface across the treated area, reducing the number of joints and weak points found in many traditional flooring materials. This makes resin flooring a practical choice for production areas, kitchens, preparation spaces, processing facilities and other environments where cleanliness is a daily priority.
Choosing food-grade flooring is about understanding what will happen to the floor every working day. We consider whether the area is wet or dry, the types of food or chemicals present, the frequency of cleaning, operating temperatures, traffic levels and any slip-resistance requirements. Drainage should also be considered in areas subject to regular wash-downs. The flooring system needs to work with the existing falls and drains so that water can be removed effectively rather than collecting across the surface. Colour can also play a practical role. Different shades can be used to identify production areas, hygiene zones, pedestrian routes or specific workspaces.
Proper surface preparation is essential to the performance of any food-industry flooring system. Existing concrete may be contaminated with oils, grease, food residues or previous coatings, all of which can affect adhesion. The substrate may therefore need mechanical preparation using methods such as diamond grinding or shot blasting. Cracks, holes and damaged sections are repaired before the new resin system is installed. The specified flooring is then applied in the required build-up, which may include primers, heavy-duty body coats, slip-resistant aggregates and finishing layers. Where appropriate, coving and other details can also be incorporated to help create a more hygienic and manageable environment.
There is no single flooring system that suits every food facility. A dry packaging area has very different requirements from a wet processing room or commercial kitchen. Temperature, cleaning procedures, food substances, chemical exposure and traffic all need to be considered before the floor is specified.
One of the main advantages of resin flooring in food environments is its seamless construction. Traditional joints and grout lines can trap water, dirt and organic material. A continuous resin surface reduces these collection points and provides a floor that can be cleaned more efficiently. Where required, resin coving can also be incorporated at wall junctions to create a smoother transition between vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Food facilities often use aggressive cleaning routines to maintain hygiene standards. Hot water, detergents, sanitising products and repeated wash-downs can place considerable strain on an unsuitable flooring material. The selected resin system needs to tolerate these conditions without softening, lifting or deteriorating prematurely. Polyurethane systems can be particularly useful where frequent cleaning, heat and chemical exposure are all present.
Wet processing areas, kitchens and wash-down zones can quickly become slippery. Slip-resistant aggregates can be incorporated into the resin system to create additional grip underfoot. The level of texture should be chosen according to the conditions within the area and the type of contaminants likely to reach the floor. It is also important to balance slip resistance with cleanability, as excessively aggressive textures can make routine cleaning more difficult.
Different resin systems offer different advantages, allowing the flooring specification to be matched to the working environment.
Polyurethane flooring is widely used in demanding food production and processing areas. Certain polyurethane systems can provide excellent resistance to heat, cleaning chemicals, food acids and repeated wash-downs. Their ability to cope with temperature changes can also make them suitable for areas exposed to hot liquids, steam or chilled conditions. For busy production environments, polyurethane systems can provide a strong combination of durability, hygiene and thermal resistance.
Epoxy flooring provides a hard, seamless and attractive surface suitable for many food-related applications. It can be particularly effective in dry production areas, storage rooms, packaging zones and other environments where excellent wear resistance and straightforward cleaning are required. Epoxy flooring is available in numerous colours and finishes, allowing businesses to create clearly defined production zones, pedestrian routes and working areas.
Quartz-filled and heavy-duty resin screeds provide a more substantial flooring solution for areas exposed to intensive use. These systems combine resin with durable aggregates to create a thick, robust surface capable of coping with regular traffic, impacts and demanding cleaning regimes. Quartz aggregates can also provide additional texture, making these systems useful in wet processing areas and other spaces where improved grip is required.
Food-grade resin flooring can be installed throughout a wide range of production, preparation and storage environments.
Factories producing baked goods, prepared meals, meat products, confectionery and other foods often require flooring that can handle continuous production activity. Seamless resin surfaces can provide a durable base for machinery, foot traffic and production equipment while helping simplify routine cleaning.
Commercial kitchens face constant exposure to water, grease, food spills and cleaning products. A durable slip-resistant resin floor can provide additional grip while creating a surface that is easier to wash and maintain than damaged tiles or porous concrete.
Breweries, dairies and beverage facilities often involve significant quantities of liquid as well as regular cleaning and sanitising. Floors in these areas may also encounter sugars, acids, heat and chemical cleaning products. A suitably specified polyurethane or heavy-duty resin system can provide the resistance needed for these demanding conditions.
Cold stores and temperature-controlled production areas require additional consideration. Changes in temperature can cause flooring materials and substrates to expand and contract. The selected flooring system therefore needs to be compatible with the thermal conditions within the facility.
Flooring within food production and preparation environments must cope with far more than ordinary foot traffic. At MCG Epoxy Coatings Limited, we look at the complete operating environment before recommending a system. Cleaning procedures, temperatures, moisture, chemicals, food substances, traffic and hygiene requirements all influence the final specification. Our team installs epoxy, polyurethane, quartz and other resin flooring systems for food and beverage businesses throughout Lancashire and the North of England.
From preparation and repairs through to resin installation, slip-resistant finishes and coving, we focus on providing flooring that is practical, durable and suited to the realities of food production.
Resin flooring can offer several advantages over tiled floors in food factories, particularly where hygiene, frequent cleaning and heavy traffic are important. A seamless resin surface has fewer joints and grout lines where food residues, moisture and dirt can collect. Resin systems can also be specified for resistance to chemicals, impact, abrasion and regular wash-downs. Tiles can still be suitable for some applications, but the right choice depends on the production process, cleaning regime, temperatures and traffic within the facility.
Meat and fish processing areas typically require flooring that can cope with water, fats, food residues, cleaning chemicals, heavy equipment and frequent wash-downs. Heavy-duty polyurethane screeds are often considered for these demanding conditions because suitable systems can provide resistance to moisture, chemicals, temperature changes and intensive cleaning. Slip resistance is also important in wet processing areas, so the surface texture should be selected according to the conditions and cleaning requirements.
Preparation normally begins with an assessment of the existing concrete and the conditions within the food facility. Contamination such as grease, oils, food residues, dust and previous coatings must be removed before installation. Mechanical methods such as diamond grinding or shot blasting can be used to create a suitable profile for adhesion. Cracks, holes and damaged sections should then be repaired before the specified resin system is applied.
Epoxy flooring can provide slip resistance when the system is specified with a suitable textured finish or aggregate. This can be particularly useful in food processing areas where water, oils, grease or cleaning products may reach the floor. The level of texture needs to match the working conditions because an excessively rough surface can make cleaning more difficult. For particularly demanding wet areas, polyurethane or heavy-duty resin systems may also be considered.
Resin flooring can support the hygiene and maintenance requirements considered during a BRCGS audit by providing a continuous surface that is easier to clean and maintain. A suitable system can reduce joints, cracks and damaged areas where contaminants could collect, while coving and appropriate drainage can help with cleaning and water management. However, flooring alone does not provide BRCGS compliance. The full site, including cleaning procedures, drainage, maintenance, hygiene controls and flooring condition, needs to meet the relevant requirements.
