June 27 marks World Fisheries Day, which raises awareness about the importance of responsible fishing and the sustainable management of aquatic resources. To provide consumers with high-quality products while minimizing material waste, fish processing facilities must adhere to strict hygiene standards. An essential aspect of these production areas is the use of resin flooring that is tailored to meet the challenging conditions of the industry. Flowcrete’s Flowfresh flooring solutions, renowned for their antimicrobial properties, enhance cleaning protocols between scheduled sanitation efforts.
Fish processing plants create a demanding environment for flooring due to factors such as heavy trolley traffic, the loading of bulky goods, and risks associated with impacts, concentrated pressure, and vibrations from machinery. When designing flooring solutions, it is crucial to consider challenges like exposure to fats and other substances found in fish waste, fluctuations in temperature, and large volumes of water and ice. Additionally, frequent and intensive cleaning – often involving hot water or pressurised steam – must be taken into account.
For these environments, microbiologically safe flooring solutions from the Flowfresh product line, which includes the antimicrobial Polygiene® additive, have been proven effective. These floors are constructed from polyurethane resins along with carefully selected aggregates and cements, designed to achieve the appropriate thickness and incorporate anti-slip surfaces for durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
Durable surface without damage
Given the aforementioned challenges, the chosen flooring solution must possess adequate mechanical, chemical, and thermal strength. Selecting a resin floor that boasts high resilience to abrasion and impact, while being tested against substances used in fish production, ensures it will provide reliable service for many years.
In the food industry, where food undergoes heat treatment, it is vital to utilise a flooring system that can withstand both low and high temperatures, as well as temperature fluctuations (known as thermal shock) that occur during activities like cleaning a cooler with hot water. This is critical; any cracks, delamination, or surface damage can lead to floor degradation, creating potential breeding grounds for microorganisms that may contaminate food.
Functionality aligned with industry standards
In wet production areas, floors must have an anti-slip surface to meet safety regulations while being easy to maintain. Non-absorbent, seamless resin floors are ideal for the fish industry, where minimal surface divisions facilitate effective cleaning, and anti-slip properties can be adjusted according to health and safety standards. Furthermore, coves at the junctions of floors and walls are designed with profiles that accommodate cleaning machines.
Due to stringent hygiene standards, Flowfresh systems are widely recognised in fish processing facilities because they incorporate the Polygiene® additive, which utilises silver ion technology to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The antimicrobial efficacy of these floors has been validated by the ISO 22196 standard, and they have received HACCP International certification, affirming their compliance with the highest global food industry standards.
Possibility of differentiating the colour of production zones
Resin flooring offers considerable flexibility in visual design. In fish plants, floor colours are typically selected to ensure that common impurities are easily visible for efficient cleaning, while also providing clear visual differentiation between various zones. For instance, the Jurassic Salmon plant in Dreżewo, which breeds Atlantic salmon using salty geothermal waters, features a grey Flowfresh floor. In contrast, the Seamor International fish processing facility in Szczecin opted for ochre flooring in the production areas and red in the communication corridors.
Resin floors provide a wide array of options to tailor the system to specific needs, including mechanical, chemical, and thermal resistance, while achieving the necessary anti-slip properties. When designing fish processing facilities, it is beneficial to consult with experts who can recommend optimal flooring solutions based on their knowledge and experience.
