In the food manufacturing industry, using safe, durable materials is important. FDA-approved rubber products, especially extruded silicone, offer the perfect combination of flexibility, strength, and safety for food contact applications.
Extruded Silicone rubber is highly resistant to extreme temperatures, steam, and cleaning chemicals, while remaining odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic. It ensures that food products stay uncontaminated and equipment stays reliable.
In this blog, we’ll see why silicone rubber seals are a top choice for food processing and manufacturing, the key standards they meet, and the various extrusion profiles that are ideal for maintaining quality, efficiency, and safety.
What Are the Key Certifications and Standards for Food-Grade Silicone Rubber?
When selecting materials for the food industry, meeting strict regulatory standards is essential. FDA-approved seals ensure safe, contamination-free food handling. One of the most important certifications is FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 compliance, which verifies that the silicone rubber gasket is safe for repeated food contact.
In addition, top-quality silicone materials are tested for NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) and USP Class VI certifications, confirming their safety in sensitive applications. Modern food-grade silicone is also BPA-free, phthalate-free, and REACH-compliant, making it an environmentally friendly and health-conscious choice for today’s food manufacturing demands.
What Are the Common Types of Silicone Rubber Extrusions Used in Food Applications?
Choosing the proper silicone rubber extrusion is essential for ensuring safety, durability, and hygiene in food processing environments.
Different extrusion profiles are designed to meet specific sealing and protection needs across a wide range of food industry equipment.
- Rubber U-channel extrusions are perfect for sealing tank lids, trays, and container edges, offering a secure and flexible barrier against leaks.
- Rubber D-channel and rubber P-channel gaskets are commonly used around oven doors, commercial kitchen appliances, and heat-sensitive areas to maintain a tight, reliable seal.
- Rubber bulb seals and rubber lip seals provide excellent moisture and air barriers for refrigeration units, helping to protect food quality and freshness.
- Rubber E-channels, rubber T-seals, rubber triangle seals, and rubber trapezoid seals are versatile options used for custom sealing in various food-grade applications.
- Rubber sponge extrusions are ideal for cushioning and flexible sealing where softness and adaptability are critical, such as in delicate food packaging areas.
Each of these profiles plays an important role in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and efficiency in food manufacturing operations.
Read More– What is the Role of FDA Silicone Rubber in the Food Processing Equipment?
What Are the High-Temperature and Sanitary Benefits of Silicone Rubber Extrusions?
When it comes to food-grade equipment, performance under harsh conditions is crucial. High-quality silicone rubber extrusions offer excellent durability and sanitation benefits.
- They can handle continuous use at high temperatures between 200–230°C (392–446°F) without losing shape, flexibility, or strength.
- These extrusions easily handle washdowns, Clean-in-Place (CIP) processes, and sterilization cycles for industries that require strict hygiene standards.
- Silicone is also naturally resistant to mold, bacterial growth, and chemical degradation, helping maintain cleaner, safer environments.
- Whether for rubber weather stripping, rubber window seals, or silicone, it provides long-lasting protection even in the most demanding food processing conditions.
Where Are Silicone Rubber Extrusions Used in Food & Beverage Applications?
Silicone foam tubing extrusions play a key role across the food manufacturing sector and food processing industries, offering safe, durable, and hygienic sealing solutions. Their flexibility, heat resistance, and non-toxic properties for a wide range of applications, including:
- Commercial ovens, food storage doors, and display units – Providing heat-resistant and hygienic seals.
- Dairy and beverage transfer systems – Ensuring safe and contamination-free liquid transfer.
- Meat processing equipment, food packaging seals, and food-grade hoses – Protecting food products during handling and packaging.
- Bakery equipment and conveyor belts – the baking industry handles high temperatures and constant movement.
- Food-grade pumps, mixers, and filling machines – Maintaining hygiene in mixing and transfer operations.
- Refrigerated storage units and ice machines – Offering strong, flexible seals for moisture and temperature control.
By using silicone rubber extrusions, food and beverage businesses can improve product safety, equipment durability, and overall operational efficiency while meeting strict food industry standards.
Read More- Top Applications of FDA Silicone Rubber in Food Processing Industries
Why Should You Choose Custom Silicone Rubber Extrusions?
When it comes to food processing and manufacturing, custom rubber extrusions offer a significant advantage. Choosing custom extruded rubber products means you get sealing solutions that fit your exact needs, improving both performance and efficiency.
- Customised profiles and hardness (durometer): Get the perfect shape, size, and flexibility for your specific equipment or application.
- Color matching for process zones: Easily identify different areas with custom colors, such as red, blue, or clear, to support hygiene and safety protocols.
- Enhanced sealing performance and material efficiency: Custom solutions ensure a better seal, reduce waste, and extend the life of your equipment.
Whether you need custom extruded silicone, customised extrusions deliver a higher level of reliability and compliance for food-grade applications.
What Are Elastostar’s Capabilities in Food-Grade Silicone Extrusions?
At Elastostar, we take pride in delivering top-quality food-grade silicone extrusions customised to your needs. As a leading rubber extrusion manufacturer , we offer complete in-house services including extrusion, tooling, and fast prototyping.
Our materials meet strict FDA, NSF, and 94 USP Class VI standards, ensuring safe and reliable performance. We specialize in reverse engineering, design assistance, and prototype-to-production support, helping you bring ideas to life quickly with some of the shortest lead times in the industry.
Need a custom solution? Contact us today to discuss your project — we’re ready to help!
Recommended Reads
- Guide to FDA-Approved Silicone Rubber Profiles
- Is Food-Grade Silicone More Durable Than Ordinary Silicone?
- Top 6 Reasons to Choose Elastostar FDA Rubber Tubing for Food-Grade Applications
Conclusion
At Elastostar, we understand the importance of using the best rubber extrusion profiles for food-grade applications. From U-channels to custom die-cutting gaskets, our solutions are designed to meet strict industry standards and deliver long-term performance.
Our high-quality rubber sealing solutions ensure durability, hygiene, and maximum protection across the food manufacturing and processing industries. Whether you need standard profiles or customized extrusions, we are here to support your requirements with precision and expertise.
FAQs
1. What is food-grade silicone rubber used for?
Food-grade sponges are used to create safe, hygienic seals and gaskets for food processing equipment, beverage transfer systems, commercial ovens, and packaging machines. Elastostar offers a wide range of FDA-compliant silicone rubber extrusions, including extruded rubber bulb seals for maximum protection.
2. Is FDA-compliant silicone rubber safe for high temperatures?
Yes, FDA-compliant sponge tube can safely handle continuous high temperatures, typically between 200°C to 230°C. Products like Elastostar’s custom rubber extrusions are designed to perform reliably even under extreme heat.
3. What types of rubber extrusions are used in food processing?
Common rubber extrusions include U-channels, P-profiles, bulb seals, lip seals, and hollow cords. The extruded rubber bulb is especially popular for creating airtight seals in food storage doors and processing units.
4. Can I get custom-shaped silicone rubber gaskets for food machinery?
Absolutely! At Elastostar, we specialize in creating custom extruded rubber profiles tailored to your specific machinery and application needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get expert support.
5. How do I know if a rubber extrusion is food safe?
Always check if the rubber extrusion meets FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 standards and look for NSF or USP Class VI certifications. Elastostar’s food-grade silicone products fully comply with these important safety standards.
6. Are food-grade silicone seals reusable and long-lasting?
Yes! Food-grade silicone seals are highly durable, resistant to heat, moisture, and chemicals, making them reusable and long-lasting with proper maintenance. Elastostar’s premium rubber sealing solutions help extend the life of your equipment and minimize replacement costs.
