Overview

Choosing the right wall finish for food production plants and hospitality applications is essential for ensuring hygiene, durability, and long-term performance. Glasbord® with Surfaseal® FRP by Crane Composites and PVC wall panels are two popular options, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Glasbord® FRP is reinforced with fiberglass, providing superior strength, impact resistance, and longevity, while PVC panels are lightweight and budget-friendly but may lack durability. This report compares both materials to determine which is better suited for demanding environments.

Cleanability

In food production and hospitality environments, maintaining hygiene is critical. Glasbord® FRP features a Surfaseal® coating that resists stains, scratches, and moisture absorption, making it highly effective for sanitary applications. Additionally, its embossed surface slows the runoff of cleaning foam, increasing dwell time and enhancing cleaning efficiency.

PVC, while smooth and easy to clean initially, can develop micro-scratches over time, creating areas where dirt and bacteria can accumulate. Furthermore, because PVC does not have an embossed texture, cleaning agents tend to run off more quickly, reducing their effectiveness.

Corrosion Resistance

Both Glasbord® FRP and PVC are inherently non-metallic and corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for high-moisture environments. However, PVC is more prone to degradation when exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals and disinfectants commonly used in food processing facilities. Over time, exposure to strong sanitizers can weaken PVC panels, leading to discoloration, brittleness, and reduced performance.

Glasbord® FRP, with its high chemical resistance and Surfaseal® protection, is designed to withstand repeated exposure to aggressive cleaning agents without degrading. This makes it a more durable long-term solution for food production and hospitality settings.

Fiberglass Reinforcement

One of the key advantages of Glasbord® FRP over PVC is its fiberglass-reinforced composition. The fiberglass content in Glasbord® FRP significantly increases strength, impact resistance, and dimensional stability, making it ideal for environments where walls may be subject to frequent cleaning, mechanical impact, or temperature variations.

PVC, by contrast, lacks reinforcement and is more flexible and prone to bending, cracking, and warping under stress. This makes it less suitable for areas with heavy traffic or frequent mechanical impacts, where walls are expected to maintain their structural integrity over time.

Durability

Durability is a critical factor in food processing and hospitality environments where walls are subjected to constant cleaning, moisture, and potential mechanical impact. Glasbord® FRP, with its fiberglass reinforcement and Surfaseal® coating, resists dents, scratches, and moisture absorption, ensuring a long lifespan.

PVC, while resistant to moisture, is more prone to physical damage such as dents, cracks, and breakage over time. In high-traffic areas, PVC panels may require frequent replacements, leading to increased maintenance costs in the long run.

Aesthetic Finish

The appearance of wall finishes plays a role in the overall brightness and cleanliness of a facility. Glasbord® FRP is available in a bright white finish with high light reflectance, which enhances room illumination and creates a clean, professional look.

PVC panels are also available in white but may discolor over time, particularly when exposed to UV light or harsh cleaning chemicals. Additionally, some PVC panels have visible seams or joints, which can disrupt the overall aesthetic and create potential areas for dirt buildup.

Conclusion

Both Glasbord® with Surfaseal® FRP and PVC are viable wall finish options for food production plants and hospitality applications, but Glasbord® FRP stands out as the superior choice due to its fiberglass reinforcement, better cleanability, and enhanced durability.

PVC may be a more affordable option upfront, but its lack of reinforcement and lower durability can result in higher maintenance and replacement costs over time. For industries that require high hygiene standards, long-term structural integrity, and superior chemical resistance, Glasbord® FRP is the preferred solution.