In the poultry industry, maintaining a high standard of hygiene is critical to ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and the overall efficiency of operations. A significant part of this hygiene maintenance involves the use of specialized cleaning chemicals designed to sanitize and protect surfaces like walls and ceilings in processing plants. Choosing the right wall material is just as important as selecting the appropriate cleaning agents, as the wrong surface can deteriorate under repeated chemical exposure. This is where our Glasbord® with Surfaseal® FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) panels come into play. In this article, we'll explore the main cleaning chemicals used in the poultry industry and explain why our Glasbord® with Surfaseal® FRP panels are the optimal choice for resisting these harsh agents.

Common Cleaning Chemicals in the Poultry Industry

Alkaline Cleaners

• Purpose: Alkaline cleaners, often caustic in nature, are widely used in the poultry industry to remove organic matter such as fat, blood, and protein residues from walls and equipment. They effectively break down grease and other stubborn deposits.
• Usage: These cleaners are typically applied during the initial cleaning phase, where they help in loosening soil and making the subsequent sanitation process more effective.
• Chemical Resistance: Alkaline substances are highly corrosive, especially on surfaces not designed to withstand their aggressive nature. Without proper wall protection, these cleaners can cause significant damage over time.

Acidic Cleaners

• Purpose: Acidic cleaners are primarily used to remove mineral deposits, including lime scale and rust, which can accumulate on walls and other surfaces in poultry processing facilities. They are particularly effective at dissolving calcium and magnesium build-up.
• Usage: These are often used as part of the deep cleaning process, particularly in areas where water hardness leads to significant mineral deposition.
• Chemical Resistance: Acidic solutions can erode and damage unprotected surfaces, making it crucial to have walls that can resist such harsh chemicals.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

• Purpose: Quats are disinfectants commonly used in the poultry industry for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. They help in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, ensuring a sanitized environment.
• Usage: These chemicals are applied during the final sanitizing step after the cleaning process to ensure that all surfaces are free of harmful microorganisms.
• Chemical Resistance: Although milder than acids and alkalines, quats can still cause surface degradation if the walls are not adequately protected.

Chlorine-Based Disinfectants

• Purpose: Chlorine-based disinfectants are highly effective against a wide range of pathogens and are often used in the poultry industry for their rapid action and effectiveness in killing bacteria and viruses.
• Usage: Chlorine solutions are usually applied during the final sanitation stages, especially in high-risk areas that require stringent microbial control.
• Chemical Resistance: Chlorine can be very corrosive, particularly in high concentrations, leading to discoloration, pitting, and degradation of unprotected surfaces.

Why Glasbord® with Surfaseal® FRP is the Best Choice

Glasbord® with Surfaseal® FRP panels are engineered specifically to withstand the rigorous demands of environments like poultry processing plants, where exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals is a daily occurrence. Here’s why they are the ideal choice:

• Superior Chemical Resistance: The Surfaseal layer on our Glasbord FRP panels provides an extra barrier that significantly increases chemical resistance compared to standard FRP. This means that the panels can withstand repeated exposure to caustic cleaners, acids, and disinfectants without degrading.
• Durability: These panels are designed to last, maintaining their structural integrity and appearance over time, even in the face of aggressive cleaning protocols. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving both time and money.
• Ease of Maintenance: The smooth, non-porous surface of Surfaseal prevents the accumulation of dirt and grime, making cleaning more efficient and effective. This is especially important in the poultry industry, where hygiene is paramount.
• Compliance and Safety: Using Glasbord® with Surfaseal® FRP panels helps ensure that your facility meets the stringent hygiene standards required in the poultry industry, protecting both your products and your reputation.

In conclusion, while the right cleaning chemicals are essential for maintaining hygiene in poultry processing plants, equally important is choosing wall panels that can withstand these chemicals' harsh effects. Glasbord® with Surfaseal® FRP panels provide the durability, chemical resistance, and ease of maintenance needed to keep your facility clean, compliant, and operationally efficient.