The food industry in the UK must meet high standards for hygiene, safety, and durability - especially when it comes to flooring.
Resin flooring has emerged as a leading choice across food manufacturing and processing facilities, driven by its seamless, chemical-resistant and easy-to-clean nature.
Over recent years, trends in resin flooring have evolved to meet not only functional needs but also environmental, aesthetic and regulatory considerations.
Trend 1: Hygienic, seamless surfaces
One of the strongest trends in the UK food sector is the demand for easy-to-clean surfaces that prevent bacterial growth and contamination. Polyurethane (PU) screeds, for example, offer superior resistance to hot water and aggressive cleaning agents.
The seamless application of resin also removes the cracks and joints found in tile or concrete flooring, reducing potential areas for bacteria to grow.
Trend 2: Chemical and thermal resistance
UK food production facilities frequently use acidic and alkaline cleaning chemicals and undergo rapid temperature changes from processes like cooking and chilling. As such, thermal shock resistance and chemical resistance are essential properties of modern food and beverage factory flooring.
Polyurethane resin systems, especially heavy-duty options, have become a preferred choice for their ability to withstand temperatures up to 120°C and exposure to strong sanitising agents without the surface degrading.
Trend 3: Sustainability and environmental impact
Sustainability is becoming a significant consideration in construction and refurbishment projects within the food industry.
Resin flooring manufacturers are responding with low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products and more sustainable sourcing of raw materials.
Some companies now offer bio-based resins derived from renewable sources, aligning with broader ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals of food producers. There’s also a growing interest in long-lasting flooring systems that reduce waste and minimise the need for frequent replacements.
Trend 4: Fast-track installation and minimal downtime
Downtime in food production can be costly, so flooring systems that can be installed and cured quickly are in demand. Some epoxy and polyurethane resin formulations have been developed with rapid curing properties, allowing for faster return to service. Installers are increasingly using phased approaches to section off areas, applying resin flooring in stages to reduce operational disruption while maintaining food safety standards.
Trend 5: Colour-coding and safety demarcation
Colour-coded and zoned flooring is becoming more prevalent in the UK food sector to improve workplace safety and compliance with health and safety regulations. Resin flooring can be tailored with different colours and finishes to designate walkways, high-risk areas, production zones, and escape routes.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines supports visual management practices within food manufacturing facilities. Anti-slip finishes are also increasingly requested to reduce slip hazards in wet or greasy areas.
Trend 6: Customisation and aesthetic appeal
Although functionality remains paramount, the aesthetic aspect of industrial flooring is becoming more prevalent where facilities offer visitor access or operate open production concepts.
Glossy, decorative resin floors or those with embedded logos and custom textures are being used in show kitchens, retail-facing food production areas, and tasting rooms. This trend reflects a broader shift in brand presentation and investment in stronger corporate identity within the food and beverage sector.
Challenges and considerations
Despite its many advantages, resin flooring must be specified and installed correctly to meet expectations.
Factors such as substrate preparation, moisture levels and site conditions can significantly impact the performance of the resin system. There is also a need for ongoing staff training to ensure cleaning procedures preserve the flooring’s integrity over time.
While resin systems can represent a significant investment at the outset, the product’s durability with the right maintenance checks and cleaning practice’s often avoid long-term replacement costs.
Future outlook
As the UK food industry continues to evolve, resin flooring is expected to play a central role in facility design and refurbishment. Future developments may include smarter flooring systems embedded with sensors to monitor temperature or chemical exposure, further integration of antimicrobial technologies, and even more sustainable resin formulations.
Digital tools like BIM (Building Information Modelling) are also being used to plan and specify resin systems more accurately from the design phase onward. Greater legislation around listeria and tighter compliance frameworks from bodies like Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) will increasingly impact and look to remove poor installation practices.
Resin flooring continues to gain in respect and popularity in the UK food industry due to its hygienic properties, durability and adaptability. From seamless surfaces to fast-curing sustainable solutions, the latest trends reflect the industry’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation.
As consumer demands and regulatory pressures grow, food businesses are expected to invest further in high-performance flooring systems that support operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
Dave Sleight is a key account manager in the industrial flooring sector at Kemtile.
