Food processing facilities operate under intense hygiene and safety requirements. Our materials are FDA-compliant, USDA-approved, and NSF-certified where applicable—making them suitable for direct food contact, washdown areas, and cleanroom settings. Aetna Plastics works with processors, engineers, and OEMs to supply reliable solutions that reduce contamination risks, withstand rigorous cleaning, and maintain structural integrity over time.
Benefits of Plastics in Food Processing
Thermoplastics outperform traditional materials like metal or wood in wet, high-impact, and chemically exposed environments.
Key Advantages:
- FDA, USDA & NSF Compliance: Meets industry standards for hygiene and food safety
- Corrosion & Moisture Resistant: Withstands frequent cleaning and high-humidity environments
- Non-Toxic & Non-Absorbent: Prevents bacterial growth and contamination
- Impact Resistant & Durable: Handles daily mechanical stress and abrasion
- Easy to Clean & Maintain: Smooth surfaces simplify sanitation
- Lightweight & Machinable: Reduces installation costs and simplifies fabrication
Common Applications in Food Processing
Our materials are used in all stages of food production, packaging, and facility maintenance, including:
- Cutting boards and food prep surfaces
- Conveyor components and wear strips
- Washdown-compatible wall panels and enclosures
- Fluid handling systems and valve
- Food-safe trays, hoppers, and bins
- Machine guards and sight windows
- Insulating spacers and mounting plates
Materials for Food & Beverage Environments
Aetna Plastics stocks and fabricates a wide variety of plastic materials engineered for the food processing industry:
- UHMW-PE (Food Grade): Extremely low friction and abrasion-resistant—ideal for conveyor systems
- Acetal (Delrin®): FDA-compliant and highly machinable for gears, rollers, and mechanical parts
- Polypropylene (PP): Lightweight, chemically resistant, and perfect for wet environments
- PVC & CPVC: Used in piping and tank systems for water treatment and chemical transfer
- HDPE: Common in cutting surfaces and non-load-bearing structural components
- Polycarbonate & Acrylic: Transparent materials for guards and visual inspection panels
- PTFE & PVDF: Excellent for high-purity, high-temperature, or aggressive chemical exposure
Not sure which material is right for your line? Our technical experts will help you match your application to the best FDA-grade plastic.
Why Food Processors Trust Aetna Plastics
For over 75 years, Aetna Plastics has partnered with food manufacturers and equipment builders to deliver durable, hygienic, and compliant material solutions.
We back every product with unmatched technical support and custom fabrication options to keep your operations running smoothly and safely.
What We Offer:
- Extensive stock of FDA- and NSF-compliant materials
- Custom cut-to-size and CNC machining for precise fit and performance
- Expert consultation on material selection and regulatory compliance
- Fast delivery and responsive service across North America
Keep Your Process Clean, Compliant & Running Smoothly
Whether you’re designing new food equipment or improving existing systems, Aetna Plastics provides the materials and expertise to help you meet safety regulations and production goals. Contact us today to request a quote, explore food-grade options, or speak with a specialist about your facility needs.
