Neoprene FAQs

What makes neoprene "food grade"?

Food grade neoprene meets FDA requirements for food contact materials under 21 CFR 177.2600. The white color and specialized formulation ensure safety in food processing environments while maintaining neoprene's excellent physical properties.

Why choose white food grade neoprene?

White food grade neoprene offers:
- Easy visual inspection for cleanliness
- FDA compliance for food contact
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Superior cleaning agent resistance
- Good compression properties
- Extended service life
- Easy sanitization

What thicknesses of FDA white neoprene do you offer?

We offer four standard thicknesses:
- 1/16": Ideal for thin gaskets and seals
- 1/8": Common for general food processing applications
- 3/16": Suited for medium-duty sealing
- 1/4": Used for heavy-duty applications
Available in both 36" and 48" widths

What is the durometer of your food grade neoprene?

Our FDA white neoprene is available in 60 Shore A durometer, providing an optimal balance of hardness and flexibility for food processing applications.

Can you provide custom cut food grade neoprene gaskets?

Yes, we offer custom fabrication services including die cutting, water jet cutting, and injection rubber molding. We can produce gaskets and seals to your exact specifications.

Can you provide material certifications?

Yes, we provide FDA compliance documentation and certificates of conformance upon request for all food grade materials.

How should food grade neoprene be cleaned and maintained?

Clean with FDA-approved sanitizers and cleaning agents. The white color allows for easy visual inspection. Regular cleaning schedules should follow your facility's sanitation protocols.

What is the temperature range for food grade neoprene?

FDA white neoprene maintains its properties across typical food processing temperatures, suitable for both hot and cold applications.

Chemical Properties of Food Grade Neoprene

FDA white neoprene provides:
- Resistance to acids and alkalis commonly found in food processing
- Excellent resistance to cleaning agents and sanitizers
- Good oil and fat resistance
- Superior resistance to animal and vegetable oils
- Compliance with FDA extraction limits

Physical Properties

- Tensile Strength: 750+ PSI
- Elongation: 300%
- Clean, non-marking white surface
- Excellent tear resistance
- Superior compression set
- Good abrasion resistance
- Low water absorption

Installation & Handling Guidelines

- Use only FDA-approved lubricants during installation
- Clean surfaces thoroughly before installation
- Follow sanitary installation practices
- Maintain proper compression ratios
- Use appropriate torque specifications
- Document installation dates for maintenance records

  • Cost Benefit Analysis

    Compared to other food-grade materials:
    - More durable than standard white rubber
    - Better chemical resistance than silicone
    - More cost-effective than PTFE
    - Longer service life in dynamic applications
    - Lower replacement frequency
    - Better temperature resistance than standard FDA rubber

  • Maintenance & Care

    - Regular inspection for wear or discoloration
    - Clean according to facility's sanitation protocols
    - Document cleaning and maintenance procedures
    - Replace at first signs of degradation
    - Maintain cleaning logs for compliance
    - Regular compression checks

  • Manufacturing Process

    Manufactured under strict controls:
    1. Clean room mixing environment
    2. Controlled vulcanization
    3. Surface finish verification
    4. Dimensional checking
    5. FDA compliance verification
    6. Quality inspection

  • Material Grade Selection Guide

    Consider these factors:
    - Operating temperature range
    - Chemical exposure types
    - Required compression
    - Cleaning protocol compatibility
    - Installation environment
    - Application pressure requirements

  • Custom Solutions & Capabilities

    - Custom thickness requirements
    - Special width cuts
    - Custom gasket fabrication
    - Special packaging for clean environments
    - Rush order processing
    - Custom material testing

  • Related Services

    - Custom cutting to size
    - Gasket fabrication
    - Water jet cutting
    - Die cutting
    - Slitting services
    - Injection Rubber Molding
    - Technical consultation

Get in contact today!