In the food processing and packaging industries, the key challenges operators face are linked to securing operational efficiency and food safety in the harsh operating conditions in their factories. High operating temperatures, sticky products, moist and oily environments, the risk of belt edge fray, and the effects of chemical and/or mechanical cleaning, all have an impact on belt lifetimes and output, as well as on product contamination and waste.

In response to growing industry demand, Habasit is launching the first eight items in a new and improved belt line: Habasit Premium TPU food belts. These enhanced polyether-based belts offer four new features, each extending important benefits, particularly to customers running applications in the dry food industry:

Elevated temperature resistance
The new belts perform at temperatures of up to 110 °C / 230 °F continuously admissible. Particularly in bakery applications, this means a significantly extended belt service life, with a lower risk of joint damage. Higher temperature resistance also eliminates delamination, thus improving food safety.

Improved hydrolysis resistance
Enhanced resistance to hydrolysis and better chemical resistance are achieved with a new TPU formulation. This results in better resistance to humidity, improved belt service life, and better food hygiene.

Reduced fraying of belt edges
A combination of spun fabrics and non-fray knitwear making up the belt design limits the risk of tearing long fibers out of the coating layers, which substantially improves belt service life and food safety. This combination is also nosebar suitable, permitting use with tight transfers

Improved low wicking via reverse side impregnation
A new impregnation formula for the reverse/running side ensures very low ingress of water and oils, which improves processing hygiene and prevents microbial growth on the belt running side.

In order to fully meet all food belt application needs, Habasit has also developed a range of profiles and other auxiliaries with matching chemical resistance that can be welded to belt tops and reverse sides using high-frequency welding and hot air tools. The new range of Habasit Premium TPU food belts comes with matt, glossy and waffle surfaces in white and blue, at widths of 2400 mm. 

Habasit Premium TPU food belt brochure