Investment Security and Hygiene: Find out why our porcelain stoneware outperforms every alternative

Hygiene, durability, and precision are the decisive success factors in the food and beverage industry, especially in dairy. The floor is the foundation of every production. It must be robust, easy to clean, and permanently hygienic. Many facilities still rely on split plates, which long stood as the standard in the food trades. But a Fraunhofer study clearly shows: porcelain stoneware offers clear advantages.

With our new format 240 x 115 mm, we now offer even more flexibility—available in 15 mm or 18 mm.

Split plates: Porosity as a weak point
The Fraunhofer IPA researchers tested split plates under realistic conditions. The result: microscopically visible pores, grooves, and furrows. It is exactly there that dirt particles and microorganisms accumulate—and cannot be completely removed even with standardized cleaning procedures. On the test plates, both fluorescent residues and bacterial colonies were detected after cleaning.

Porcelain stoneware: closed surface, easier to clean
The results for porcelain stoneware tiles were completely different: factory-new surfaces were virtually pore-free, and even after abrasion the hygienic properties remained markedly better. The texture resembles a fine “orange peel” with no cracks or holes, allowing residues to be removed much more reliably.

Narrower joints, lower risk
Another advantage lies in precise manufacturing: porcelain stoneware is produced with very tight tolerances. This enables narrower joints and reduces the total joint area. Since joints are among the most hygienically sensitive areas, cleanability improves significantly. For operations, this means less effort, lower contamination risk, and greater cost-efficiency.

More transparency through independent research
The aim of the study was to create more transparency and safety for the food industry through independent scientific results. This gives companies a solid basis for their investment decisions—and the assurance that porcelain stoneware is a long-term, safe solution.

Conclusion
The results are clear: porcelain stoneware is superior to conventional expansion joints in terms of hygiene. For sensitive production environments prioritizing safety, this material offers a robust, easy-to-clean, and economical alternative to the classic expansion joint.

Secure Hygiene. Protect Your Investment
If you are planning a new build or a renovation, Argelith porcelain stoneware offers measurable hygiene and long-term reliability. Its precisely manufactured, low-porosity surface allows for narrower grout lines and easier cleaning—benefits confirmed by independent research.

Discover formats, slip-resistance classes, and colors specifically tailored to the requirements of the dairy and food production industry on our product page: Discover our porcelain stoneware

Download the brochure “Porcelain Stoneware for the Highest Hygiene Demands – The Safe Choice for Your Food Production” (PDF) to learn more about the benefits and hygienic properties of our flooring solutions.

Speak with an Argelith expert

Would you like a personal consultation on hygiene and investment security for your facility?
Speak directly with one of our flooring specialists. Together, we will analyze your cleaning concept, slip-resistance requirements, and operational stresses to identify the ideal tile type and the right format for your investment project.

+49 5472 402 670
export@argelith.com