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

Split tiles: porosity as a weak point
Researchers at Fraunhofer IPA examined split tiles under realistic conditions. The result: microscopically visible pores, grooves and furrows. This is exactly where dirt particles and microorganisms accumulate – and cannot be completely removed even with standardised cleaning procedures. After cleaning, both fluorescent residues and bacterial colonies could be detected on the test tiles.

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, less 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 split tiles in terms of hygiene. Anyone who values safety in sensitive production environments will find this material to be a robust, easy-to-clean and economical alternative to classic split tiles.

Secure hygiene. Secure your investment.
If you’re planning a new build or refurbishment, Argelith fine porcelain stoneware gives you measurable hygiene and long-term reliability. Its low-porosity, precisely manufactured surface enables narrower joints and easier cleaning – advantages validated by independent research. 

Discover formats, slip-resistance classes and colors tailored to dairy and food production on our product page: Explore 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 advantages and hygienic properties of our flooring solutions.

Talk to an Argelith expert

Would you like personal advice on hygiene and investment security in your facility?
Speak directly with one of our flooring specialists. Together, we’ll review your cleaning regime, slip-resistance requirements, and operational loads to find the ideal tile type and format for your plant.

+49 5472 402 670
export@argelith.com