Planning industrial flooring: the real problem only becomes apparent during operation

In the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, hygienic safety is indispensable. Production processes must be stable, safe, and reproducible at all times.

However, an industrial floor is defined during the planning phase—and this is precisely where a critical risk arises: many differences between materials are not visible in technical data sheets but only become apparent during actual operation.

Factors such as dirt adhesion, cleaning effort, and long-term hygienic stability only reveal themselves under real-life conditions. And it is precisely these factors that determine how efficiently, safely, and economically a facility can operate over the long term.

Planning reliability for industrial flooring often ends at the surface

When selecting an industrial floor, the focus is initially on classic criteria: mechanical durability, slip resistance, chemical resistance, standards, and certifications.

These criteria are important—but not sufficient. A key question often remains unanswered: how does the surface perform in daily use under hygienic requirements?

This is precisely where differences emerge later on:

• How strongly do contaminants adhere?
• How quickly can residues be removed?
• How stable are hygienic conditions in everyday operations?

Many industrial floors appear technically comparable—yet differ significantly in day-to-day use.

Cleaning effort and hygiene: what really matters in operation

In day-to-day operations, the focus shifts clearly.

It is not technical specifications that define everyday performance—but cleanability. The key factors are:

• Cleaning effort
• Process reliability
• Water and chemical consumption
• Reproducibility of hygienic standards

An unfavorable surface structure inevitably leads to:

• Increased dirt adhesion
• Higher cleaning effort
• Greater use of chemicals
• Rising water consumption

The result: higher operating costs—every single day.

Surface structure of industrial flooring: the decisive factor

The greatest leverage lies in the microstructure of the surface.

Dense, almost pore-free ceramic industrial flooring—such as those used in high-quality industrial construction—offers clear advantages over porous materials:

• Reduced dirt adhesion
• No penetration of liquids
• Easy and reproducible cleaning
• Stable hygienic conditions

Efficient cleaning through advanced surface technology

Independent quality tests by FGK (Research Institute for Glass and Ceramics) demonstrate that mvtec®-treated Argelith surfaces show significantly lower adhesion compared to comparable products.

Argelith porcelain stoneware tiles are unglazed. The fine ceramic body is enhanced by an innovative surface treatment that is permanently fused with the ceramic during the firing process. This ensures long-lasting protection against surface contamination and bacterial growth.

Cleaning requirements may vary depending on the application, but both localized contamination and stubborn stains can be easily removed with the right cleaning methods and equipment—ensuring the floor remains in optimal condition at all times. Stain resistance is rated at the highest classification according to standards.

This is precisely where the difference lies—one that influences costs and process reliability over many years. Particularly in sensitive sectors such as:

• Food production
• Beverage industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Food retail

maintaining consistently controllable hygiene is essential.        

What this means for operations:
Cleaning processes become more predictable, more stable, and less labor-intensive.

Sustainability in industrial flooring: the impact during operation

Sustainability in industrial flooring is often defined by materials or manufacturing processes.
However, in day-to-day industrial use, the greatest impact occurs during operation itself—through water consumption, cleaning chemicals, energy use, and cleaning cycles.

A floor that is easier to clean measurably reduces exactly these factors.

Less dirt adhesion = lower resource consumption = more sustainable operations.

This effect is not theoretical—it occurs every single day throughout the entire service life.

Cost-effectiveness is the result of the right decision

The impact is not only ecological but also economic.

As cleaning processes become more efficient, the following decrease:

• Ongoing operating costs
• Time expenditure
• Downtime

Over the years, this leads to a significant difference—one that is often not visible during the planning phase.

Conclusion: planning industrial flooring means thinking ahead to operations

Industrial flooring is often planned correctly from a technical perspective—but not optimized for operational performance.

The key question is: how easily can this floor be kept hygienically clean over the long term?

This is exactly where companies like Argelith come in: with highly durable ceramic industrial flooring specifically designed for demanding hygienic environments—where the advantages become particularly evident in day-to-day operations.

Those who take cleaning, hygiene, and operating costs into account during the planning phase create not just a safe solution, but a sustainable and economically sound foundation for the long term.

Frequently asked questions about planning industrial flooring (from the perspective of architects & planners)

How can I, as a planner, assess how an industrial floor will perform in operation?
During the planning phase, this is only possible to a limited extent, as many decisive factors only become visible in real-life operation. Useful guidance comes primarily from experience with comparable projects, as well as a detailed evaluation of the surface structure and its impact on cleanability and adhesion.

What risks do I take if I rely solely on technical specifications?
Technical specifications provide assurance regarding standards and load-bearing capacity, but offer little insight into day-to-day performance. The risk is that cleaning effort, hygienic stability, and operating costs may turn out to be significantly higher than expected.

Which factors are often underestimated during planning?
One of the most frequently underestimated factors is the impact of surface structure on cleaning and hygiene. Adhesion behavior, liquid penetration, and actual cleanability are difficult to realistically assess during the planning phase.

How can I ensure that hygienic requirements are met in the long term?
What matters is not only whether a floor meets the requirements—but whether it does so consistently and reproducibly over time. Surface properties play a key role here, as they strongly influence cleaning effort and the stability of hygienic conditions.

When do the highest follow-up costs occur with industrial flooring?
Not during the initial investment, but during ongoing operation. High cleaning effort, increased use of water and chemicals, and longer downtime lead to significantly higher total costs over the years.

How can I better support and justify my decision to clients?
By considering not only technical criteria but also operational performance. A clear argumentation focusing on cleaning effort, process reliability, and long-term operating costs creates transparency and helps avoid future discussions.