What Is IFS Film for the Food Industry?

The food industry imposes strict requirements in terms of hygiene, safety, and compliance. For adhesive film installers, this means working with certified, durable materials specifically designed for sensitive environments. IFS film is one of the technical solutions developed to meet these exact needs.

IFS Film: A Certified Solution for Sensitive Areas

IFS (Interior Food Safe) film is a transparent adhesive film designed for glazing and interior panels located in food processing or preparation zones. It complies with IFS Food (International Featured Standards), a key requirement in the food industry to ensure hygiene and food safety.

This type of film is free from harmful substances, emits no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and poses no risk of contamination. It is ideally suited for:

• Glass partitions separating production areas
• Glazed walls in meat processing or packaging rooms
• Glass or rigid plastic surfaces exposed to moisture or splashes

Concrete Benefits of IFS Film

Certified hygiene compliance
IFS film is certified for use in food industry environments. It prevents glass shards in case of breakage (shatter-resistant function), which is critical in handling or processing zones.

Easy and effective cleaning
Its smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean using standard food-grade cleaning products (e.g., isopropyl alcohol, HACCP-approved disinfectants). The adhesive remains stable even after frequent cleaning cycles.

Crystal-clear visibility
The film maintains excellent optical clarity after installation, without distorting visibility or altering the look of the glass. No haze or bubbles when applied using professional methods.

UV and scratch resistance
Some versions also offer UV filtration and enhanced resistance to micro-scratches caused by repeated cleaning.

Installation Tips Specific to IFS Film

Installing IFS film in food production environments requires precision. Follow these professional guidelines:

• Thorough surface preparation: Clean the glazing or rigid panel with a mix of water and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Avoid greasy detergents or any residue. Use stainless steel scrapers to remove impurities.
• Wet application method: Use a spray bottle with a suitable soap solution to ease positioning and avoid air pockets.
• Precise squeegeeing: Work with a professional Teflon squeegee to avoid marking the film, expelling fluid from center to edges without over-pressuring corners.
• Clean finish: Trim with a sharp utility knife without applying pressure to the surface. Round off corners to avoid edge lifting during intensive cleaning.
• Curing time: Allow 24 to 48 hours of drying at ambient temperature (minimum 15 °C) before putting the surface back into service.

Typical Use Cases

Here are some common scenarios where IFS film is the optimal solution:

• Meat cutting room with glazing in direct contact with the working zone
• Dairy or charcuterie processing areas with glazed partitions
• Industrial kitchens or central catering units with surfaces exposed to water, oil, or steam
• Cold storage areas where transparency is needed but enhanced safety is required

What to Check Before Choosing an IFS Film

Not all “IFS-compatible” films are equal. Before accepting a project in a food processing environment, make sure the film meets these technical standards:

• IFS or equivalent compliance certificate: Essential to pass quality audits.
• Tested shatter-resistance: The film must retain glass fragments in case of breakage.
• Resistance to professional cleaning agents: Food industry disinfectants are often aggressive. Ensure the film holds up to at least 500 cleaning cycles.
• Detailed technical datasheet: Density, thickness, thermal resistance, compatibility with wash-down temperatures and high humidity.
• Durability: In steam or cold zones, choose films developed for extreme conditions (cold rooms, cooking areas, etc.).

Using a film without these guarantees risks failing an audit, premature replacement, or loss of trust from the end client.

Key Takeaways

• IFS film is an essential solution to ensure safety and compliance in food processing areas.
• It is applied on glass or rigid plastic panels in direct contact with production zones.
• It protects, simplifies maintenance, and reassures IFS auditors and quality teams.
• To ensure success, follow strict installation protocols, and select only proven, certified materials.

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For any technical questions or to request product datasheets, don’t hesitate to contact your supplier or refer to official installation guidelines.