Can You Afford NOT to Use PTFE-Lined Hoses in Your Food and Beverage Production?

Hoses are an integral part of any food and beverage production facility. From product transfer and handing to unloading supplies and filling packages, they ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently. But are you using the right hose for your application? Many businesses opt for rubber alternatives because they appear more cost-effective upfront. However, failing to consider the long-term implications of this choice can lead to significant costs in maintenance, downtime and contamination risks.

The Hidden Costs of Rubber Hoses

While rubber hoses such as Nitrile, EPDM, and Silicone are widely used due to their lower initial cost, they are susceptible to degradation when exposed to standard clean-in-place (CIP) and sterilisation processes, absorbing cleaning chemicals and breaking down over time. This increases the frequency of replacements and the risk of leaching unwanted substances into food and beverage products causing major safety concerns.

Every time a rubber hose deteriorates, your facility incurs costs - not just in replacing the hose but in downtime, lost production, missed deadlines, increased cleaning efforts, and potential contamination issues that could damage your brand’s reputation. All things considered, is it worth taking the risk?

Why PTFE-Lined Hoses Are the Superior Choice

PTFE-lined hoses, such as the Aflex Hose FaBLINE, offer an innovative alternative. These hoses are designed specifically for the food and beverage industry, addressing the core issues that affect rubber alternatives:

Longer Lifespan - Unlike rubber hoses that need frequent replacement, PTFE-lined hoses last significantly longer. Some have been in service for decades, offering up to 10 times the lifespan of silicone hoses.

Unparalleled Cleanability - PTFE is non-stick and impervious to standard cleaning chemicals and high-temperature CIP cycles, reducing bacterial build-up and improving hygiene.

Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs - With PTFE-lined hoses, cleaning cycles are shorter, reducing downtime and labour costs associated with maintenance.

No Risk of Contamination - Unlike rubber hoses that degrade and leach chemicals into products, PTFE remains stable and does not compromise food or beverage integrity.

Compliance and Certifications - One of the key advantages of the Aflex FaBLINE PTFE-lined hose is that it’s fully compliant with food and beverage industry standards, including FDA, 3-A, EC1935/2004, EC 2023/2006, EN16643:2016 and with 3.1 Traceability.

Increased Productivity - PTFE-lined hoses offer lower pressure drop, improved flexibility, and volumetric stability, ensuring higher efficiency in high-speed production lines.

The True Cost of Your Hose Choice

When evaluating hose selection, it's essential to consider the real cost—not just the purchase price, but the total cost of ownership. A breakdown of hidden costs associated with rubber and silicone hoses includes:

Frequent Replacement Costs – Regular purchases, disposal fees, and labour costs for installation.

Production Losses – Downtime, cleaning delays, and product wastage due to contamination concerns.

Volumetric Expansion – Pumping cycles and pressure can cause the hoses to expand and contract. Over time, the expansion of the materials becomes permanent and the amount of product which flows through the hose is permanently affected.

Increased Operational Costs – Higher energy usage due to friction and inefficiencies in cleaning cycles.

With PTFE-lined hoses like Aflex FaBLINE, the investment quickly pays for itself through improved efficiency, hygiene, and long-term durability.

Can You Afford to Keep Using Rubber Hoses?

In industries like food and beverage, every decision impacts your bottom line. While rubber hoses may seem like the economical choice, their hidden costs in maintenance, downtime and contamination risks make them a liability. Investing in PTFE-lined hoses is not just about upgrading equipment, it’s about future-proofing your production, protecting your brand and maximising operational efficiency.

The question isn't whether you can afford to switch to PTFE-lined hoses - it's whether you can afford not to. At Valve & Process Solutions, we have introduced the Aflex FaBLINE PTFE-lined hoses to help businesses like yours achieve better performance and long-term savings. Speak to our specialists today to find out how switching to PTFE-lined hoses can transform your food and beverage production.