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Epoxy Flooring in Pharmaceutical industry

Epoxy flooring is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its unique properties that meet the stringent hygiene and safety standards required in cleanroom and production environments. 

Here's a breakdown of why epoxy flooring is preferred and where it's typically used:

Why Epoxy Flooring is Used in Pharma Industry

  1. Seamless & Non-porous Surface

    • Prevents accumulation of dust, microbes, and chemical residues.
    • Easy to clean and sanitize, which is essential for maintaining sterile conditions.

  2. Chemical Resistance

    • Withstands exposure to harsh cleaning agents, acids, and solvents used in pharmaceutical processes.

  3. Durability & Load Resistance

    • Withstands heavy machinery, foot traffic, and trolley movement without cracking or wearing down quickly.

  4. Anti-Microbial Properties

    • Specialized epoxy systems can include anti-bacterial agents to reduce microbial growth.

  5. Slip Resistance

    • Can be formulated with textured finishes to enhance safety and reduce slip hazards.

  6. Compliance with GMP Standards

    • Helps meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) by ensuring a hygienic, easy-to-maintain working environment.

Common Areas Where Epoxy Flooring is Applied

  • Cleanrooms
  • Laboratories
  • Manufacturing and production areas
  • Storage and warehouse zones
  • Packaging areas
  • Corridors and loading docks

Optional Add-ons & Variants

  • ESD (Electrostatic Dissipative) Epoxy Flooring: Used in areas sensitive to static electricity.
  • High-Gloss Finishes: Enhances light reflection, improving visibility in cleanroom environments.
  • Coved Base Details: Floor-to-wall junctions with no gaps, critical for contamination control.

If you're specifying or installing epoxy flooring for a pharmaceutical facility, it's important to choose a system that meets ISO cleanroom classifications and FDA guidelines, if applicable.

Here are the typical specifications for epoxy flooring in the pharmaceutical industry, tailored to meet GMP and cleanroom standards:

1. Substrate Preparation

Concrete substrate must be fully cured (min 28 days), clean, dry, and free of contaminants

Surface roughness: ICRI CSP 3–5 (for mechanical adhesion).

Shot blasting or diamond grinding recommended.


2. Epoxy Flooring System Composition

Primer Coat

Type: 100% solids, low-viscosity epoxy primer.

Purpose: Penetrates substrate, ensures adhesion.

Application rate: 0.2 – 0.3 kg/m²


Body Coat

Type: High build epoxy (can be self-leveling or trowel-applied).

Thickness: 2 mm – 5 mm (depending on traffic and usage).

Color: Light colors preferred for cleanliness (e.g., light blue, grey, green).

Optional Additives: Antimicrobial agents, anti-static agents (ESD protection if required).


Top Coat / Seal Coat

Type: UV-resistant, chemical-resistant epoxy or polyurethane topcoat.

Finish: Glossy, semi-gloss, or matte.

Properties: Scratch and stain resistance, smooth or anti-slip finish (based on area).


3. Performance Requirements


4. Compliance Standards

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

ISO 14644 (Cleanroom classification)

FDA & EU regulations (for cleanroom floors)

HACCP (if applicable for pharmaceutical food-grade zones)


5. Application Conditions

Ambient temp: 10–35°C

Humidity: < 85%

Dew point to be monitored to avoid condensation


6. Optional Features

Coving: 100–150 mm high, seamless transition from floor to wall.

ESD Flooring: For areas handling electronic components or powders.

Slip Resistance: Adjustable via silica aggregates or textured finishes.

Line Markings: For pathways, hazardous zones, or equipment marking.

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