What Makes a Wall Cladding ‘Hygienic’? 5 Features to Look For

In sectors like healthcare, food production, and cleanroom environments, hygienic wall cladding isn’t just a smart choice – it’s a legal and operational necessity. But what exactly defines a wall cladding system as “hygienic”?

Here are the five essential features that separate standard wall finishes from truly hygienic wall cladding:

Seamless, Non-Porous Surface

Traditional wall materials like tiles often have grout lines or micro-crevices where bacteria can hide and multiply. Hygienic cladding systems like Saniclad are made from PVC with a smooth, continuous finish, making them impervious to moisture and extremely easy to clean.

Resistance to Chemicals and Cleaning Agents

In clinical or food environments, walls are cleaned frequently, and sometimes aggressively. Hygienic cladding must withstand repeated cleaning with harsh disinfectants without discolouration, warping, or surface damage. Saniclad’s panels are built with chemical resistance in mind, maintaining integrity under pressure.

Antimicrobial Protection

Some advanced cladding systems incorporate antimicrobial additives that actively inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. While cleanliness is always key, antimicrobial protection offers an added layer of defence – especially in high-risk areas like kitchens, operating theatres, or pharmaceutical labs.

Hygienic Jointing Systems

A truly hygienic installation goes beyond the panels themselves. Look for systems that include heat-welded or food-safe sealed joints, leaving no gaps where contaminants can settle. Saniclad offers full systems with approved trims and welds to ensure a seamless, hygienic finish from edge to edge.

Compliance with Industry Standards

Reputable hygienic cladding should support compliance with the most relevant regulations and design standards across critical sectors, including:

HACCP principles for food safety and contamination control,
ISO 14644 requirements for cleanroom design and air cleanliness,
NHS healthcare guidance, including HTM 01-05 and HBN 00-10, for infection control and clinical hygiene.

Saniclad’s cladding systems are designed to meet these stringent demands and are widely trusted across NHS facilities, commercial kitchens, and cleanroom installations throughout the UK.

Bottom line: Not all wall coverings are created equal. If you want true hygiene performance – not just an aesthetic upgrade – be sure to choose a system that’s designed, tested, and proven to meet your industry’s highest standards.

Ready to upgrade to fully compliant hygienic cladding? Get in touch with the Saniclad team today.