Food-grade PVC tubing for fruit jellies and chewy sweets: Why PUR tubing systems are often the better choice!
Food-grade PVC hoses in the confectionery industry? Requirements for sticky mixtures
A smooth, dead-space-free internal lining for demanding food processing applications
The production of fruit jellies and chewy sweets places high demands on conveying components. Gelatine mixtures, fruit concentrates, glucose syrup and flavoured sugar mixtures are highly viscous and sticky, and can accumulate in dead spaces or on irregularities in the inner wall of the hose. A food-grade PVC hose may be suitable, depending on the design, approval status and process parameters. However, for certain media and requirements, PUR, PE, PTFE, PFA or FEP may be the more technically appropriate choice. This helps to reduce process risks and avoid unnecessary costs in food production.
Food-grade PVC hoses are widely used in the food industry and are approved for many applications. However, with highly viscous, hot or highly sticky confectionery mixtures, the requirements for cleanability, connection technology with as few dead spaces as possible, a permanently smooth internal contour and chemical resistance to flavourings, acids or possible solvent content in fruit mixtures become more stringent.
Contact Segment LeaderProduct brochureEngineering Services brochure
Audit-compliant Master-PUR DualFlow – More innovative than any PVC hose
Well prepared for audits and inspections in food and confectionery production
Want to pass your audit with ease? Hygienic, traceable and application-specific Masterflex SE hose systems provide a reliable foundation for audits and inspections in food production. As a leading manufacturer of food-grade hoses, the Masterflex Group is continuously developing its portfolio for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Thanks to the combined expertise of the group, a wide range of safe standard and bespoke solutions for food-compliant hose systems is available.
A food-grade PVC hose can – provided it meets the relevant compliance requirements and is used under suitable process conditions – be a viable solution. However, for sensitive, specialised, highly viscous, sticky and hygiene-critical confectionery mixtures, it is not just the material that matters: the internal contour, cleanability, connection technology and the design of the entire conveying system are also crucial.
High-tech hose connection offering advantages over standard PVC hoses
With the Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A, Masterflex Group offers a state-of-the-art solution for demanding food and pharmaceutical processes. The food-grade PUR hose is certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, including all current amending regulations. Its thermoplastic inner liner is completely smooth, with no sharp edges or dead spaces – ensuring a hygienically optimised product flow for fruit jellies, gelatine, fruit purees and syrups.
- Smooth inner liner with no sharp edges or dead spaces for optimum hygiene and flow
- Versatile material combinations – customisable, for example, for abrasion or chemical resistance
- Thermoplastic lining in various Shore hardness grades for maximum flexibility
- Customisable options for colour, lubricity and additives
Request productsamplesDiscover more food-grade hoses
Click to load video!
Load the video by clicking here. Only then data will be transferred to the video provider!
Food-grade does not necessarily mean suitable for use
Two types of tubing may comply with EU Regulation 10/2011, yet their approval status differs. Some PVC food-grade hoses only cover simulants A, B and C, with a maximum of 10 hours’ contact at 40 °C. They are therefore not automatically suitable for fatty foods or dry pet food. Master-PUR Food, on the other hand, covers A, B, C, D1 and D2. Migration tests were carried out under OM3 conditions at temperatures of up to 70 °C; for repeated contact, the hose is specified for use at temperatures of up to 100 °C for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Safe production with reliable PUR hose assemblies – Engineering Services
Is a standard solution not enough? With our engineering services, we develop bespoke hose assemblies to meet your process requirements. The choice of the optimal hose material always depends on the specific process. Masterflex Group provides independent advice on materials and works with the customer to analyse which hose material and system design offers the best combination of hygiene, reliability, cleanability and cost-effectiveness for the respective confectionery application.
If your process exceeds the typical operating limits of a food-grade PVC hose
Whether a PVC food-grade hose, a PUR hose or a specialised version made from PTFE or PFA is the right choice for your process depends on a number of factors: the medium being conveyed, the process temperature, the cleaning requirements, the operating pressure and the desired hygienic design of the entire conveying system. The Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A has proven itself in numerous confectionery applications as a reliable solution for conveying highly viscous fruit gum, gelatine and chewy sweet mixtures. If your process exceeds the typical operating limits of a food-grade PVC hose – particularly in terms of temperature, stickiness, hygiene requirements or CIP compatibility – PUR often offers the technically superior alternative.
Alternatives to food-grade PVC tubing
The Masterflex Group assesses the optimal solution for each application, without being limited to any specific material. In addition to PVC food-grade hoses, other materials are used in the confectionery industry, each offering different advantages depending on the medium, temperature, pressure requirements and cleaning regime: PUR = good sliding properties, abrasion-resistant, very flexible | PE = lightweight, chemically resistant | PTFE = highest chemical resistance, non-stick | PFA = similar to PTFE, but more flexible | FEP = high transparency, chemically inert.
Fitting technology and hose connectors for food-grade hoses
Our hose technology ensures that the hose is completely free of sharp edges. What’s more, seamless transitions prevent media residues from accumulating inside the hose assembly, thereby ensuring efficient food and beverage production. Precise transitions are particularly crucial when transporting abrasive media or liquids. Imprecise connections increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
PVC-free – circular economy for hoses and connection systems
For us, it is not just quality and safety that count, but also environmental responsibility. With our first Cradle to Cradle-certified spiral hose and a smooth hose made from biodegradable polymers, we have already provided strong impetus for a functioning circular economy. The new Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A is also recyclable when sorted by material – and thus represents an important step towards sustainable, environmentally friendly hose solutions.
Sometimes a food-grade PVC hose is unsuitable – extraction of chemical vapours
PVC, PUR, PE, PTFE, PFA, FEP, UHMWPE? Masterflex Group can advise you on precisely tailored, high-performance plastics. During chemical process steps in pharmaceutical manufacturing, any vapours produced must be safely captured and reliably extracted. Media-resistant cleanroom hose systems made from high-performance plastics such as PUR, PFA, PTFE, etc. are not only important for air conveyance, but also for facilitating the controlled extraction of industrial vapours.
The right answers to important questions
When selecting a hose for your food or pharmaceutical application, don’t just ask: “Is the PUR hose food-grade?” But also: Which types of food are covered? What are the applicable temperature and contact time limits? Does the certification statement correspond exactly to the hose being used? Compliance must always be tailored to the specific application.
For pharmaceutical applications, a separate assessment of both the material and the process is also required.
Are food-grade PVC hoses less suitable than PUR hoses? Requirements regarding hygiene and product flow
The terms ‘food-safe’ and ‘food-compliant’ describe whether a hose meets the legal requirements for contact with food – for example, in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, FDA 21 CFR or other food safety standards. A PVC food-grade hose can meet these requirements under certain conditions.
These requirements can be met particularly reliably with holistically designed, compliant food and pharmaceutical hose systems, as well as product solutions from the Masterflex Group. The hose assembly – including bespoke solutions – forms, together with the appropriate connection technology and precisely fitting connectors, a high-performance and safe system for food processing. However, it is not just the material approval that is decisive for actual suitability in the process, but the complete flow and hygiene design of the conveying line.
In confectionery production, the following core requirements in particular apply to hygienic hose systems:
- Seamlessly smooth inner surface: no pores, cracks or irregularities where product residues can accumulate.
- Dead-space-free design: joints, couplings and transitions without areas where product can accumulate.
- Cleanability (CIP/SIP): Compatibility with standard cleaning agents and temperatures.
- Chemical resistance: Resistance to flavourings, acids, enzymes and cleaning agents.
- Mechanical stability: Dimensional stability at operating pressure and temperature – without wall deformation.
- Food-grade approval: Demonstrable compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
- Sufficient flexibility: Easy handling of the plastic hose, as well as precisely fitting connections and contact surfaces in contact with the medium.
A food-grade PVC hose can meet some of these requirements. However, for highly viscous, sticky, temperature-sensitive or generally demanding confectionery mixtures, PUR hoses from the Masterflex Group offer advantages in many applications – for example, thanks to smooth inner surfaces, increased abrasion resistance and a wide temperature tolerance.
When a food-grade PVC hose is not sufficient: Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A
The Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A is a polyurethane (PUR) hose designed for demanding applications in the food industry. Its seamlessly smooth inner surface promotes hygienic product flow and facilitates cleaning. When combined with suitable connection technology, a hygienic hose system with minimal dead space can be achieved. The robust hose construction is designed for the conveyance of highly viscous media such as gelatine mixtures, fruit purées and sugar syrups.
Plastic & metal connectorsDownload product brochure
Food-grade does not necessarily mean suitable for use
Whilst two hoses may both comply with EU 10/2011, they may nevertheless be approved for different types of food, temperatures and contact times: For example, some PVC hoses only cover categories A, B and C for a maximum of 10 hours at 40 °C, whilst Master-PUR Food from Masterflex also covers categories D1 and D2 under specified conditions. Compliance must always be tailored to the specific application.
Food-grade FDA-approved plastic tubing
Do you manufacture products yourself or build plant for the food industry? Masterflex Group develops FDA-compliant hose and connection solutions for demanding processes in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Whether in food production and processing, in filling systems or in pharmaceutical production environments: our food-grade hoses stand for quality, safety and technical performance.
Fluid systems, bearing and cooling systems
Where highly sensitive media need to be safely conveyed, stored, temperature-controlled or metered, the quality of the hose solution is crucial for process stability, product protection and plant reliability. This is particularly true for applications in which chemical resistance, high purity and robust material performance are essential.
Find out more!
Tablet, powder and capsule production
Pharmaceutical products such as capsules or tablets must be handled and transported with particular care. When active ingredients are used in pharmaceutical production to create precisely dosed tablets, capsules or liquid medicines, every step in the process must be carried out accurately, hygienically and with absolute reliability.
Click to load video!
Load the video by clicking here. Only then data will be transferred to the video provider!
Connection technology for more than just food-grade PVC hoses
Connect food-grade plastic hoses using flexible connection technology!
Our hose technology ensures that there are absolutely no sharp edges inside the hose. What’s more, seamless transitions prevent media residues from accumulating inside the hose assembly, thereby ensuring efficient food and beverage production. Precise transitions are particularly crucial when transporting abrasive media or liquids, such as in the confectionery industry.
Contact Brochure: Specialised Food Solutions
Hoses for the food and pharmaceutical industries – your point of contact
Frequently asked questions about food-grade PVC and PUR hoses
Are food-grade PVC tubes suitable for use in the production of fruit jellies and chewy sweets?
Food-grade PVC hoses may be suitable for food applications provided they are approved for food contact and are compatible with the product, temperature and cleaning process. However, in the case of highly viscous and sticky confectionery mixtures, material approval alone is not sufficient. For fruit jelly, gelatine, fruit and syrup mixtures, a PUR-based hose system solution may be the more suitable choice – particularly where a smooth inner surface and hygienically optimised processes are a priority.
When is a PUR hose better than a food-grade PVC hose?
A food-grade PVC hose is not automatically the best solution for every application. When dealing with hot, sticky or residue-prone media, factors such as cleanability, internal contour, connection technology and the entire conveying route are crucial, in addition to food compliance. The Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A has been developed for demanding food and beverage processes and features a seamlessly smooth, burr-free and dead-space-free thermoplastic inner lining.
Why is a smooth inner lining important for fruit jelly and gelatine mixtures?
Fruit jelly, gelatine and sugar mixtures are viscous and can accumulate on edges, transitions or uneven surfaces within the hose system. A smooth internal contour, with as few dead spaces as possible, promotes a consistent product flow and helps to reduce potential areas where residue may accumulate. For this reason, a Masterflex Group PUR hose with a hygienically optimised inner lining may be the more technically sound solution for confectionery processes compared to a standard PVC hose. Above all, the system solution comprising the hose and precisely fitting connection technology is crucial here.
What requirements apply to food-grade tubing in the confectionery industry?
When selecting a hose – typically a plastic one – for use in the confectionery industry, the actual process conditions are decisive: the medium being conveyed, viscosity, temperature, pressure or vacuum, cleaning procedures, connections and regulatory requirements. The Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A from Masterflex SE is certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, including the latest amending regulations, and can be customised for demanding food processing applications. Furthermore, this innovative hose solution provides an interface for precisely fitting connectors and plant equipment. Engineering Services allow for even greater customer-specific customisation.
Can PUR hoses from the Masterflex Group be used for highly viscous foodstuffs?
a, Masterflex develops PUR-based hose solutions for demanding conveying tasks in food and beverage processes. The Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A is particularly suitable for the hygienically optimised conveyance of highly viscous and sticky media such as gelatine, fruit and syrup mixtures. The design can be tailored to the medium, process parameters, connection configuration and plant conditions.
How does Masterflex help with selecting a food-grade alternative to PVC hoses?
Masterflex assesses not only the individual hose, but the entire conveying route. Factors taken into account include the medium, formulation, viscosity, temperature, cleaning requirements, fittings and the specific production environment. If food-grade PVC hoses are not the optimal choice for the specific process, Masterflex’s Engineering Service develops a suitable hose and connection solution – for example, based on PUR using Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A, Master-PUR Food or alternative product ranges.
We handle a sticky fruit jelly or gelatine mixture: Which hose is suitable for the temperature, cleaning cycles and the available connections – and which type minimises product residue in the system?
For this application, the hose should not be selected on the basis of material alone. The actual viscosity of the mixture, product temperature, delivery pressure, cleaning procedures and the existing connections and transitions are all crucial factors. With sticky confectionery mixtures, an internal contour that is as smooth as possible, with few sharp edges and minimal dead space, is particularly important to prevent product residues from accumulating so easily.
The Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A from global market leader Masterflex SE is designed for such demanding food processing applications. Its seamlessly smooth thermoplastic inner liner promotes a consistent product flow and reduces potential areas for residue build-up. The specific hose assembly – and, on request, the appropriate connector – is tailored to the medium, the plant and the cleaning concept.
What documentation and test certificates do we require from the supplier so that the hose can be approved internally for our food processing operations by Quality Assurance, Purchasing and, where applicable, customer audits?
Internal approval generally requires a declaration of conformity for food contact, details of the material used, technical data sheets and information on temperature, pressure and media resistance. Depending on the application, additional evidence regarding cleanability, the joining technology used and traceability may also be relevant.
Master-PUR DualFlow 1.6 Food A is certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, including the latest amending regulations. Masterflex also provides support with application-specific design and supplies the information required for technical assessment and documentation on a project-by-project basis.
Can we request sample hoses for maintenance or project management – and are framework agreements possible?
Test runs and sample hoses can generally be useful for the technical evaluation of a hose solution – particularly if the fluid being conveyed, temperature, cleaning requirements, connections or installation conditions are to be tested in advance under real-world conditions. The Masterflex Group often offers prospective customers samples in advance. Please feel free to contact our expert sales team with your enquiry and seek their advice. Whether sample hoses are available and which design is suitable for a test will be agreed on a project-by-project basis with the Masterflex sales team. Framework agreements for recurring requirements, defined hose types or planned call-offs can also be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Binding details regarding scope, terms and delivery times will be provided once the specific requirements have been clarified.
Get in touch with us
Do you have general questions about the organisation, our locations or would you like to make a specific enquiry to Masterflex? Or are you looking for a specific contact person for a particular department? We have a few suggestions for you to choose from.
- General contact
General contact
Do you have a question for us?
If you would like to call us, our sales team will be happy to put you through to the right contact person.
Telephone: +44 161 626 8066
If you would like to be called back, please make an appointment with us:
Alternatively, you can also submit a direct product enquiry using our form or contact our sales team directly:
