Buyer's guide
Best Matting for Food Production in 2026
Food manufacturing demands matting that meets strict hygiene standards while protecting workers from fatigue and slips. Whether you're preparing for a BRCGS audit or upgrading a production line, this guide covers the best options for UK food factories.
Top 5 matting options for food production
Comparing the leading matting products suitable for UK food manufacturing environments.
| Product | Brand | Material | Drainage | Slip Rating | Colours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Safe-Flex Hygienic | Ergo Advantage | 100% recycled PVC | Solid or open-grid | R13 | Multiple | General food production |
| Hygiene Mat | COBA Europe | Nitrile rubber | Open-grid | R10 | Limited | Wet processing areas |
| Cushion-Ease | Notrax | Nitrile rubber | Perforated option | Varies | Multiple | Dry production lines |
| Workzone W | COBA Europe | Nitrile rubber | Drainage holes | R11 | Limited | High-volume wet areas |
| Sanitop | Notrax | Rubber | Perforated | R10 | Red/Black | Budget drainage option |
Our top picks explained
Safe-Flex Hygienic
Ergo Advantage
Safe-Flex is our top recommendation for food production facilities due to its combination of hygiene, safety, and sustainability. The non-porous PVC surface resists bacteria growth and withstands regular sanitisation with common food-industry cleaning agents.
Available in solid or open-grid formats, Safe-Flex adapts to both dry packaging areas and wet processing zones. Multiple colour options support zone segregation for allergen control. The modular interlocking system allows tiles to be lifted for thorough cleaning beneath—a key requirement for BRCGS audits.
Pros:
- ✓ R13 slip rating—handles fats and liquids
- ✓ Non-porous PVC resists bacteria
- ✓ Multiple colours for zone coding
- ✓ Tiles lift for cleaning beneath
- ✓ 100% recycled—supports sustainability audits
- ✓ RAMS documentation included
Cons:
- ✗ Not for extreme temperature processing
- ✗ Requires regular cleaning schedule
Best for: General food production, packaging lines, bakeries, ready-meal facilities, any food environment requiring hygiene and zone segregation.
Request free Safe-Flex samplesCOBA Hygiene Mat
COBA Europe
COBA's Hygiene Mat is designed specifically for food processing wet areas. The open-grid design allows water to drain through, keeping workers above standing liquid. Nitrile rubber construction resists fats, oils, and food acids.
Pros:
- ✓ Designed for food industry wet areas
- ✓ Excellent drainage
- ✓ Nitrile rubber resists fats/oils
Cons:
- ✗ Limited colour options
- ✗ R10 slip rating (lower than Safe-Flex)
Best for: Fish processing, meat cutting, washdown areas, any zone with constant water or liquid.
Visit COBA EuropeNotrax Cushion-Ease
Notrax / Justrite
Cushion-Ease provides premium anti-fatigue comfort for dry food production areas like packaging lines and quality inspection stations. At 19mm thick, it offers maximum cushioning for workers standing throughout their shifts.
Pros:
- ✓ Maximum 19mm cushioning
- ✓ Multiple colours available
- ✓ Premium nitrile rubber
Cons:
- ✗ Premium pricing
- ✗ Better suited to dry areas
Best for: Dry packaging lines, quality inspection, ambient storage areas.
Visit Notrax EUCOBA Workzone W
COBA Europe
Workzone W is engineered for high-volume wet food processing environments. Large drainage holes handle significant water flow while maintaining a stable walking surface. The robust construction withstands heavy use and aggressive cleaning.
Pros:
- ✓ High-volume drainage capacity
- ✓ R11 slip rating
- ✓ Heavy-duty construction
Cons:
- ✗ Limited colour options
- ✗ Less cushioning than anti-fatigue focused mats
Best for: Abbatoirs, fish processing, dairy, any high-volume wet processing environment.
Notrax Sanitop
Notrax / Justrite
Sanitop is an entry-level perforated mat for food service and light food production applications. Available in red and black, it provides basic drainage and anti-fatigue properties at an accessible price point.
Pros:
- ✓ Budget-friendly option
- ✓ Perforated drainage design
Cons:
- ✗ Limited to red/black colours
- ✗ Less durable than premium options
Best for: Food service, catering prep areas, light-duty food production.
What to look for in food production matting
Hygiene & Cleanability
Non-porous surfaces prevent bacteria harbourage. Choose mats that withstand your cleaning chemicals and sanitisation regime. PVC resists most food-industry cleaners. Ensure mats can be lifted for cleaning beneath—a common BRCGS audit requirement.
Drainage Requirements
Wet processing areas need drainage mats; dry areas may use solid mats. Open-grid designs allow water through but are harder to clean. Perforated solid mats offer a middle ground. Match drainage style to your specific zone needs.
Chemical Resistance
Food production involves acids (citrus, vinegar), alkalis (cleaning agents), fats, and oils. Nitrile rubber excels with fats; PVC handles a broad range. Check compatibility with your specific products and cleaning chemicals.
Colour Coding
Zone segregation is critical for allergen control and contamination prevention. Choose matting available in multiple colours to match your facility's colour-coding system. Common schemes: blue for fish, red for raw meat, green for vegetables.
Slip Resistance
Food production floors are often wet or greasy. R11+ slip ratings are typically required; R13 is preferable for fatty or oily environments. Check that slip resistance is maintained when contaminated with your specific products.
Documentation
BRCGS and retailer audits require evidence of material suitability. Choose suppliers who provide food-contact declarations, material safety data, and cleaning guidance. Safe-Flex includes RAMS documentation with every order.
Zone guide
Matting by food production zone
Wet Processing
Cutting, washing, mixing. Constant water or liquid presence.
Drainage mats essential. R11+ slip rating.
Dry Production
Packaging, labelling, quality inspection.
Solid mats suitable. Anti-fatigue priority.
High-Care / Allergen
Segregated zones requiring colour coding.
Colour-coded mats. Easy to clean and lift.
Compliance
HACCP & BRCGS considerations
HACCP Requirements
HACCP doesn't mandate specific matting products, but your food safety management system should address floor covering hygiene. Matting must be:
- ✓ Easy to clean and sanitise
- ✓ Non-absorbent and non-porous
- ✓ Free from harbourage points
- ✓ Included in cleaning schedules
BRCGS Audit Points
BRCGS auditors commonly check matting for:
- ✓ Condition—damaged mats should be replaced
- ✓ Cleaning beneath mats (can you lift them?)
- ✓ Appropriate for the zone (wet vs dry)
- ✓ Colour coding for zone segregation
FAQ
Food production matting: Common questions
What matting is HACCP compliant for food production?
HACCP compliance relates to your overall food safety management system rather than individual products. However, matting used in food production should be: easy to clean and sanitise, resistant to food acids and cleaning chemicals, non-absorbent, and free from crevices where bacteria could harbour. PVC and nitrile rubber mats like Safe-Flex and COBA Hygiene Mat meet these criteria when properly maintained.
Do I need drainage mats in a food factory?
Drainage mats are essential in wet processing areas where water, product liquids, or washdown occurs. They keep workers above standing liquid, improving safety and comfort. In dry production areas (packaging, ambient storage), solid mats may be more appropriate as they're easier to clean. Assess each zone separately.
How often should food factory mats be cleaned?
Mats in food production areas should be cleaned at least daily, often at the end of each shift. High-risk areas may require more frequent cleaning. Modular mats like Safe-Flex can be lifted for thorough cleaning beneath—essential for BRCGS audits. Establish a documented cleaning schedule as part of your HACCP plan.
Can I colour-code mats for different food production zones?
Yes. Colour-coding mats helps enforce zone segregation—critical in food production for allergen control and contamination prevention. Safe-Flex is available in multiple colours, allowing you to match your existing colour-coding system. Common approaches include different colours for raw, cooked, and allergen areas.
What slip rating is required for food production floors?
Food production environments with wet or greasy floors typically need R11 or higher slip ratings. R13 (like Safe-Flex) provides maximum slip resistance for areas with fats, oils, or constant water. Check your specific risk assessment—different zones may have different requirements based on contamination levels.
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