Overhead condensation formed during the sanitation process is a potential vector for contamination at food processing facilities. Condensate can harbor bacteria, including E.coli or Listeria, and if not properly cleaned from overhead piping can drip into containers that will later contain food, which poses risks for consumers and can shut down a food processing plant. For the past 100 years, the removal of water droplets from overhead pipes has been performed by using a mop or squeegee, yet this method is time and labor intensive and still leaves the risk for potential cross contamination. To help combat this issue, 3M produced Condensation Management Film, an adhesive film designed to manage intermittent condensation formed during the sanitation process in food processing environments. This film is the first product introduced in the market that reduces the need to manually remove hanging water droplets, improves productivity through time and labor savings, and improves plant hygiene.
“Manual intervention to remove condensation has been the only solution for facilities, until now.” stated Steve Swanson, 3M Corporate Research and Development. “We saw the need for a tough film that could adhere to piping systems in food processing environments, to help minimize condensation risk while enhancing productivity.”