Growth in Food & Beverage Drives Higher Hygiene and Automation Demands
Food and beverage remains a resilient, fast-growing global segment, with demand shaped by population growth, changing dietary habits, and rising expectations for processed and high-protein foods. Motion and SKF outline what that means on the plant floor: more automation, higher throughput, and tighter hygiene requirements under closer regulatory attention.
Where bearings can create food safety risk
Standard bearing unit geometry can trap residue and washdown water, while frequent re-lubrication can create grease build-up points. This webinar shows how that combination increases cleaning effort, can spread contaminants during high-pressure washdown, and raises the risk of grease leakage into production areas – with serious consequences in hygiene-critical zones.
A maintenance-free unit for washdown
The SKF Food Line ball bearing unit (referred to throughout as the “blue” range) is introduced as a maintenance-free concept, designed to reduce routine re-lubrication, minimise grease purge, and improve cleanability.
This webinar shows the unit’s rounded external geometry, sealing approach intended to minimise gaps, and a positive-locking end cover (open and closed) designed to reduce accidental dislodgement. SKF also outlines optical detectability features and a grease package with additional certifications (including allergen-free, halal and kosher suitability). For washdown environments, the IP69K performance is highlighted, with hot-water cleaning called out as a key differentiator.
Selecting the right bearing by process step
The broader SKF ‘Food Line’ portfolio approach: match bearing type and material to where it sits in the process. This webinar shows examples spanning Food Line deep groove ball bearings (with food-grade seals and grease), stainless variants for harsher washdown and chemical environments, high-temperature options for heat-intensive applications, and the Food Line spherical roller bearing for heavy-load duties.
What this means for Motion customers
This webinar shows why distributors matter to outcomes: local availability, faster lead times, selection support, and application guidance that links hygiene requirements to reliability and whole-of-life cost. Motion supports customers by helping assess washdown intensity, contamination risk, and maintenance access constraints – then aligning bearing and sealing choices to the duty.
Watch the webinar
The session includes product walk-throughs, selection guidance, and customer examples showing how maintenance-free concepts can reduce planned maintenance hours, grease use, and hot-water cleaning demand – while supporting food safety outcomes.
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