Hygiene Wall Cladding: Everything You Need to Know Before Installation

QUICK OVERVIEW

Hygiene wall cladding is a waterproof PVC panel system that creates seamless, bacteria resistant walls in commercial kitchens, hospitals, and food production facilities. It installs in 1 to 2 days and lasts over 20 years. Unlike tiles, it has no grout lines where germs can hide, making it easier to clean and helping you pass food safety inspections.

Ready to get started? Explore our hygienic cladding range or request a free quote today.

Table of Contents

• What Is Hygiene Wall Cladding?
• Top 10 Benefits of Hygiene Wall Cladding
• How to Install Hygiene Wall Cladding: Step by Step
• What UK Regulations Apply to Hygienic Wall Surfaces?
• Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
• Is Hygiene Cladding Better Than Tiles?
• Emerging Trends for 2026
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What Is Hygiene Wall Cladding?

Hygiene wall cladding is a smooth, waterproof wall covering made from food safe PVC. It creates a seamless surface with no grout lines, making it impossible for bacteria, mould, and dirt to hide in cracks. This is why commercial kitchens, hospitals, care homes, and food factories across the UK now choose cladding over traditional tiles.

Here is the thing. Traditional tiles look clean, but the grout between them is porous. Over time, grout absorbs moisture, grease, and food particles. This creates the perfect home for bacteria to multiply. No amount of scrubbing can fully clean it.

Hygienic cladding solves this problem. The panels are completely non porous. They can be heat welded together to create a truly seamless surface. Water, grease, and germs simply cannot penetrate.

At Jemiclad, we have been supplying and installing hygienic wall cladding since 1993. Our panels are trusted by major brands including NHS Trusts, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Costa, and the Ministry of Defence. We supply to over 15 countries worldwide, with next day delivery available across the UK.

What materials are used in hygienic wall cladding?

Most hygienic cladding is made from:

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride): The most common choice. Lightweight, durable, and available in many colours. Suitable for temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius.
• GRP (glass reinforced plastic): More scratch resistant than standard PVC. Good for high traffic areas.
• Stainless steel: Best for areas directly behind fryers or where temperatures exceed 60 degrees Celsius.
• Antimicrobial PVC: Contains silver ion technology that actively kills bacteria on contact. Ideal for hospitals and healthcare settings.

Jemiclad offers a range of finishes including gloss, satin, and decorative collections. We also provide a PVC free range for projects with specific environmental requirements. You can browse our full range of hygienic cladding products on our website.

Who uses hygiene wall cladding in the UK?

• Commercial kitchens and restaurants
• Hospitals, clinics, and GP surgeries
• Care homes and nursing facilities
• Food processing and manufacturing plants
• Schools and university kitchens
• Veterinary practices and kennels
• Gyms, leisure centres, and changing rooms
• Domestic bathrooms and wet rooms

For a detailed analysis of long term savings, read our guide on cost versus longevity of hygienic wall cladding.

Top 10 Benefits of Hygiene Wall Cladding

Why are so many UK businesses making the switch? Here are the biggest advantages:

1. No grout lines. The seamless surface eliminates hiding spots for bacteria. Independent testing shows antimicrobial cladding reduces bacteria by 99.9 percent within 24 hours.
2. Faster cleaning. A quick wipe down with standard cleaning products is all you need. Businesses report cutting cleaning time by up to 70 percent compared to tiles.
3. Impact resistant. Quality PVC cladding withstands knocks and bumps that would crack ceramic tiles. The 2.5mm thickness handles heavy daily use in busy kitchens.
4. Fire rated. Jemiclad panels meet Class 0 and Class 1 fire ratings to BS 476. This is essential for commercial kitchen insurance and licensing.
5. 20 plus year lifespan. Most manufacturers offer 15 to 20 year warranties. In reality, well maintained cladding lasts even longer.
6. Colour options. Gone are the days of clinical white walls only. Modern cladding comes in dozens of colours and even decorative finishes that look like wood, stone, or metal.
7. Thermoforming capability. Panels can be heat formed around corners and awkward angles. This creates truly seamless covings with no joints where dirt can collect.
8. Install over existing tiles. If your current tiles are flat and firmly attached, cladding can go straight over the top. This saves the mess of tile removal.
9. Antimicrobial options. Silver ion technology is embedded throughout the material, not just coated on top. It actively kills bacteria 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the lifetime of the product.

Want to learn more about these advantages? Our guide on the benefits of antimicrobial hygienic cladding in healthcare settings goes into even more detail.

How to Install Hygiene Wall Cladding: Step by Step

Installation is straightforward when you follow the correct process. Here is how professional installers do it:

What tools and materials do you need?

• Jigsaw or fine toothed saw
• Notched trowel (4mm)
• Spirit level or laser level
• Adhesive application gun
• Laminate roller
• PVC cladding panels
• Trims (starter, corner, joining)
• Two part adhesive or cartridge adhesive
• Food grade silicone sealant

Jemiclad supplies all the components you need, including colour matched trims, adhesives, weld tape, weld rod, and specialist tools. View our full components range online.

Step 1: Surface preparation

The wall must be clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, and loose material. Apply a diluted PVA solution 24 hours before installation. This removes particles and improves adhesion. If installing over existing tiles, ensure all tiles are firmly attached and the surface is flat.

Step 2: Measure and plan

Use a laser level to mark a datum line on the wall. Measure carefully and plan your panel layout. Remember to account for sockets, switches, and pipes. Always measure twice and cut once.

Step 3: Cut panels to size

Use a jigsaw for straight cuts and curves. Hold the panel firmly to prevent vibration damage. Peel back the protective film around the edges before cutting to stop it getting trapped in trims.

Step 4: Apply adhesive

Spread adhesive evenly over the back of the panel using a notched trowel. Leave a 15mm gap around the edges to allow for joining strips. For two part adhesive, mix thoroughly for at least 2 minutes before application.

Step 5: Fit panels and trims

Start at a corner with the bottom profile in place. Slide the panel into the trim and press firmly against the wall. Use a laminate roller to smooth out air bubbles, working from the centre outwards. Allow a 2mm expansion gap between panels.

Step 6: Seal joints

For maximum hygiene, joints can be heat welded using a welding gun and weld rod. This creates a completely seamless, watertight surface. Alternatively, use food grade silicone to seal any minor gaps.

Should you DIY or hire professionals?

Choose DIY if:

• You have experience with similar projects
• The area is small and straightforward
• It is a domestic bathroom or utility room

Choose professional installation if:

• It is a commercial premises requiring compliance certification
• You need heat welded joints for complete hygiene
• The area is large or has complex angles
• You want a warranty backed installation
• Minimising business downtime is critical

Jemiclad offers both supply only and full installation services with UK wide coverage. Our certified installers are trained to our exact specifications.

What UK Regulations Apply to Hygienic Wall Surfaces?

If you run a food business, your walls must meet specific legal requirements. Here is what you need to know:

Food Safety Act 1990

This is the foundation of UK food hygiene law. It requires food premises to maintain surfaces that are easy to clean and, where necessary, disinfect. Deteriorating grout fails this test. You can read the full legislation on legislation.gov.uk.

Regulation (EC) No 852/2004

This regulation, now part of UK retained law, states that wall surfaces in food areas must be “impervious, non absorbent, washable and non toxic.” Quality hygienic cladding meets all these requirements. The regulation also requires surfaces to have a “smooth surface up to a height appropriate for operations.”

Fire safety requirements

Commercial kitchens require wall materials with a Class 0 or Class 1 fire rating under BS 476 Parts 6 and 7. This is a legal requirement and essential for insurance. Always request fire test certificates from your supplier before installation. Jemiclad panels meet these standards and we provide full documentation on request. View our technical documents for certification details.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

After decades in the industry, we have seen plenty of installations go wrong. Here are the mistakes our installers see most often, and how to avoid them:

• Poor surface preparation. Skipping the PVA treatment or failing to remove dust properly. Result: panels peel away from the wall within months.
• Using the wrong adhesive. Cheap general purpose adhesive instead of specialist cladding adhesive. Result: poor bond and potential failure.
• No expansion gaps. PVC expands and contracts with temperature changes. Without a 2mm gap, panels can buckle and warp.
• Wrong trim selection. Using internal trims for external corners or vice versa. Result: gaps and poor finish.
• Skipping the sealant. Not sealing around pipes, sockets, and edges. Result: moisture gets behind panels and causes problems.
• Installing in wrong conditions. Trying to install in temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Adhesive does not cure properly and panels may not bond.

Is Hygiene Cladding Better Than Tiles?

For most commercial kitchens and food environments, yes. Here is a direct comparison:

When tiles might still be the better choice:

• Listed buildings where period features must be maintained
• Customer facing areas where a specific aesthetic is required

For a deeper dive into this comparison, read our full guide: Is Hygienic Cladding Better Than Tiles? 11 UK Reasons.

Emerging Trends for 2026

The hygienic cladding industry continues to evolve. Here is what we are seeing in 2026:

Antimicrobial silver ion technology

Post pandemic, demand for actively antimicrobial surfaces has surged. Silver ion technology is now embedded throughout the panel material rather than just coated on top. This means it works for the entire lifetime of the product and cannot be worn away by cleaning. NHS Trusts and healthcare facilities increasingly specify this as standard.

Sustainability and recycled materials

Environmental concerns are driving innovation. Manufacturers are developing cladding from recycled PVC and exploring PVC free alternatives. Jemiclad now offers a PVC free range for projects with specific sustainability requirements. At end of life, quality PVC cladding can be recycled rather than sent to landfill.

Digital printing and custom designs

Hygienic walls no longer need to be plain white. Digital printing technology allows for custom colours, patterns, and even branded designs. Our decorative collections include finishes that realistically mimic wood, stone, and metal textures while maintaining full hygienic properties.

NHS and healthcare specification updates

NHS Trusts have increasingly moved away from tiles in clinical areas. Infection control requirements now often specify seamless, antimicrobial wall surfaces. We expect this trend to accelerate as evidence builds for the infection prevention benefits of hygienic cladding. Read more about hygienic cladding for hospitals in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you install hygienic cladding over existing tiles?

Yes, if the tiles are sound, flat, and firmly attached to the wall. The surface must be cleaned thoroughly and any loose tiles repaired before installation. This saves the mess of tile removal. However, if tiles are in poor condition or coming away from the wall, they should be removed first.

Does hygienic wall cladding pass Food Standards Agency inspections?

Yes. Quality PVC cladding meets all FSA requirements for non porous, easy to clean surfaces as specified in the Food Safety Act 1990 and Regulation EC 852/2004. Many Environmental Health Officers now prefer cladding over tiles because it eliminates grout related hygiene failures. Always ensure your cladding has appropriate fire certification.

How long does hygienic wall cladding installation take?

A typical commercial kitchen takes 1 to 2 days for professional installation. This compares to 3 to 5 days for traditional tiling. DIY installations may take longer depending on experience. The quick installation time significantly reduces business downtime.

What fire rating does hygienic cladding need for UK kitchens?

Commercial kitchens require Class 0 or Class 1 fire rating under BS 476 Parts 6 and 7. This is a legal requirement and essential for insurance and licensing. Always request fire test certificates from your supplier. Jemiclad panels meet these standards and we provide full documentation.

How long does hygienic wall cladding last?

Quality hygienic cladding lasts 20 to 25 years or more with proper care. Most manufacturers offer 15 to 20 year product warranties. Compare this to tiled walls that typically need re grouting every 5 to 10 years and may need complete replacement after 15 years. Our guide on hygienic cladding maintenance covers how to maximise lifespan.

Is hygienic cladding only for hospitals and industrial settings?

No. While popular in healthcare and food production, hygienic cladding is increasingly used in restaurants, cafes, gyms, schools, veterinary practices, and even domestic bathrooms. Modern colour ranges and decorative finishes mean it works beautifully in customer facing spaces too.

Conclusion

Hygiene wall cladding offers UK businesses a practical, long lasting solution for walls that need to stay clean, compliant, and looking good.

The key points to remember:

• It eliminates grout lines where bacteria hide
• Installs in 1 to 2 days, much faster than tiles
• Meets all UK food safety regulations
• Lasts 20 plus years with minimal maintenance
• Available in a wide range of colours and finishes

Whether you are planning a kitchen refurbishment, building a new food production facility, or upgrading a healthcare environment, hygienic cladding deserves serious consideration.

At Jemiclad, we have been helping UK businesses make this choice since 1993. We supply and install hygienic cladding for some of the biggest names in food service, healthcare, and hospitality.

Ready to get started?

• Request free samples to see and feel the quality for yourself.
• Get a free quote for your project.
• Browse our full product range online.
• Or call our team on +44 1903 722522 for expert advice.

Written by the Jemiclad Technical Team. Trading since 1993, Jemiclad has supplied hygienic wall cladding to over 15 countries. Our clients include NHS Trusts, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Costa, Wagamama, and the Ministry of Defence. We offer both supply only with next day UK delivery and professional installation services.