It is five minutes to midnight, also for the food industry

Almost a year and a half has passed since Covid-19 came to Europe. If we have learned one thing from this pandemic, it certainly is that nothing is more important than our health. Right? Or has the pandemic pushed more important matters into the background? Are we really not aware that in the foreseeable future there will not be enough (healthy) food left, no (healthy) fish left in the oceans and too few fruit and vegetables to process? We choose to look away too often. This is no longer an option. We must change direction.

This certainly is not the last pandemic we will experience. We are all aware of that too. Whether this Covid-19 virus was triggered by eating a bat sandwich or in a laboratory, whether it is part of a larger conspiracy theory or an urban legend, the consequences for the world are huge. We cannot prevent future pandemics, it is as simple as that. What we can do, however, is ensure that the right measures are implemented to guarantee safety. Safety for all employees of food producing and processing companies and the companies that ensure that safe food finds its way to the consumer. 

For too long, the main focus has been on costs. Renovation has been postponed or carried out with minimal resources. Walls, floors, ceilings, production areas; you don't have to be a scientist to know that contamination is a major danger. How many contaminations have there been in the industry? Fortunately, change is happening. Many companies are realising that investing in health and safety is a priority. They know that it is possible to build and renovate in a safe, sustainable and responsible manner. 

The possibilities are available: by using antibacterial walls and ceilings that are also antiviral. Not just a coating but strong and through and through. Not produced from new oil-based raw materials, but from recycled material. Fire resistance class Bs1d0 and completely circular. A small step that costs more? Perhaps it is. However, it is also a step that shows that, as a company, you put health and safety first and are contributing to a sustainable future. 

We have to change direction. And quickly too. 

Ernest Conradi

Manager Sealwise Netherlands