Hygienic wall cladding is a critical solution for environments that demand stringent cleanliness, such as hospitals, commercial kitchens, laboratories, and food production facilities. One of the most popular materials used is PVC cladding, which offers a host of benefits compared to traditional tiling or painted finishes.
At Octego, we work with a wide range of hygienic cladding systems and provide full project management services across Sussex and the South East, making us the ideal partner for your internal cladding and fit-out needs.
Why Hygienic Wall Cladding Is Essential
In hygiene-sensitive industries, the condition of your wall surfaces plays a direct role in ensuring health and safety compliance. Traditional tiles with grout lines often harbour bacteria and require intensive maintenance, whereas hygienic wall cladding offers a smooth, seamless, and non-porous surface that’s easy to clean and resistant to mould, mildew, and bacteria.
These systems also comply with relevant industry regulations and can improve workflow efficiency by reducing cleaning times and long-term maintenance costs. With over 40 years of experience, Octego understands the unique pressures of different commercial environments and installs cladding systems that stand up to real-world demands.
Common Types of Hygienic Wall Cladding (and Who They Suit)
There are several materials used for hygienic cladding, each suited to different settings and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
PVC Cladding – Most Popular & Versatile
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) cladding is lightweight, durable, cost-effective, and incredibly easy to install. It resists mould and bacteria and creates a smooth, low-maintenance finish that’s ideal for:
- Commercial kitchens
- Food preparation areas
- Hospitals
- Clean rooms
- Laboratories
Pros:
- Waterproof and chemical-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Quick to install
- Can be thermoformed for corners and details
Cons:
- Not as heat-resistant as metal alternatives
- May not offer a high-end aesthetic for front-of-house areas
PVC cladding is Octego’s most commonly installed option for hygienic environments, thanks to its reliability and excellent performance-to-cost ratio.
Stainless Steel Cladding – For Extreme Conditions
Stainless steel wall cladding is often used in environments where high heat, chemical exposure, or mechanical wear are everyday concerns. It’s frequently found in:
- Industrial kitchens
- Pharmaceutical production
- Laboratories
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Resistant to fire and impact
- Long lifespan
Cons:
- Higher cost
- More complex installation
- Not suitable for all wall structures
While Octego can supply and fit stainless steel cladding where necessary, we typically recommend it for niche or highly specialised sectors due to its price point.
Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Panels – For Harsh Environments
GRP is a robust, fibreglass-based option ideal for settings with constant moisture, chemical exposure, or physical impact.
Pros:
- Tough and long-lasting
- Resistant to impact and chemicals
- Ideal for industrial settings
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Less flexible for detailed or decorative applications
GRP is typically installed in high-intensity industrial applications — Octego has managed several such projects where mechanical resilience was a top priority.
Why Choose Octego for Hygienic Wall Cladding?
Octego Ltd provides bespoke hygienic cladding installation services tailored to your industry, budget, and operational needs. We understand that no two environments are the same, and our experienced team works closely with clients and manufacturers to deliver the most effective solution.
When you choose Octego, you benefit from:
- 40+ years of industry experience
- Expert installation across Sussex and the South East
- In-house project management and coordination
- High-quality materials from trusted suppliers
- Seamless integration with other services (flooring, drainage, cold rooms, and more)
Whether you need a one-room fit-out or full-scale refurbishment of a production site, our team ensures the work is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standard.
More Than Just Wall Cladding
Octego isn’t just a cladding contractor — we’re a multi-trade team that supports the entire internal fit-out of commercial spaces. Many of our cladding clients also rely on us for:
Drainage solutions – essential in wet environments to prevent slip hazards and mould
Resin flooring – hygienic and seamless flooring to match your new walls
Cold room installation – perfect for breweries, food producers, and more
Warehouse and unit refurbishments – full internal fit-outs including mezzanines, offices, and hygienic zones
By offering integrated solutions, we reduce delays, miscommunication, and contractor overlap, giving you peace of mind and one point of contact from start to finish.
Speak to the Hygienic Cladding Experts
If you’re planning a refurbishment, a new build, or a targeted upgrade in a hygiene-sensitive space, Octego is here to help. Our expert team can guide you through the options — from cost-effective PVC cladding to specialised industrial panels — and manage every step of the process.
Learn more about our cladding services here, or call us on 01444 405269 to discuss your project today!
And, if you liked this blog, you may also like our recent post on bespoke cold room installation for dairies.
FAQs
1. What is hygienic wall cladding and why is it important?
Hygienic wall cladding is a smooth, non-porous surface used in hygiene-sensitive environments to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. It’s essential in commercial kitchens, hospitals, and food production areas where cleanliness and compliance with safety regulations are crucial.
2. What are the benefits of PVC cladding over traditional tiles?
PVC cladding offers a seamless, easy-to-clean surface with no grout lines, unlike traditional tiles. It’s quicker to install, more cost-effective, and resistant to moisture, making it a superior choice for commercial and clinical settings that require regular sanitisation.
3. Where can hygienic wall cladding be installed?
Hygienic wall cladding is ideal for areas such as commercial kitchens, hospitals, laboratories, bathrooms, food processing plants, and clean rooms. Octego installs cladding across Sussex in both new build projects and refurbishments.
4. How long does PVC hygienic wall cladding last?
With proper installation and minimal maintenance, PVC cladding can last over 20 years. It’s highly durable and resistant to wear, making it a long-term hygienic solution in high-traffic and moisture-prone environments.
5. Can Octego help with both supply and installation of hygienic wall cladding?
Yes, Octego offers a full-service solution — from supplying high-quality hygienic wall cladding, including PVC cladding, to complete installation. We also provide project management for larger refurbishments, ensuring everything is delivered on time and on budget.
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