PPE solutions for working in the food industry
The food and drink industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, contributing £28.2bn to the economy annually and employing more than 400,000 people. With innovation at the core of the industry, manufacturers need PPE they can rely on to ensure workers are protected.
Protecting people is our mission. uvex PPE incorporates numerous technologies to enhance safety, functionality and wearer comfort. By doing so, our products not only keep workplace hazards to a minimum, we can help prevent long-term health risks, enhance employee wellbeing which, in turn, has a positive effect on performance and productivity.
We understand your needs
- In food manufacturing, personal protective equipment needs to not only protect workers from cuts, burns, slips and trips - or longer-term problems like hearing loss - but also protect the products being produced. The uvex phynomic foam not only protects the wearer and is dermatologically approved, it also leaves no trace on sensitive surfaces.
- Standing on your feet for long hours, walking on hard surfaces and making repetitive movements can all have an adverse effect on your musculoskeletal system and lead to serious injuries. All uvex safety footwear provides appropriate support and protection as well as superior comfort, something that is often overlooked by other PPE manufacturers.
- Working under harsh lighting can cause excess strain on the eyes, leading to headaches and increased fatigue. uvex have developed specially tinted lenses that are ideal for reducing glare from stainless steel machinery, helping employees concentrate on their job.
We know if your employees are comfortable wearing their PPE, and look good while wearing it, they are much more likely to comply with regulations, benefitting their health, your reputation and your bottom line.
| ⚠ Slips, trips and falls – Wet floors, spilled liquids, and greasy surfaces are common in food production areas. |
| ⚠ Cuts and punctures – Sharp knives, slicers, and machinery parts during food prep or packaging. |
| ⚠ Noise-induced hearing loss – Loud machinery like mixers, grinders, and conveyors. |
| ⚠ Musculoskeletal strain from hard floors – Long hours standing on concrete or tiled surfaces lead to fatigue and joint pain. |
As a European manufacturer we understand that many companies in the UK food manufacturing sector are committed to the target of zero emissions across the entire supply chain. As a producer with high in-house production we consider the environmental impact of all of our processes and place high value on the responsible use of resources, people and protection techniques to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Case study
A leading UK food manufacturer operating a large production facility was facing growing concerns around PPE performance, particularly in relation to safety footwear. With a substantial workforce working across production and manufacturing environments, employee comfort and PPE compliance were key to maintaining both safety standards and operational efficiency.
Read case study
Case study
Discover how Intersnack partnered with uvex to implement a tailored hearing protection programme that addressed poor fit, overprotection, and communication challenges—ensuring safer, more effective protection for workers across multiple production sites.
Read the full case study
Safety gloves for all applications in the food industry
From food preparation and processing to packaging and cleaning, workers' hands are exposed to a wide range of hazards every day. Cuts from knives and sharp equipment, contact with cleaning chemicals, and the risk of product contamination all make selecting the right safety glove essential.
Food industry gloves must not only help protect workers, but also support high standards of hygiene and food safety. Different tasks require different levels of protection, making a thorough assessment of workplace risks vital when choosing hand protection.
Whether you need general handling gloves, cut protection gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, or solutions designed specifically for food environments, uvex offers a comprehensive range to help improve safety, comfort, and compliance throughout the food production process.
Sensitive safety glove for mechanical precision work
- Very high level of breathability through the aqua-polymer foam coating
- Outstanding grip - ideal for handling parts
- Open back for increased breathability and soft breathable liner
- High abrasion resistance for more demanding environments
- Second skin fit gives a natural touch
- Flexible construction reduces fatigue
- Food sector approved - leaves no trace marks on products
- Free from accelerators, health protection and skin compatibility dermatologically approved (proDERM®), highly suitable for allergy sufferers
- Extensive size range for diverse workforce
Reliable protection against cut hazards
- Cut protection for food‑processing tasks
- Protection against cuts from knives, blades, slicers and trimming tools
- Engineered knit to specifically prevent glove particles from contacting food (outer layer tested to FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 for food safe contact)
- HPPE and fibreglass blend shell combined with an outer 13‑gauge polyester layer
- Seamless construction for enhanced comfort and breathability
- Can be used in direct contact with food or as an underglove with appropriate top-glove solution
- Fully launderable
Protection against a wide range of chemicals
- Sensitive NBR chemical protection glove with flocked cotton
- Reduces risk of skin exposure during intensive hygiene routines
- Prevents ingress of water, chemicals, oils, and food residues
- Extended cuff gives forearm protection in wet environments
- Material combination of nitrile and chloroprene provides protection against aliphatic hydrocarbons, concentrated acids and alkalis, peroxides and aldehydes, with a permeation time of ≥ 120 min
- Very good fit and flexibility
Safety footwear for all day comfort
Food manufacturing environments present a variety of workplace hazards, from slippery floors and dropped objects to wet conditions, heavy equipment, and exposure to cleaning chemicals. Choosing the right safety footwear is essential to help protect workers from injury while maintaining comfort throughout long shifts.
In food production settings, footwear must do more than provide protection. It should also support hygiene requirements, offer reliable grip on potentially slippery surfaces, and deliver lasting comfort to help reduce fatigue during demanding working days.
From lightweight safety shoes for general food production to specialist footwear designed for wet or high-risk environments, uvex offers a range of solutions tailored to the needs of the food and beverage industry. Combining protection, comfort, and performance, our footwear helps keep employees safe, productive, and supported throughout every shift.
Functional safety footwear for hygienic areas
- Shock-absorbing PU midsole and PU outsole designed for all‑day wear
- 100% metal-free protective toe cap
- Upper made from hydrophobic microfibre material that is easy to clean
- Reduced seams helping to minimise potential contamination
- Breathable distance mesh lining
- ESD certified rated for atex areas - flour, spices, sugar - explosive zones
- Sizes 35 to 40 produced using a womens‘ last
- Washable up to 30°C
- Suitable for people allergic to chrome
- Removable antistatic comfortable innersole
Engineered for demanding industrial settings
- Robust, full-grain, water-repellent leather upper
- Penetration-resistant steel midsole
- 100% metal-free protective toe cap - compact design, anatomical shape and no thermal conductivity
- Dual-density polyurethane sole with a rough, self-cleaning tread and excellent slip resistance
- Injection moulded scuff cap adds durability in high wear zones
- Moulded polyurethane heel basket for stability and protection against ankle twisting
- ESD certified rated for atex areas - flour, spices, sugar - explosive zones
- Sizes 36–40 produced using a women’s last
Professional style without compromising compliance
- Modern, ultra-lightweight and flexible safety footwear
- Polyurethane outsole prevents slipping on wet tiles and metal floors
- Extra-wide steel toe cap protects against falling objects and impacts
- Non-metallic, penetration-resistant insole does not restrict the flexibility of the footwear
- Lightweight and breathable microvelour upper - suitable for people allergic to chrome
- Breathable textile lining
- ESD certified rated for atex areas - flour, spices, sugar - explosive zones
Safety eyewear for working in high humidity
Eye protection in food manufacturing must provide reliable safety without compromising visibility, comfort, or productivity. High-humidity environments, temperature changes, and demanding working conditions can cause lenses to fog, increasing the risk of distractions and reducing wearer acceptance.
Designed for food industry environments, uvex safety eyewear combines comfort, durability, and clear vision throughout the working day. Advanced lens coatings help minimise fogging and maintain visibility, while robust lens technology provides dependable protection in busy production areas.
X-tended eye shield and brow guard
- Close fitting design with x-tended eyeshield helps provides protection against airborne particles and debris in production areas
- Ergonomically shaped side arms with soft-grip temple ends provide a comfortable, secure fit without pressure - ideal for long shifts
- x-tended eyeshield: soft seal frame technology wraps around the brow providing protection from particle ingress
- Soft, flexible nose pad adapts to the wearer, delivering a non-slip and pressure-free fit
- Robust polycarbonate lens with uvex’s proven supravision coating technology – permanent anti-fog and scratch-resistant lens
- UV400 – 100% protection against UV radiation up to 400 nm
- Metal-free
Modern, sporty design for greater wearer acceptance
- x-tended eyeshield: soft seal frame technology wraps around the brow providing protection from particle ingress
- Contoured lens for added protection without restricting peripheral vision
- Ergonomically shaped side arms with multi-incline points and length adjustment allow the spectacle to be tailored to different face shapes
- Soft-grip temple ends and flexible nose pad adapts to the wearer, delivering a non-slip and pressure-free fit
- UV400 – 100% protection against UV radiation up to 400 nm
- Metal-free
- uvex CBR65 lens is suitable for use under bright light, screens, reflective surfaces, or changing light conditions
Extremely flexible seal with exceptional field of vision
- Provides reliable protection against splashes from oils, brines, sauces and cleaning chemicals
- Supports good peripheral vision around moving machinery and busy production lines
- Unique lens design for edge-to-edge optical clarity - approximately 20% larger than similar goggles
- Soft, adaptive face seal providing a universal fit as well as a tight fit without pressure points
- Generous internal volume to accommodate prescription spectacles and frame recesses to locate the side arms
- uvex supravision ETC coating: permanent anti-fog performance on both sides suitable for high humidity and/or frequent temperature fluctuations
- UV400 – 100% protection against dangerous UVA and UVB radiation to 400 nm
- Metal-free
Safety glasses with prescription lenses
uvex is able to provide a choice of metal or plastic frame styles in single vision, bi-focal or varifocal for safety or office use. Scratch-resistant lens coatings are supplied as standard and frames from uvex come with a two year guarantee for accidental damage and wear and tear. We are able to offer a prescription service to suit your needs whether you are a large or small organisation, in one or multiple locations.
Hearing protection for comfort and safety
Noise is a constant challenge in many food manufacturing and processing environments, making effective hearing protection essential for safeguarding workers' long-term hearing health. However, selecting the right hearing protection is about more than simply reducing noise levels.
Overprotection can be just as problematic as underprotection, making it difficult to hear warning signals, alarms, and conversations with colleagues. The ideal solution provides the right level of attenuation for the workplace while allowing workers to remain aware of their surroundings.
uvex offers a range of hearing protection solutions for the food industry, including detectable earplugs designed to help reduce the risk of product contamination. Combined with expert support and fit testing services, we can help you find the most suitable hearing protection for your working environment.
Head and face protection
Whether you need a bump cap with a short brim for a wider field of upward vision or a bump cap with an integrated hard shell for reliable impact protection in accordance with EN 812 – the uvex u-cap series offers the right protection for your requirements. The uvex pheos faceguard system consists of a height and width-adjustable head mount and a high-quality, scratch-resistant and anti-fog polycarbonate visor. The visor can be locked in any position, while the head mount is fully adjustable providing the wearer with the highest level of flexibility.
Filtering face masks
Effective respiratory protection is essential in the food industry, where workers may be exposed to airborne contaminants such as flour dust, spices, cleaning agents, and other fine particles. uvex offers high‑performance respiratory solutions designed to provide reliable filtration, secure fit, and all‑day comfort — even in demanding production environments. Our range helps protect employees’ health, supports compliance with workplace safety standards, and ensures operations can run smoothly and safely. Because safeguarding the people behind your products is always the top priority.
Next steps
All of the above products are available through our range of trusted distribution partners. Simply visit our dstributor locator to find your preferred distributor with no need to set up an account. Or alternatively, for further information and guidance on where to purchase uvex products simply contact your uvex representative who will be happy to assist, as well as recommend the most suitable PPE.
Download the brochure (PDF)
Start a product trial today
Contact your regional manager
