Hygiene feature

Utopia Bauscher

Hygiene standards and innovation

If nothing else, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought hygiene standards and cleaning to the forefront of the hospitality sector as restaurants, bars and hotels have had to develop ways to meet government requirements, appeal to customers and ensure the safety of sta and patrons. We look at some of the innovations and products that have been developed to deal with this issue.

Hygiene has always been an issue in hospitality and it impacts every facet of the industry from food preparation and service to housekeeping and cleaning routines. Tableware, glassware, seating and tables and even menus have been reconsidered in the wake of the pandemic and the continually changing expectations of governments and the general public.

In the UK the goalposts have regularly been shifted for the hospitality industry as lockdowns were introduced and then changed with varying amendments to indoor or outdoor operations, social distancing and face coverings. Who could open and when was a hot topic of debate as restaurants and bars attempted to trade in some capacity under di cult circumstances. Screens between tables or at order counters were installed, seating plans were changed and restricted menus became the norm. Now businesses are able to open again they are relishing that patrons are happy to be able to go out again, but changes are still apparent. As Josh Rammell from Utopia said, “People are excited and happy that hospitality is opening up but they want to feel safe. They want the same things they had before but, if possible, a safer version delivering the same, if not a better, hospitality experience.”

The hospitality experience is being accommodated to cater to patrons increased desire for safety in some very noticeable ways as well as more subtle changes. On the obvious end of the spectrum, Bu et systems may be less popular but the trend for individual serving possibilities is on the rise, which is especially useful for room service and even outdoor dining options. Zieher have equipment that assists in these environments. “Our portable bed tray from the “Solid” series breakfast can easily be served in a guests’ room, even if there is no table present. Plus, all of our cloches ensure a stylish and hygienically serving of the food, whereas the “Bento Box” is more on the practical side. With this stackable box you can carry a couple of meals simultaneously, keeping them warm and protected,” explained Nikolan Borger, Marketing Manager for Zieher.

Bauscher have also looked to Japan for inspiration for serving styles, developing their ‘hygienically divided’ BentoBox System. Available in small and large sizes with a choice of wood or concrete look lids. The boxes can be con gured with the associated selection of porcelain articles to meet the needs of all manner of foods. The use of porcelain inserts are part of their hygiene strategy as hard porcelain is red at 1400° C and is characterised by a very smooth,

homogenous and dense surface, which is easy to clean and does not give bacteria and viruses the possibility to settle.

Where buffets are still being used, Mepra are keen to encourage heightened levels of hygiene with sneeze guards, sanitizer stations and preportioned serves. But it is the serving utensils which require particular attention and Mepra want us to “imagine serving utensils where the surface not only inhibits the growth of bacteria, but destroys them” and that is where their Antibacterial Nanotechnology Treatments come in. The antibacterial coating can be applied to any Mepra product and it works by destroying the cell membrane of viruses by blocking its nutrition and interrupting the cell division cycle.

Antimicrobial technology has also been adopted by other manufacturers. Utopia has just launched the Pasabahce range of glasses, which are treated with the new V-Block antimicrobial technology from Şişecam Group. V-Block prevents the growth of micro-organisms on glass surfaces, contributing to a safer and more hygienic environment for consumers and businesses. V-Block Technology uses a special formula applied to the glass at high temperatures during the production process. A strong chemical bond with the glass is formed creating a nanometre thick roughness so microorganisms cannot attach to the glass surface. The V-Block coating stays active during the full life cycle of the glassware and is scratch resistant and dishwasher safe.

Coatings are even available for paper, with printers developing di erent technologies in that area to assist with menus and cocktail lists. There are also di erent laminates available to make cleaning shared items easier.

Stelton has looked beyond the restaurant oor to where it can provide hygiene-friendly products, and have developed the Pump-It dispenser that is both practical and attractive. Good hand hygiene is here to stay, and hand sanitiser and soap will also need to be available going forward, both at home and at work, and in readily accessible locations. Pump-It comes with a practical holder, so the bottle can be installed on the wall right where you need it. The holder can be removed, so you can place the bottle on its own by a sink or move it around as needed. Pump-It can be used for sanitiser, soap or hand lotion, it was designed by the Canadian/Danish studio Unit 10 and provides a sleek look for any restroom. It will be available in store from September.

Utopia have also diversi ed their o erings to aid the hospitality industry, hoping to help get things up and running and moving forward in a safe and professional way. Utopia has developed a range of products under the Serve and Protect umbrella. Protect is focused on protection for people, both customers and employees, to make sure it is safe and secure to work and dine in the current environment. Serve is using creative and innovative solutions to present drinks and dishes in a

Our portable bed tray from the “Solid” series breakfast can easily be served in a guests’ room, even if there is no table present. Plus, all of our cloches ensure a stylish and hygienically serving of the food, whereas the “Bento Box” is more on the practical side. With this stackable box you can carry a couple of meals simultaneously, keeping them warm and protected,”

Nikolan Borger, Marketing Manager Zieher.

Stelton Mepra Zieher

way that’s both safe and stylish. The range includes PPE with face masks in black, blue and white and face shields. There are single use wipes for tabletop use while portable clear roller protective screens are available. These can be used to create speci c areas both indoors and outdoors or to block out entry and exit routes.

“We’re in a very uid and changing situation. We are constantly monitoring government guidelines and marrying them with what the industry wants. As we have seen over the last year or so the guidelines can change rapidly, so here at Utopia we are making sure we are part of the conversation, so that we are ready with products and guidance as necessary,” said Utopia’s Josh Rammell.

Whatever the changing needs of consumers and government guidelines, HoReCa suppliers are doing their best to stay ahead of demand and provide solutions to the hospitality sector.