SiO2, ultra thin coating technology has been described as “one of the world’s most versatile technologies”; and when you consider that it is easy to apply, heat tolerant, fl exible, breathable, highly durable, environmentally friendly, chemically inert, food safe, low cost and anti bacterial, you can see why this comment has been made. SiO2 has been used as a food additive for many years. It is commonly used in products such as toothpaste, ketchup, and beer; however we now find that its greatest value to the food industry is when it is used as a surface coating. Surfaces which are coated with SiO2 offer anti-sticking, easy clean, stain proofing and biostatic characteristics. SiO2 coatings have already been evaluated by leading food manufacturers. As SiO2 is inherently food safe and inert, it provides the ideal coating for food production plants, butchery departments, storage vessels, kitchen implements and food handling surfaces. (Image: interior of a milk tanker coated with Sio2)