Aprons and Gowns for Food Processing: Disposable vs Reusable
In meat, fish and produce processing, kitchens and dish rooms, clothing gets wet fast. The right apron or gown keeps workers dry and helps stop contamination moving between areas. The main choice is between disposable and reusable, and then thickness, size and colour.
Disposable PE aprons
Polyethylene aprons are cheap, waterproof and quick to change, which makes them ideal for visitors, short tasks and areas where you want a fresh apron every time.
| Apron | Thickness | Size | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin PE Aprons 0.75 Mil Blue | 0.75 mil | 28 x 46 in | Blue |
| Virgin PE Aprons 1.5 Mil White | 1.5 mil | 28 x 46 in | White, orange |
| Premium PE Aprons 1.5 Mil | 1.5 mil | 28 x 46 in | White, blue, red, yellow |
| Premium PE Aprons XL | 1.5 mil | 38 x 60 in | Blue, yellow |
0.75 or 1.5 mil? Thin aprons are fine for light, short tasks. Choose 1.5 mil when staff lean on counters, handle sharp items or wear the apron for longer. Choose XL when liquid hits below the waist, for example at processing tables and sinks, or for taller staff.
Disposable gowns
When you need coverage for the arms and back as well, a gown is the answer. The Premium Heavy Duty CPE Gown is 80 gsm CPE, waterproof and long (79 x 45 in), sold in bags of 10. For dry or lightly wet work over long shifts, breathable SMS lab coats such as SoftCover SMS Lab Coats White are more comfortable.
Reusable TPU aprons and gowns
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is waterproof, flexible and far tougher than disposable film. A 6 mil TPU apron can be rinsed and reused for a long time:
- TPU Reusable Apron: 35 x 45 in, in white, blue, yellow or red.
- TPU Reusable Gown: 55 in long, in white, blue or yellow.
- TPU Reusable Sleeve to complete the set.
If staff use more than a few disposable aprons a day for wet work, a reusable TPU apron usually pays for itself quickly. Keep disposable aprons for visitors and short jobs.
Steel mesh aprons for knife work
Boning and high-volume cutting carry a risk of the knife slipping toward the body. The Stainless Steel Mesh Apron with Adjustable Elastic Strap is made of welded 316L stainless steel rings that resist cuts, stabs and punctures, and it can be washed and sanitized. Pair it with a US Mesh® Stainless Steel Mesh Glove with Adjustable Strap – Wrist Length on the hand that holds the product.
Colour-coding
Many food plants assign apron colours by area: for example red for raw meat, yellow for poultry, blue for seafood and white for ready-to-eat. A colour chart on the wall helps new staff learn the system quickly, and supervisors can spot someone in the wrong area at a glance.
Caring for reusable aprons
Rinse with warm, soapy water after each shift and hang to dry. Avoid very hot water and solvents. Replace any apron that cracks, tears or will not come clean.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CPE gown waterproof?
Yes. CPE is a waterproof plastic film, and our gown is a heavy 80 gsm.
Are reusable aprons food safe?
TPU aprons are widely used in food processing. Clean and sanitize them according to your food safety plan.
Do you sell full cases?
Yes. Contact us for case pricing on aprons and gowns.