5 common contamination risks in food storage, and how to prevent them structurally
Every grain, every drop counts. In food and feed storage, contamination risks are not acceptable. They directly affect product quality, food safety and your reputation. What is often underestimated is that many risks do not originate during processing, but already during storage. Invisible at first, but with serious consequences.In this blog, we outline five common contamination risks in food storage. More importantly, we explain how the right design choices allow you to eliminate these risks structurally.1. Product buildup and bacterial growthThe riskProduct residues remain in corners, seams, welds or rough internal surfaces. These areas create ideal conditions for bacteria and moulds, especially when moisture or temperature fluctuations are present. A single residue can already lead to contamination.The solutionA fully seamless and ultra smooth internal wall prevents product buildup. Combined with mass flow design, the FIFO principle is ensured. Older product always leaves the silo or tank first. No stagnant zones. No breeding ground for bacteria.2. Cross contamination due to material porosityThe riskPorous materials can absorb moisture, odours and product particles. This can cause cross contamination between batches. Particularly in the case of allergens or specific food applications, this is unacceptable.The solutionComposite material is non porous. The surface absorbs nothing and remains chemically stable. Each new batch comes into contact with a clean, uncontaminated wall. For food applications, only food grade resins are used, tested in accordance with EU 1935 2004 and EU 10 2011. Certified and verifiable.3. Condensation and moisture ingressThe riskTemperature differences between inside and outside lead to condensation on silo and tank walls. Moisture entering the product causes caking, mould growth and quality loss. In animal feed, nutritional value is reduced. In food products, quality issues and rejection occur.The solutionComposite has a naturally low thermal conductivity. This limits temperature fluctuations and keeps the dew point under control. When required, silos and tanks can be fully factory insulated. Without thermal bridges. Without weak spots. The product remains dry and stable.4. Material stability and surface hygieneThe riskIn the food industry, stainless steel and composite are predominantly used. Stainless steel does not corrode and is therefore suitable for food applications. Steel and aluminium are hardly used in this sector. Even with stainless steel, welds, joints and surface finishing require ongoing attention, as these areas can be prone to product buildup and contamination.The solutionComposite is fully seamless and chemically inert. The material does not react with food products and retains its properties for decades. No welds. No surface treatments. No coatings that need periodic renewal. This improves structural food safety and significantly reduces maintenance costs.5. Insufficient cleanability and hidden wearThe riskSteel and stainless steel can corrode or oxidise, especially when exposed to moisture or mildly aggressive products. Corrosion not only weakens the structure, but may also release particles into the stored product.The solutionA simple, smooth and seamless design enables effective cleaning and reduces downtime between batches. Periodic inspections by the manufacturer provide insight into the actual condition of your storage system. Targeted measurements and reporting prevent minor deviations from developing into major risks.Food safety starts with storageContamination risks in food storage are not inevitable. With the right material selection, design and inspection strategy, they can be eliminated. Polem develops composite silos and tanks specifically designed for the food industry. Seamless, strong and ultra smooth. With a clear focus on hygiene, reliability and long service life.Every step in the process matters.Every grain, every drop.Quality in, quality out.Would you like to learn more about food safe storage?Contact our specialists or discover our solutions for the food processing industry on our food applications page.
Buying a feed silo. 7 key points to consider
At first glance, a feed silo may seem like a simple part of your installation. In practice, however, the silo has a major impact on continuity, hygiene and the quality of your feeding process. A wrong choice can lead to blockages, loss of feed quality, additional maintenance or even spoilage. Purchasing a feed silo is therefore a long term investment. These are the seven most important points to consider when buying a feed silo.1. Type of feed and product characteristicsNot all feed behaves in the same way. Meal, pellets, granulates and minerals differ significantly in flow behaviour, moisture sensitivity and abrasion. The silo must be specifically designed for these characteristics. This includes the correct hopper angle, wall construction and, if required, flow support. Without proper alignment, bridging, residual product and irregular discharge will occur.
Reliable storage makes the difference in winter road safety
Winter conditions put infrastructure and organisations to the test every year. Snow, frost and ice require fast and well coordinated action. Roads must remain safe and spreading operations cannot be delayed. It is precisely in these moments that reliable storage and a continuous product flow prove their value.Over the past week, Polem road salt silos and brine makers have made an essential contribution to road safety. Thanks to stable salt storage and the continuous availability of brine solution, spreading vehicles could be supplied on time and deployed effectively. Without interruptions. Without uncertainty.Continuous availability, even in extreme conditionsWinter road maintenance is not only about equipment on the road. It starts with storage. Salt and brine must remain available under all conditions. Condensation, corrosion or blockages can slow down operations and have a direct impact on road safety.Polem solutions are developed specifically for these demanding conditions. Composite road salt silos and tanks are corrosion resistant, low maintenance and ensure a constant flow. Even during frost and prolonged use, the system performs exactly as intended. This provides certainty when every minute counts.Safety through preparation and technologyThe use of well functioning installations highlights the importance of preparation. Investing in reliable storage solutions in advance prevents problems during peak moments. This allows organisations to focus on what really matters. Keeping roads safe and traffic moving.Whether for municipal winter services, regional authorities or industrial applications, the principle remains the same. Storage must do what it is supposed to do. Quietly, reliably and without surprises.Learn more about solutions for winter road maintenancePolem delivers complete solutions for winter road maintenance, from salt silos and mobile silos to brine systems and tanks, always tailored to the application, the environment and the intended use, if you would like to learn more about our winter road maintenance solutions you can contact our market specialist Piet Smits or visit the road salt page.
Composite or steel. A comparison for industrial storage
When selecting a silo or tank, steel is often the default choice. It is familiar, widely used and has been part of industrial installations for decades. At the same time, the use of composite materials is growing rapidly. Not as a replacement for the sake of innovation, but because in many applications it demonstrably performs better.In this blog, you will find a substantive comparison between composite and steel. Not based on marketing claims, but on material properties that make a real difference in daily operation.
The right flow in a white start
Snow on roofs, roads covered in a silent layer of ice, and a landscape that slows everything down for a moment. It is precisely at times like these that it becomes clear how important it is for processes to continue running smoothly. Without disruption. Without discussion. With certainty.On behalf of Polem, we wish you a happy, safe, and successful 2026. A year in which quality remains central. In every grain. In every drop.Winter leaves nothing to chanceSnow and frost place high demands on infrastructure. Especially when it comes to combating slippery conditions. Roads must remain safe. Gritting trucks must be able to load. Salt must keep flowing.Storage plays a greater role in this than is often realized. Salt that is exposed to moisture, temperature fluctuations, or condensation loses its workability. This results in bridging, clumping, and blockages. Precisely at the moment when speed counts.Why Polem salt silos make the differenceOur salt silos are designed for conditions where nothing can fail. Composite as a material offers concrete advantages in this respect:Corrosion resistant. Salt does not affect the material, even after years of intensive use.Thermally stable. The properties of composite limit temperature fluctuations and condensation. This keeps the salt dry and easy to process, even in frost and thaw conditions.Seamless inner wall. The mirror-smooth surface structure ensures reliable flow. The product keeps moving. Loading is predictable. This means less downtime and fewer manual interventions.The silo therefore supports not only storage, but the entire winter process. From stock to spreading.
Moving forward together. With peace of mind in the flow.
The end of the year is a time to pause and reflect. Not to look back with grand words, but to realize what happens every day. In Lemmer. At your organization. In processes that simply continue.This year, production lines continued to run thanks to reliable storage. Every grain. Every drop. Without disruption. That's what it's all about.We worked on projects in food, feed, industry, and infrastructure. From custom silos to smart tank solutions. Always with the same focus. The right flow. Seamless. Strong. Smooth as glass.What drives us is not just what we deliver. It's how we do it. With craftsmanship. With attention. With agreements that are right. Engineers, technicians, and colleagues who know that storage is not a side issue, but a crucial part of the process.In the new year, we will continue to do what we do best. Developing storage that eliminates risks. Limits maintenance. Protects raw materials. So that you can focus on your end product.Thank you for your trust. We look ahead. Calmly. Confidently. With confidence in the flow.Polem.Every grain, every drop.Quality in. Quality out.
Polem supports Papageno House Fryslân Lemmer with a Christmas donation
This year, Polem has once again made a conscious decision to focus on social involvement close to home. Instead of commercial end-of-year gifts, we have made a Christmas donation to the Papageno Huis Fryslân in Lemmer. The Papageno Huis offers young people with autism a safe and inspiring place where they can develop, be themselves, and take steps towards work and independence. This initiative is of great value to the region and to the people who use it every day. At Polem, we believe that involvement starts in the environment in which we work and live. By supporting a local charity every year, we are happy to contribute to initiatives that make a real impact. We would like to thank Papageno Huis Lemmer for their wonderful work and are proud to have been able to contribute to it.
Polem composite silo for starch storage in Lithuania
A Polem silo type SKS 7/30/80 was delivered from Lemmer via SRP-Europe to a customer in Lithuania. The silo is used for storing dry starch and is designed for a bulk density of 700 kg/m³. Filling takes place centrally via the roof.
Five new Polem silos in Spoordonk
We recently supplied five new silos to a pig farm in Spoordonk: one measuring 20 m³, two measuring 40 m³, and two measuring no less than 54 m³. They look great next to the new barn – ready for years of reliable storage.Seamless, strong, and smooth as glass. That's Polem quality.
Summer wrap-up: this was Polem this summer
Summer 2025 is almost over. As the first autumn breeze makes its appearance, we at Polem look back on a summer full of craftsmanship, down-to-earth pride, sunshine, and surprising content. No quiet season for us – we stayed fully active.Below is a brief overview of this summer's highlights:1. Composite: the best choice even in the heat We kicked off July with a spotlight on insulation. Because even at 30+ degrees, our silos stay cool inside. Composite = stable, even in extreme temperatures.2. Animal feed storage? Top condition guaranteed From corn to compound feed: with a Polem silo you keep everything dry, fresh and lump-free. We explained how smooth walls and smart hoppers make the difference.3. Salt in July? Absolutely. Planning ahead pays off. In our whitepaper and blog, we called on municipalities and contractors to start working on their winter supplies now. Result: plenty of Expert Check requests.4. Expert Check: summer = planning season Our summer post "Vacation for your silo? Not at all." struck the right chord. Smart companies plan maintenance before it's necessary. Many checks are now scheduled for after the construction holiday.5. Skûtsjesilen & silos: Frisian pride on and off the water From our location in Lemmer, we had a live view of the Skûtsjesilen. We brought it together in a summer blog about precision, balance, and connection to our region.6. Cleaning without hassle Hygiene is top priority in food & feed. With composite, cleaning is no hassle: fewer residues, less water, less downtime. Simplicity pays off.What's coming up?This autumn we'll start with new customer casesWe're launching content about silos for the chemical and food industriesAnd... we'll naturally continue focusing on service, innovations, and international growthThis weekend in Lemmer: Glemmer Beach FestivalFinally: are you coming to Lemmer this weekend? Right across from our location, the Glemmer Beach Festival is taking place. Polem is a proud sponsor of this event, where music, beach, and fun come together.Thank you for following, responding, and thinking along with us this summer. We hope you enjoyed reading our content as much as we enjoyed creating it.Do you have a topic you'd like to see featured in our blogs or LinkedIn posts? Let us know at marketing@polem.comPolem composite silos & tanks – always in motion. Even in summer.
Sustainable choices from day one: SFP Groningen B.V. invests in composite storage tanks for new biogas plant
Reliability starts with the foundation. This was the guiding principle for SFP Groningen B.V. when developing their new biogas plant in Farmsum. Already in the design phase, they deliberately chose four high-quality composite storage tanks from Polem – a strategic choice for a future-proof installation.Project overview: Farmsum biogas plantA completely new biogas plant is currently being constructed in Farmsum, which will become operational by mid-2025. SFP Groningen B.V. centered their approach around four core values: safety, sustainability, ease of maintenance, and reliability.The storage capacity was filled with:2 composite tanks of 272 m³2 composite tanks of 100 m³Equipped with fixed cage ladders and crossover platforms for safe accessFully tailored to the specific requirements of biogas productionThese tanks are specially designed for the challenges of the biogas sector: chemically resistant to aggressive substances, structurally strong, lightweight, and easy to inspect.Why composite is the smart choice for biogas plantsCorrosion resistance where it mattersBiogas plants work with aggressive substances such as organic acids, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. Where traditional materials quickly degrade, composite remains intact for years. This means fewer replacements and a lower total cost of ownership.Seamless quality, optimal hygieneThanks to the seamless and mirror-smooth composite interior wall, the stored material remains free from contamination. No bacterial breeding grounds or product buildup occur – essential for a stable biogas process.Minimal maintenance, maximum uptimeComposite requires virtually no maintenance and lasts for decades. The fixed access systems make inspection safe and easy to perform. More production time, fewer maintenance stops.Optimal space utilizationThe chosen volumes of 100 and 272 m³ provide sufficient storage capacity with a compact footprint – an important advantage in complex biogas installations where every square meter counts.From design to realization: a partnership that worksThe collaboration between Polem and SFP Groningen B.V. proceeded according to plan, without surprises or delays. Our experience with biogas installations and the modular construction of our tanks enabled efficient realization.From design to placement: the process went smoothly. And most importantly: we now have sustainable storage solutions that will serve us for years to come,states SFP Groningen B.V.Sustainable building: investing in the futureThose who choose high-quality materials already in the design phase build peace of mind and security. Polem's composite tanks offer:Proven long lifespan (>30 years)Minimal maintenance requirementsOptimal safety for people and environmentChemical resistance to biogas process materialsSuperior insulation properties for stable process temperaturesThe Polem advantages for biogas projectsCustom engineeringEvery biogas installation is unique. We deliver tanks that exactly match your process specifications, from biomass storage to digestate.Fast installationOur tanks are delivered ready-to-use, which minimizes installation time and reduces construction schedule risks.Expert supportFrom initial design to aftercare: our market specialists collaborate in your success.Your biogas project deserves the best storageAre you planning a new biogas installation or considering expansion? This is the moment to invest in reliable composite storage that grows with your business.Discover what Polem can mean for your project:Personal advice from our biogas specialistsCustom engineering for your specific applicationProven quality with 50+ years of experienceService that maximizes your installation's lifespanContact our specialistsPolem has been delivering composite silos and tanks for various industries since 1972. With over 100 skilled professionals, we realize storage solutions up to 9 meters in diameter and 1,500 m³ capacity from our base in Lemmer. From design to aftercare: we ensure the right flow.
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Polem's Summer Hit: First-In-First-Out
Just like your favorite summer playlist, every silo has its own rhythm. And we know exactly which 'beat' works best for your product.Why mass flow has the perfect summer vibeThe sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and just as you enjoy a refreshing flow on your terrace, your product in the silo deserves the same smooth treatment. In summer, everything is about flow – and that certainly applies to your storage systems.At Polem, we're big fans of mass flow. Why? Because it's as reliable as your favorite summer hit: it always works, it makes you feel good, and you want it again and again.First-in-first-out: the golden rule of smart storagePicture this: you have a refrigerator full of fresh summer fruits. What do you do? Naturally, you use the oldest fruits first before they spoil. Exactly the same principle applies to your silo with mass flow.First-in-first-out means:The product that enters the silo first also comes out firstNo 'forgotten corners' where product remains stationaryAlways fresh quality, like a cooling lemonade on a hot dayWith mass flow, the entire product moves uniformly downward. Just like guests queuing politely for the swimming pool – everyone gets their turn, no pushing, no chaos.Why your flour and powder love this approachCleaner than a spotless swimming pool Mass flow creates a natural self-cleaning effect. The continuous movement of the product prevents residues from remaining in corners and seams. Your silo stays as fresh as a summer breeze.Reduced risk of clumping Just as you want to avoid lumps in your iced tea, mass flow prevents your flour or powder from caking. The uniform flow ensures everything stays beautifully loose – exactly as it should be.Efficiency that makes you sing With mass flow, you can be sure your product flows smoothly out of the silo. No blockages, no manual assistance needed – just pure, smooth flow. Perfect for when you want to enjoy your summer vacation without worrying about your production process.The secret is in the angle Not all silos are built the same. At Polem, we make the difference with our 40° hopper angle. This seemingly small technical choice has major consequences:40° → Perfect for flour, powder, sugar, and other food products60° → Better suited for abrasive products like fertilizerIt's like choosing the right swim ring for your children – it seems like a detail, but it makes the difference between fun and problems.The Polem promise: no summer slump in your processWhile others might experience a summer slump, we ensure your production process keeps running at full capacity. Our silos with mass flow offer:Constant flow - No interruptions, no stressPredictable quality - You know what you're gettingLess maintenance - More time for important mattersPremium results - Because you deserve the bestMore than just technology – it's your peace of mindA well-functioning silo is like a perfectly organized summer vacation: everything runs smoothly, you don't have to think about it, and you can enjoy the results. With our 50 years of experience, we know exactly how to optimize your 'flow'.Every grain, every drop counts at Polem. We ensure your product gets the treatment it deserves – first-in-first-out, day in, day out.Ready for the perfect flow?Just like the best summer hits, the story of mass flow sticks in your head. Because it simply works. Because it's smart. And because it provides that carefree summer feeling in your operations.Are you curious how mass flow can improve your process? Or do you want to know which hopper angle fits perfectly with your specific product?Contact our specialists. Because at Polem, it's always about the right flow. Since 1972.It's not a silo or tank. It's a Polem.